Sweet & Chewy Stir-Fried Dried Filefish (Gwipo Bokkeum)
Crispy and Chewy Dried Filefish Stir-Fry Recipe
The perfect snack for kids and a great accompaniment to drinks for adults! Small dried filefish can be eaten bones and all, making them excellent for calcium intake. Enjoy this delicious side dish with its crispy exterior, chewy texture, and savory-sweet sauce that will have you reaching for more rice. It’s an easy-to-make banchan that the whole family will love.
Main Ingredients
- Dried Filefish (small), about 1 bowlful (torn into bite-sized pieces)
- Grapeseed Oil, 2 Tbsp
Sauce Ingredients
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes), 1 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste), 1 Tbsp
- Corn Syrup, 2 Tbsp (Oligosaccharide syrup can be substituted)
- Toasted Sesame Seeds, 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes), 1 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste), 1 Tbsp
- Corn Syrup, 2 Tbsp (Oligosaccharide syrup can be substituted)
- Toasted Sesame Seeds, 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Tear the dried filefish into bite-sized pieces. Heat 2 Tbsp of grapeseed oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the dried filefish and stir-fry until lightly golden and slightly crispy, being careful not to burn it. This process enhances the flavor and texture of the filefish. Remove the stir-fried filefish to a separate bowl.
Step 2
In a small saucepan or pot, combine 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, and 2 Tbsp corn syrup. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to bubble (simmering stage). Immediately turn off the heat. Be cautious as the sauce can burn if cooked for too long.
Step 3
Add the stir-fried filefish to the sauce (off the heat) and gently toss to coat the filefish evenly with the sauce using the residual heat from the pan. Mix carefully to avoid breaking the filefish.
Step 4
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. You can also add a small amount of finely chopped scallions if desired (optional). Toss lightly one more time to ensure the sauce evenly coats the filefish with the remaining heat. A drizzle of sesame oil is also a nice addition.
Step 5
Your delicious stir-fried dried filefish is ready! It has a pleasantly chewy texture without needing to be soaked, and the sweet and savory sauce is thoroughly absorbed. It’s a fantastic banchan that everyone, young and old, will enjoy. It tastes great immediately and maintains its chewy texture even when cold, making it perfect for lunchboxes.
