Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Dried Filefish (Gwipbo)
Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Dried Filefish (Gwipbo)
How to Make Tender Stir-Fried Dried Filefish Without Mayonnaise
Typically, mayonnaise is used to make dried side dishes soft, right? Today, I’ll show you how to make a delicious stir-fried dried filefish that’s tender without using any mayonnaise! This recipe focuses on achieving a wonderfully soft texture while bringing out the inherent flavor of the dried filefish, coated in a crowd-pleasing sweet and spicy sauce. It’s a hit with both kids and adults, so why not give it a try?
Ingredients- 2 sheets dried filefish (approx. 70g)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 2 Tbsp water
- 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the dried filefish. You’ll need about 70g, which is roughly two sheets. Cut the filefish into bite-sized pieces, about 5cm in length. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might clump together during the stir-frying process.
Step 2
Gently rinse the cut dried filefish under cold running water to remove any dust. For extra tenderness, soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes. This step helps to reduce the saltiness and allows the sauce to penetrate better, enhancing the flavor. After soaking, drain the filefish thoroughly in a sieve.
Step 3
While the filefish is soaking, let’s make the delicious sauce! In a bowl, combine 1.5 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide, 2 Tbsp mirin, 2 Tbsp water, 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 0.5 Tbsp sugar, and finally 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix everything well until there are no lumps. You’ll have a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy sauce!
Step 4
The soaking step is crucial for the dried filefish! It removes the inherent saltiness, allowing the sauce to blend in more smoothly. Most importantly, it ensures the dish remains moist and tender throughout, preventing it from becoming tough. This simple preparation step will elevate the taste of your stir-fried dried filefish.
Step 5
Now, let’s start stir-frying. Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil. Add the drained dried filefish and stir-fry until it becomes lightly golden brown. Lightly toasting the filefish beforehand adds a wonderful nutty flavor and aroma.
Step 6
Once the filefish is lightly browned, tilt the pan slightly to one side and pour the prepared sauce into that section. Let the sauce bubble and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the heat to focus on the sauce. This concentrates the flavors before mixing it with the filefish.
Step 7
When the sauce starts to simmer, add the stir-fried filefish back into the pan and quickly mix everything together. The key is to stir-fry rapidly to coat the filefish evenly with the sauce without overcooking, which can make it tough. Finish by sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds on top. You have a delicious stir-fried dried filefish! ♡ If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more oligosaccharide; if it needs more saltiness, add a touch more soy sauce; and for extra shine, add a little more sesame oil to your preference.
Step 8
The sweet and spicy sauce clings wonderfully to the rice! Despite its vibrant red color, it’s not overly spicy, making it a favorite for children too. Served with warm rice, it’s an absolute mealtime winner! ♡
Step 9
This stir-fried dried filefish stays delightfully tender even after some time has passed! And it’s so easy to make, requiring only a quick soak. Can you believe how simple it is? Prepare for your side dish container to be emptied in no time! Enjoy your meal! 😀
