Super Easy Stir-Fried Dried Ass Fish (Agwijjae Bokkeum) – A Quick Side Dish!
Super Easy Stir-Fried Dried Ass Fish (Agwijjae Bokkeum) – A Quick Side Dish!
Super Easy Stir-Fried Dried Ass Fish
A delightful and simple Korean side dish (banchan) that’s incredibly quick to make. Enjoy the chewy texture of dried ass fish coated in a savory and slightly sweet glaze – perfect with rice or as a snack!
Main Ingredients- 200g Roasted Dried Ass Fish (Agwijjae): Prepare roasted dried ass fish, known for its chewy texture.
- A pinch of sesame seeds: For added nutty flavor and garnish.
Savory and Sweet Glaze- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste): The base for our spicy and savory flavor.
- 3 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine): Helps tenderize the fish and adds a subtle sweetness, while reducing any fishy odor.
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic: For a pungent aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesilcheong): Adds a tangy sweetness and a beautiful sheen. (Optional, can substitute with a little sugar).
- 1 Tbsp Oligodang (or corn syrup/honey): For a smooth, glossy sweetness.
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste): The base for our spicy and savory flavor.
- 3 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine): Helps tenderize the fish and adds a subtle sweetness, while reducing any fishy odor.
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic: For a pungent aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesilcheong): Adds a tangy sweetness and a beautiful sheen. (Optional, can substitute with a little sugar).
- 1 Tbsp Oligodang (or corn syrup/honey): For a smooth, glossy sweetness.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gently tear the roasted dried ass fish into bite-sized pieces by hand. While delicious on its own, tearing it makes it easier to coat evenly with the sauce, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Aim for pieces that maintain a good chewy texture, not too small.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the delicious glaze! In a shallow pan or pot, combine the gochujang, mirin, minced garlic, plum extract, and oligodang. Mix them well. (Apologies, I seem to have forgotten to take a picture of the sauce ingredients!) Place the pan over medium-low heat and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer, bubbling slightly. Cooking the sauce beforehand deepens its flavor and helps it adhere better to the fish.
Step 3
Once the glaze is simmering nicely, add all the torn dried ass fish to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and stir-fry quickly. Use a spatula to coat the fish thoroughly with the sauce, stirring gently. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the fish tough. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and glossy.
Step 4
Finally, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the sesame seeds generously over the stir-fried fish. Give it a final gentle toss to let the residual heat toast the sesame seeds slightly and release their nutty aroma into the dish. Your super easy and flavorful Agwijjae Bokkeum is now ready! It’s a fantastic side dish that pairs perfectly with a bowl of warm rice.
