Spicy & Savory Braised Mackerel Fillets with Vegetables
Spicy & Savory Braised Mackerel Fillets with Vegetables
Deliciously Braised Mackerel Fillets
Tired of grilled mackerel fillets from the freezer? Let’s transform them into a flavorful braised dish! This recipe combines tender mackerel with hearty vegetables in a zesty sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal. It’s a simple yet impressive way to enjoy fish, even for beginners.
Main Ingredients- 1 Mackerel fillet (cleaned)
- 1/4 portion of Daikon radish (sliced about 1cm thick)
- 1 medium Potato (sliced about 1.5cm thick)
- 1/2 Onion (thickly sliced)
- 1/2 stalk Green onion (cut diagonally)
- 1 Red chili pepper (cut diagonally, seeds removed)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thaw the frozen mackerel fillets completely at room temperature. Once thawed, lightly rinse the fillets under cool running water and pat them dry. Cut the fish into bite-sized pieces, about 4-5cm each. If you’re sensitive to fishy odors, you can marinate the pieces in cooking wine or mirin for a few minutes before cooking.
Step 2
Prepare the vegetables that will add flavor and texture to the dish. Slice the daikon radish about 1cm thick and the potatoes about 1.5cm thick. Thickly slice the onion. Cut the green onions and red chili peppers diagonally; this not only adds visual appeal but also helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious braising sauce. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochujang, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well to mix. Finally, add 2/3 cup (approx. 130ml) of water and whisk until all ingredients are smoothly incorporated. Having the sauce ready beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 4
In a wide pot or pan, start by arranging the sliced potatoes and daikon radish at the bottom. Place the thickly sliced onion on top of these root vegetables. Pour about one-third of the prepared braising sauce over the vegetables. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender. Pre-cooking the vegetables this way allows them to absorb the sauce flavors deeply.
Step 5
Once the vegetables are about halfway cooked, arrange the prepared mackerel fillets on top. Pour the remaining braising sauce over the fish and vegetables. Add the diagonally sliced green onions and red chili peppers. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the fish to cook through and the sauce to thicken and coat everything. Occasionally, gently shake the pan or spoon some sauce over the fish to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and simmer for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Your delicious braised mackerel is ready!
