Savory Miso Braised Mackerel: A Rice-Loving Delicacy!
Savory Miso Braised Mackerel: A Rice-Loving Delicacy!
Mackerel Braised in Miso Paste / Braised Fish
A delightful Mackerel Miso Stew that combines the rich, savory depth of homemade miso paste with the tender, flaky flesh of mackerel. Enhanced with zucchini and onions for a fuller flavor profile, and a touch of chili for a pleasant kick that balances the richness. This dish is a true ‘rice thief,’ loved by all ages. It’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying and impressive meal.
Main Ingredients- 2 fresh Mackerel
- 1 Zucchini
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 cup Water
- 2 Korean green chilies (Cheongyang peppers)
- 1 Red chili
Mackerel Seasoning- 4 Tbsp Sake (or rice wine) for removing fishy odor
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Black pepper
Flavorful Braising Sauce- 5 Tbsp Miso paste (adjust if using homemade miso, as saltiness varies)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 0.3 Tbsp Ginger powder (or minced fresh ginger)
- 2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 4 Tbsp Mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 cup Water (for rinsing the sauce bowl)
- 4 Tbsp Sake (or rice wine) for removing fishy odor
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Black pepper
Flavorful Braising Sauce- 5 Tbsp Miso paste (adjust if using homemade miso, as saltiness varies)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 0.3 Tbsp Ginger powder (or minced fresh ginger)
- 2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 4 Tbsp Mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 cup Water (for rinsing the sauce bowl)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the fresh mackerel thoroughly under running water, removing any scales or internal organs. Gently pat dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for a clean, non-fishy taste.
Step 2
Now, let’s season the prepared mackerel. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper over the fish, then drizzle with 4 tablespoons of sake (or rice wine) to eliminate any fishy smell. Gently rub the seasonings into the fish and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This helps firm up the fish and allows the flavors to penetrate better.
Step 3
Prepare the vegetables for the braise. Slice the zucchini into thick, generous pieces, about 1 to 1.5 cm thick. Slice the onion similarly. This thickness ensures they don’t fall apart during cooking and provide a nice texture. Thinly slice the Korean green chilies and red chili for a touch of heat and color. (I used zucchini from a friend, but store-bought Korean zucchini is also great!)
Step 4
Time to make the delicious braising sauce! In a bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of miso paste, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 0.3 tablespoons of ginger powder (or fresh minced ginger), 4 tablespoons of mirin, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and 1 cup of water. Whisk everything together until well combined. (Tip: Store-bought miso is convenient, but if you’re using homemade miso, taste it first and adjust the amount as homemade versions can be saltier.)
Step 5
To prevent the vegetables from sticking to the bottom and to allow them to absorb the flavorful broth, arrange the sliced zucchini and onions evenly at the bottom of the pot. Layering the vegetables first helps them soak up the delicious juices released from the fish as it cooks.
Step 6
Nicely arrange the marinated mackerel pieces on top of the vegetable layer. Avoid overlapping the fish too much so that it cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce thoroughly.
Step 7
Pour the prepared braising sauce evenly over the mackerel and vegetables. Ensure the fish is well coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
Step 8
Scatter the sliced red and green chilies over the fish. These add a vibrant color and a pleasant spicy kick that complements the richness of the dish. Feel free to add more green chilies if you prefer it spicier.
Step 9
Rinse the bowl that held the miso sauce with 1 cup of water and pour this rinsing water over the mackerel. This ensures no delicious sauce is wasted and adds more liquid for braising, creating a richer broth.
Step 10
Now, let’s braise the dish. Start by bringing it to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling, remove the lid and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This initial simmering with the lid off helps to evaporate any remaining fishy odors. After 5 minutes, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently.
Step 11
During the braising process, periodically open the lid and spoon some of the simmering liquid over the mackerel and vegetables. This keeps the fish moist and ensures the flavors penetrate deeply. Continue to simmer gently for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. (Cooking time may vary depending on heat and ingredients. Adjust as needed until the sauce is reduced and the ingredients are tender.) Simmering with the lid on allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 12
And there you have it! Your delicious Miso Braised Mackerel is ready. Serve hot with a side of steamed rice. It’s a truly satisfying meal that the whole family will love. ^^
