Chewy Pacific Saury (Gwamegi) Stir-fried in Gochujang Sauce
Chewy Pacific Saury (Gwamegi) Stir-fried in Gochujang Sauce
A Delectable Side Dish: Spicy & Sweet Gwamegi Gochujang Stir-fry, Perfect for Any Season
While it might be a bit early for the peak season, some places are already selling delicious Gwamegi! I picked up a pack of my favorite Pacific Saury and decided to make this irresistible Gochujang stir-fry. It’s a truly unique and flavorful side dish that stands out from the usual fare. The savory, spicy, and sweet sauce beautifully enhances the rich flavor of the Gwamegi, making it the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of rice. Even though it’s early in the season, this recipe captures the essence of this beloved fish. Try this simple yet impressive dish for a special meal!
Main Ingredients- Pacific Saury (Gwamegi), cleaned: 5 fish (10 pieces)
Seasoning Ingredients- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): 2.5 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): 1 Tbsp
- Sugar: 0.5 Tbsp
- Honey: 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (or cooking wine): 1 Tbsp
- Sake or Ginger Wine (for deodorizing): 0.5 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic: 1 Tbsp
- Black Pepper: a pinch
- Soy Sauce: 1 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): 2.5 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): 1 Tbsp
- Sugar: 0.5 Tbsp
- Honey: 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (or cooking wine): 1 Tbsp
- Sake or Ginger Wine (for deodorizing): 0.5 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic: 1 Tbsp
- Black Pepper: a pinch
- Soy Sauce: 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Here are the 10 pieces of cleaned Pacific Saury (Gwamegi) I have prepared. Since they are already cleaned, they are convenient to cook with.
Step 2
Now, it’s time to cook the Gwamegi. Place the cleaned Pacific Saury pieces onto a dry pan (no oil needed initially). It’s even better if you preheat the pan over medium-low heat before adding the Gwamegi.
Step 3
Once the Gwamegi is in the pan, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cutting it beforehand makes it easier to coat with the sauce and cook evenly.
Step 4
Cook the Gwamegi over medium-low heat until both sides are lightly golden brown and slightly crispy. The key is to achieve a chewy texture inside while the outside is pleasantly browned. Be mindful of the heat to prevent burning.
Step 5
Once the Gwamegi is nicely browned, pour the pre-mixed seasoning sauce into the pan and stir-fry quickly. Toss everything together rapidly so the sauce evenly coats the Gwamegi. Stir-frying over medium-high heat for a short time ensures the sauce is glossy and doesn’t burn.
Step 6
Finally, drizzle a drop or two of sesame oil to finish. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the Gochujang stir-fried Gwamegi. Enjoy this delicious dish with a warm bowl of rice!
