Zesty Lemon Marinated Salmon (Yeon-eo-jang)
Zesty Lemon Marinated Salmon (Yeon-eo-jang)
Bright and Refreshing Lemon Marinated Salmon Recipe
Discover a delightful way to preserve fresh salmon by making this delicious marinated salmon, known as ‘Yeon-eo-jang’. Infused with the zesty brightness of lemon, it offers a clean and refreshing taste without any heaviness. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect as a side dish for rice or as a tasty appetizer, even for beginners!
Main Ingredients- 300g fresh salmon fillet (sashimi-grade is ideal)
- 1 medium onion
- 10 cloves garlic
- 5 Korean green chili peppers (for a spicy kick)
- 2 red chili peppers (for color)
- 1 lemon
- 1/2 apple
- A small piece of ginger (about the size of 1 garlic clove)
- 1 Tbsp whole peppercorns
Marinating Sauce- 1 cup water (200ml)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (100ml)
- 1/4 cup sugar (50g)
- 1 cup Korean rice wine (Cheongju) or Mirin
- 1 cup water (200ml)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (100ml)
- 1/4 cup sugar (50g)
- 1 cup Korean rice wine (Cheongju) or Mirin
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. Thinly slice half an apple. The apple will add a subtle sweetness and a delightful aroma, deepening the overall flavor of the marinated salmon.
Step 2
2. Let’s make the flavorful marinating sauce. In a pot, combine 1 cup water, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 cup Cheongju (or Mirin). Heat over medium heat until it boils, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once boiling, turn off the heat. Add the sliced ginger and whole peppercorns, cover, and let steep for a few minutes to infuse the flavors. Finally, add the sliced apple and let the sauce cool completely.
Step 3
3. Prepare the star ingredient: the salmon. Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces, about 2cm thick. Using fresh, high-quality salmon is key to avoiding any fishy taste. Gently pat the surface of the salmon dry with paper towels for a better texture.
Step 4
4. Thinly slice one onion. The thinly sliced onion will become sweet and tender as it marinates, adding another layer of flavor.
Step 5
5. Slice the lemon thinly. Be sure to remove all the seeds to ensure a pleasant eating experience. The lemon’s citrus zest will cut through any richness and add a refreshing brightness.
Step 6
6. Thinly slice 10 cloves of garlic. The pungent aroma of the garlic will enrich the marinade, complementing the salmon beautifully.
Step 7
7. Slice the red chili peppers diagonally for a pop of color and the Korean green chili peppers diagonally for a touch of heat. Adjust the amount of green chilies to your preference.
Step 8
8. In a clean container or jar, layer the sliced salmon, onion, garlic, lemon slices, and chili peppers. Arranging them in layers helps the marinade penetrate evenly.
Step 9
9. Pour the completely cooled marinating sauce over the ingredients, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2-3 days to allow the flavors to meld. This delicious marinated salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for about 1-2 weeks.
