Steamed Borrigulbi: A Savory Rice-Thief Delicacy
The Ultimate Guide to Steaming Delicious Borrigulbi
Borrigulbi, a special dried yellow croaker fermented in barley, offers a wonderfully savory and chewy texture that perfectly complements rice, making it an irresistible ‘rice thief’ dish. This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to steam borrigulbi at home, eliminating any fishy odors and enhancing its natural deliciousness. Learn how to prepare, clean, and even store this luxurious side dish for a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
- Borrigulbi (Barley-fermented dried yellow croaker)
- Rice water
- Green tea powder
- Bay leaves
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Borrigulbi is yellow croaker that has been fermented and aged in jars of barley. This process gives it a unique savory flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture.
Step 2
To start, prepare a generous amount of rice water and soak the borrigulbi in it for at least 5 hours. This soaking process is crucial for reducing any fishy or overly salty taste, and it also helps to rehydrate the dried fish, making it tender.
Step 3
Once soaked, use a knife to carefully scrape off the scales from the borrigulbi. Be mindful that the scales might scatter. Next, trim the fins and tail neatly with scissors.
Step 4
Repeat the cleaning process for the remaining borrigulbi, ensuring they are free of any unwanted bits.
Step 5
In a steamer pot, add water and include green tea powder and bay leaves. These ingredients are excellent for neutralizing any fishy odors. (If you have mulberry leaf powder, you can add that too for extra flavor.) If you don’t have green tea powder, several green tea bags will work as a substitute.
Step 6
Arrange the prepared borrigulbi in the steamer, alternating their positions. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and steam for about 30 minutes. Using a two-tiered steamer allows you to cook more at once.
Step 7
It is essential not to open the lid while steaming. Opening it prematurely can release unpleasant fishy smells. Set a timer for 30 minutes and let the steaming process complete undisturbed. (Steaming in a well-ventilated area like a balcony is recommended.)
Step 8
Your delicious steamed borrigulbi is ready! While the soaking takes time, the actual steaming is quite simple. For storage, steam a batch at once, let it cool, then wrap each fish individually and freeze. This way, you can easily thaw and reheat a piece in the microwave or gently re-steam it whenever you crave this special delicacy.
