Deodeok and Dried Pollack Stir-fry: A Fantastic Harmony of Aromatic Deodeok and Chewy Dried Pollack
Deodeok and Dried Pollack Stir-fry: A Fantastic Harmony of Aromatic Deodeok and Chewy Dried Pollack
Deodeok and Dried Pollack Stir-fry
During the summer of 2021, unable to travel elsewhere due to COVID-19, I wandered through the forests of Gangwon Province. I was surprised by how expensive the food was! For less than 20,000 won per person, there wasn’t much to eat, and the portions of deodeok were disappointingly small. So, I decided to make a generous meal myself by purchasing deodeok directly from a farm and ordering dried pollack from Yongdaeri. ‘Let’s cook it ourselves!’ I thought. Ah, the cost of food. It’s expensive, but if it’s truly delicious, the price is less of a concern.
Dried Pollack Marinade- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 4 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 4 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
Deodeok and Dried Pollack Stir-fry Ingredients- 2 Dried Pollack (large)
- 300g Peeled Deodeok
- 4-8 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 4 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
- 4 Tbsp Corn Syrup or Oligosaccharide
- 4 Tbsp Plum Extract
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 4 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 Dried Pollack (large)
- 300g Peeled Deodeok
- 4-8 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 4 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
- 4 Tbsp Corn Syrup or Oligosaccharide
- 4 Tbsp Plum Extract
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 4 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the amount of dried pollack and deodeok you will use. We’ll use 2 large dried pollack and about 300g of peeled deodeok. (For reference: I purchased large dried pollack directly from the source at 10 pieces for 55,000 won, and peeled deodeok at 700g for 25,000 won.)
Step 2
Rinse the dried pollack under running water until clean. Ensure it gets thoroughly wet, then gently squeeze out excess water.
Step 3
To make the marinade for the dried pollack, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of sesame oil, and 4 tablespoons of cooking wine (mirin) in a bowl. Mix well.
Step 4
Apply the prepared marinade to the squeezed dried pollack. Gently knead it to help the seasoning penetrate, then set aside.
Step 5
Gently pound the prepared deodeok with the back of a knife or a meat tenderizer to flatten it slightly. This helps the seasoning to absorb better and improves the texture when chewing.
Step 6
Prepare the gochujang sauce for stir-frying. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of gochujang, 2 tablespoons of gochugaru, 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of cooking wine, 4 tablespoons of corn syrup, 4 tablespoons of plum extract, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 4 tablespoons of sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly.
Step 7
First, spread the prepared gochujang sauce onto the flattened deodeok. It’s best to mix it as if you’re seasoning it. Start with 2 tablespoons and mix, then add about 1 more tablespoon to adjust to your preference and taste.
Step 8
Let the deodeok marinate with the appetizing sauce for a while. The aromatic deodeok combined with the spicy and sweet sauce will become even more delicious.
Step 9
Place the marinated dried pollack in a pan with plenty of cooking oil. Grill over medium heat. It’s best to flip it frequently to maintain its shape.
Step 10
Once the dried pollack is somewhat firm, coat both sides with the gochujang sauce while maintaining medium heat. Make sure to apply the sauce evenly.
Step 11
Be mindful of the heat to prevent the sauce from burning. Continue to flip the dried pollack, reapplying sauce as needed to ensure it cooks evenly and develops a beautiful color.
Step 12
When the dried pollack is cooked to your liking, place the seasoned deodeok on top and cook them together. Alternatively, you can grill the dried pollack and deodeok separately and serve them side by side.
Step 13
It’s best not to fully cook the deodeok; aim for the sauce to be cooked through. Summer deodeok can be slightly bitter, but cooking it brings out its sweetness. Just before the deodeok is fully cooked, drizzle with a little sesame oil or perilla oil for added flavor, then turn off the heat.
Step 14
Your delicious Deodeok and Dried Pollack Stir-fry is ready! The combination of fragrant deodeok and chewy dried pollack makes for a wonderful meal or a delightful side dish.
