Spicy and Sweet Glazed Mackerel (Gogalbi)
Spicy and Sweet Glazed Mackerel (Gogalbi)
Popular Korean Side Dish: Learn How to Make Delicious Glazed Mackerel with a Golden Sauce Recipe
While delicious grilled on its own, mackerel becomes truly special when brushed generously with a sweet and spicy glaze! This dish eliminates any fishy odor, offering a clean taste and deep umami that will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time. It also pairs wonderfully as a drinking snack. Discover the ultimate mackerel dish!
Main Ingredients- 2 Mackerel fillets, cleaned
- A splash of Cheongju (rice wine) or Mirin (for removing fishiness)
Spicy and Sweet Gogalbi Glaze- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Jin Ganjang (Korean soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Mulyeot (corn syrup) or Oligodang (oligosaccharide)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Scallion
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Jin Ganjang (Korean soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Mulyeot (corn syrup) or Oligodang (oligosaccharide)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Scallion
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently pat the cleaned mackerel fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cheongju (or Mirin) evenly over both sides and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This step effectively removes any unpleasant fishy odor.
Step 2
Another tip to get rid of fishiness is to soak the mackerel in rice water for 30 minutes, or to sauté it in scallion oil. However, with today’s flavorful sauce, you’ll have less to worry about! Heat a pan over medium heat, place the marinated mackerel, and grill until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. Ensuring it’s well-seared is key.
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Gogalbi glaze: gochujang, jin ganjang, mulyeot, mirin, gochugaru, minced scallion, toasted sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Mix well with a chopstick or spoon until the sauce becomes thick and slightly sticky, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 4
Brush the prepared glaze generously over the golden-brown grilled mackerel. While mackerel is naturally delicious, this sweet and spicy glaze will completely eliminate any fishy taste and enhance its flavor tenfold, making it taste like a special delicacy.
Step 5
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently until the glaze thickens and adheres beautifully to the fish, creating a glossy, appetizing finish. This ‘rice thief’ dish is irresistible!
Step 6
Once the glaze has thickened and coated the mackerel perfectly, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the top. For a pop of color, add thinly sliced red chili peppers. This mouth-watering Gogalbi is sure to stimulate your appetite! With this one main dish, your family will be reaching for their chopsticks constantly. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious mackerel side dish!
