Spicy and Sweet Braised Cutlassfish (Galchi Jorim) – Tastier Than Namdaemun Market!
The Best Galchi Jorim You Can Make at Home! Better Than Namdaemun Market’s Famous Stalls.
Experience the authentic flavor of Namdaemun’s renowned Galchi Jorim right in your own kitchen with this exceptional recipe. Using the increasingly prized cutlassfish, this dish combines tender fish, crisp radish, and a perfectly balanced spicy-sweet sauce that will make you crave another bowl of rice.
Main Ingredients
- Cutlassfish (Galchi) – 1 section (approx. 4-finger width or larger)
- Radish (Muu) – 200g
- Onion – 1 medium
- Cheongyang chili peppers – 2
- Red chili peppers – 1
- Green onions (Scallions) – ½ stalk
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
For this recipe, we’re using a generously sized cutlassfish, about 4 fingers wide or more – it’s quite a luxury these days! First, gently scrape off the silvery skin on the surface of the fish with the back of a knife until it’s clean. Removing the scales ensures a cleaner texture and a more pleasant eating experience.
Step 2
Let’s start by making our special sauce. In a bowl, combine ½ cup soy sauce, 1 cup gochugaru, 1.5 Tbsp sugar, ½ cup mirin, ½ Tbsp minced ginger, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 2 Tbsp minced garlic. Mix them well. (Measurements are based on a standard paper cup.) Let the sauce sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3
In a wide pot, pour in 2 cups of anchovy and vegetable broth (or rice water). Add the thickly sliced radish. Boiling the radish first for about 20 minutes will help it cook through without breaking apart later and will impart its natural sweetness to the stew.
Step 4
Once the radish is somewhat tender, carefully arrange the cutlassfish pieces in the pot. Look at that thick, succulent fish – it’s already looking delicious!
Step 5
Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the prepared special sauce over the cutlassfish, ensuring it’s evenly coated to absorb the flavors.
Step 6
Add the sliced onion and the diagonally cut cheongyang and red chili peppers for a pop of color and flavor. We’ll add the green onions at the very end, so set them aside for now.
Step 7
Now, bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once it starts bubbling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer gently. Listen to that ‘gurgle, gurgle’ – the sound of a delicious stew coming together is almost like ASMR!
Step 8
Simmer for about 20 minutes over medium heat until the sauce has reduced to a luscious, thick consistency. Then, lower the heat to low and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes. As it simmers, whisper ‘become delicious, become delicious’ five times – it’s a fun little trick that adds to the anticipation! The savory and spicy aroma of the Galchi Jorim might make you want to dive in right away, but a little more patience will be rewarded.
Step 9
Finally, add the chopped green onions and simmer for another minute before turning off the heat. With the thick chunks of fish, perfectly cooked radish, and that mouthwatering sauce, this dish is truly a ‘rice thief’! Serve it hot and enjoy every bite with your favorite rice.
