Grilled Silver Croaker (Junchi): A Delicious Transformation of “Even Rotten, It’s Junchi”
Grilled Silver Croaker (Junchi): A Delicious Transformation of “Even Rotten, It’s Junchi”
A Special Fish Grilling Recipe Using Fresh Junchi
I was drawn to the shimmering silver scales of a fresh Junchi at the market and decided to try grilling it out of curiosity. As the saying goes, “Even rotten, it’s Junchi,” which implies its deliciousness. Junchi belongs to the herring family, sharing a similar savory taste with herring. Although it has many small bones, its flavor is said to be exceptional. I’ll now share a detailed and easy-to-follow recipe for delicious grilled Junchi that you can enjoy at home!
Main Ingredients- 2 Fresh Junchi (Silver Croaker)
- 1/2 handful of Coarse Sea Salt (for curing)
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the Junchi thoroughly under running water. You can effectively remove the scales using the back of a spoon, the dull side of a knife, or a rough surface like an abalone shell. After removing all the scales, generously sprinkle coarse sea salt on both sides of the fish. Let it cure in the refrigerator for 1 hour to season. This step firms up the flesh and removes any fishy odor.
Step 2
Rinse the cured Junchi again under running water to completely remove the salt from the surface. Place the rinsed Junchi on a sieve to drain excess water. Then, use paper towels to pat the fish completely dry. This is crucial to prevent oil splatter while cooking and to achieve a crispier texture.
Step 3
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Place the Junchi in the pan. Once it starts to turn golden brown on both sides, drizzle 1 tablespoon of perilla oil evenly over the fish. The nutty aroma of perilla oil will enhance the flavor. Grill over medium-low heat, flipping occasionally, until the fish is cooked through and beautifully golden brown. It’s ready to serve!
