Fresh Codfish Stew (Saengdaegutang): A Recipe for Deep and Refreshing Broth
Fresh Codfish Stew (Saengdaegutang): A Recipe for Deep and Refreshing Broth
Fresh Codfish Stew
A neighbor who went fishing caught a lot of cod and shared one with me! I had ingredients in the fridge that were perfect for making a stew, so I decided to make fresh codfish stew. Here’s a recipe for a delicious stew featuring generous chunks of cod and fresh vegetables.
Main Ingredients- 1/3 Fresh Codfish (cleaned and portioned)
- 200g Radish (Moo)
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (Cheongyang)
- 1 Red Chili
- 1 Green Onion (Daepa)
- 100g Crown Daisy (Ssukgat)
- 40g Enoki Mushrooms
- 100g Tofu (approx. 1/4 block)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1/2 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1/2 Tbsp Salt (or adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (Myeolchi Aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp Soup Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Tuna Extract (Chamchi Aek)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
Broth Ingredients- 20g Dried Anchovies (for broth)
- 20g Dried Shrimp
- 10g Dried Kelp (Dashima)
- 10g Dried Chili Seeds (optional)
- 100g Radish (for broth)
- 3.5 Liters Water
- 1/2 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1/2 Tbsp Salt (or adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (Myeolchi Aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp Soup Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Tuna Extract (Chamchi Aek)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
Broth Ingredients- 20g Dried Anchovies (for broth)
- 20g Dried Shrimp
- 10g Dried Kelp (Dashima)
- 10g Dried Chili Seeds (optional)
- 100g Radish (for broth)
- 3.5 Liters Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The cod I received was already cleaned and portioned, making the cooking process much easier. I also received the cod’s liver (ae) and roe (al), which made for an even richer stew.
Step 2
Cut the fresh cod into bite-sized pieces. Halve the large head and divide the body into about six sections. Adjust the size according to the parts for a good fit in the stew.
Step 3
Prepare the ingredients for a flavorful broth: dried anchovies, dried shrimp, dried kelp, and optional dried chili seeds for added flavor and a hint of spice.
Step 4
Cut the radish for the broth into four large pieces. This size is ideal for extracting a good flavor.
Step 5
Place all the broth ingredients (anchovies, shrimp, kelp, chili seeds) into a broth bag or cheesecloth. This makes it easy to strain the broth later.
Step 6
Pour 3.5 liters of water into a pot suitable for making stew and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Using a pot large enough for a generous amount of stew is recommended.
Step 7
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the broth bag with the ingredients and bring it back to a boil over high heat. This helps to infuse the broth with the ingredients’ flavors.
Step 8
While the broth is simmering, prepare the vegetables for the stew. Slice the radish thinly, and cut the onion into strips. Chop the green onion diagonally, and slice the green and red chilies diagonally, removing the seeds. This adds visual appeal and enhances the taste.
Step 9
After the broth starts boiling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Simmering gently for a sufficient amount of time allows the natural flavors and umami of the ingredients to fully develop.
Step 10
Wash the crown daisy for a fresh aroma. Trim the base of the enoki mushrooms and separate them into clumps. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces (about 1/4 block).
Step 11
Strain the well-simmered broth to make it clear, and pour it into the pot you’ll use for the stew. Add all the seasoning ingredients (red pepper flakes, salt, anchovy sauce, soup soy sauce, tuna extract, minced garlic) and mix well. (Tip: It’s best to add the red pepper flakes at this stage. I accidentally added them later!)
Step 12
Once the broth is boiling, add the sliced radish and onion, and cook until the vegetables are tender. When the radish starts to turn translucent, get ready to add the next ingredients.
Step 13
Add the prepared fresh cod pieces to the broth with the radish and onion. I added the head, the first piece just below the head, and a piece from the tail. Fresh cod is quite substantial, so even a small amount makes a generous portion. The cod liver and roe will be added at the end.
Step 14
Once the cod is cooked to some extent, taste and adjust the seasoning. If it’s bland, add more salt or anchovy sauce to your preference. (Tip: If you prefer a clear, mild broth, you can omit the red pepper flakes for a delicious ‘Jiri’ style stew. Enjoy it in various ways!)
Step 15
Once the seasoning is right, add the tofu, enoki mushrooms, and diagonally sliced green onions. Simmer for a little longer until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 16
Finally, add the cod liver and roe. Just before serving, add a generous amount of crown daisy and let it simmer briefly at the table. Your delicious fresh codfish stew is ready! (Tip: The cod liver can make the broth cloudy due to its fat content; consider omitting it if you prefer a clearer soup. The cod roe becomes wonderfully soft and creamy when cooked.)
