Pan-Seared Croaker Fish: A Festive Chuseok Delicacy
Pan-Seared Croaker Fish: A Festive Chuseok Delicacy
Preparing for Chuseok: A Simple and Delicious Croaker Fish Recipe
As the Chuseok holiday approaches, I’m reminded of the comforting scent and taste of the croaker fish my mother used to prepare. This recipe is inspired by those warm memories. We’ve crafted a simple yet elegant way to bring this classic dish to your holiday table, ensuring a crispy exterior and moist, flavorful interior. Enjoy this delightful dish with your loved ones.
Main Ingredient- 1 Korean Croaker Fish (Jo-gi)
Vegetable Garnish- 3 Colorful Bell Peppers (e.g., red, yellow, orange)
- 1/2 Ripe Avocado
- 2 Cherry Tomatoes
- 3 Colorful Bell Peppers (e.g., red, yellow, orange)
- 1/2 Ripe Avocado
- 2 Cherry Tomatoes
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the croaker fish thoroughly under cold running water. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy skin. Make 2-3 shallow diagonal slits on both sides of the fish. This helps the seasoning penetrate and ensures even cooking. Lightly season the fish on both sides with fine salt, letting it sit for about 5 minutes. This step helps to reduce any fishy odor and enhance the natural flavor. Some people prefer to rinse off the salt after 5 minutes and pat dry again for a milder flavor, while others proceed directly to cooking. For this recipe, we will gently rinse and pat dry again.
Step 2
Prepare the colorful bell peppers by removing the seeds and membranes. Wash them and slice them into approximately 0.5 cm thick strips. Halve the avocado, remove the pit, peel it, and slice it into 0.5 cm thick pieces. Wash the cherry tomatoes and remove their stems. These colorful vegetables will add visual appeal and a fresh contrast to the rich flavor of the fish.
Step 3
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the seasoned croaker fish in the air fryer basket. Arrange the prepared bell peppers, avocado slices, and cherry tomatoes around the fish. Air fry for approximately 18 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, check the fish. The skin should be golden brown and crispy. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on your air fryer and the thickness of the fish. Be mindful that bell peppers can soften quickly, so monitor them to ensure they retain some texture. The aroma as it cooks is wonderful, and the vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes.
Step 4
Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the crispy croaker fish and the roasted vegetables from the air fryer. Arrange them artfully on a serving plate. This dish is best enjoyed hot, served with steamed rice. Savor the delightful contrast between the crispy skin and the tender, flaky flesh of the fish. We hope this recipe adds a special touch to your Chuseok celebrations!
