Spicy Mackerel Stew with Aged Kimchi (Gat Kimchi)
A Special Mackerel Stew Using Aged Mustard Greens Kimchi
Do you still have some delicious homemade mustard greens kimchi (Gat Kimchi) from last year? If so, this special mackerel stew recipe is for you! The deep, spicy flavor of the Gat Kimchi harmonizes perfectly with the richness of the mackerel, creating a fantastic dish that will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time. The aged kimchi’s tanginess and spiciness infuse the mackerel, making it tender and moist without any fishy odor, a taste everyone will love. Make this dish for a special occasion or to add a deep flavor to an ordinary meal!
Main Ingredients
- Approximately 5 stalks of Gat Kimchi (aged mustard greens kimchi)
- 1 portion of Mackerel (cut into pieces)
- 1 Onion
- 2 stalks of Green Onion
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (Cheongyang peppers)
- 2 Red Peppers
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Rice Wine or Ginger Wine (to remove fishy smell)
- 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce or Soup Soy Sauce (for umami)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Syrup or Oligosaccharide (adjust sweetness)
- Salt to taste (for final seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (for nutty aroma)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- Approx. 1 cup Water (for the stew liquid, enough to partially cover ingredients)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for finishing aroma)
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (garnish)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Rice Wine or Ginger Wine (to remove fishy smell)
- 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce or Soup Soy Sauce (for umami)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Syrup or Oligosaccharide (adjust sweetness)
- Salt to taste (for final seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (for nutty aroma)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- Approx. 1 cup Water (for the stew liquid, enough to partially cover ingredients)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for finishing aroma)
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the Gat Kimchi. About 5 stalks are sufficient for lining the bottom of the pot. Take out the aged Gat Kimchi.
Step 2
Gently rinse the kimchi to remove some of the seasoning. This step helps to mellow out the strong tanginess or musty flavor characteristic of aged kimchi, resulting in a smoother overall taste for the stew. Rinse lightly to avoid losing too much flavor.
Step 3
Arrange the rinsed Gat Kimchi neatly at the bottom of the pot. The kimchi acts as a protective layer, preventing the mackerel from sticking and burning.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: 1 Tbsp Gochujang, 2 Tbsp Gochugaru, 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic, 1 tsp Rice Wine, 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce, 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce, 1 Tbsp Cooking Syrup, and a pinch of Black Pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful sauce. You can adjust the amounts according to your preference.
Step 5
Place the whole portion of mackerel pieces evenly on top of the prepared Gat Kimchi. Ensure the mackerel is cleaned beforehand.
Step 6
Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the mackerel. Then, add the sliced onion (1 medium), diagonally sliced Cheongyang peppers (2), and red pepper (1) around and on top of the mackerel. (Increase the number of Cheongyang peppers if you prefer it spicier.)
Step 7
Pour in enough water to generously cover the ingredients, about 1 cup. This will create a flavorful stew liquid without making the dish too salty.
Step 8
Cover the pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes until the flavors meld and the ingredients are cooked through. Spoon some of the broth over the ingredients occasionally for extra moisture and flavor.
Step 9
After about 20 minutes, lift the lid to check the doneness. The mackerel and kimchi should be tender. Taste the stew and add salt if necessary to adjust the seasoning.
Step 10
Finally, add the roughly chopped green onions (2 stalks) decoratively on top. Cover the pot again and cook for another 5 minutes. The green onions will add a fresh aroma and flavor to the dish.
Step 11
To finish, drizzle 1 Tbsp of Perilla Oil and sprinkle 1 tsp of toasted sesame seeds over the stew. Your delicious Gat Kimchi Mackerel Stew is ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
