Tender Steamed Croaker (Jo Gi Jjim)
Tender Steamed Croaker (Jo Gi Jjim)
How to Make Delicious Steamed Croaker, Just Like Ggulbi
Let’s learn how to easily make steamed croaker (Jo Gi Jjim), a dish often served during holidays and ancestral rites. This simple recipe will elevate your cooking skills. Get ready to impress with this delightful steamed fish dish!
Main Ingredients- 3 fresh Croaker fish (Jo Gi)
- 1 tsp Salt (for cleaning)
- A pinch of chili powder
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Red chili pepper, thinly sliced
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Steamed croaker (Jo Gi Jjim) is a fish dish where the flesh becomes exceptionally tender, offering a softer texture compared to grilled or fried croaker. Sometimes, improperly cooked fish can have an unpleasant odor, making people hesitant to try seafood dishes. However, Jo Gi and Ggulbi (a type of dried croaker) are particularly delightful when steamed due to their delicate flesh, making them highly enjoyable.
Step 2
First, thoroughly clean the croaker. Remove all fins (pectoral, pelvic, dorsal, and caudal fins) by carefully cutting them off close to the body. Also, scrape off the scales meticulously. Make shallow diagonal cuts (slits) on the thicker parts of the fish body with a knife. This helps the seasoning penetrate deeper into the flesh, enhancing the flavor. Ensure the fish is patted dry with a paper towel.
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, chili powder, and cooking wine (or mirin). Stir well until the sugar is dissolved. This simple seasoning mix is key to the dish’s flavor. If you have ginger-garlic oil, adding a bit can also help reduce any fishy odor, but it’s optional if you don’t have it.
Step 4
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a little cooking oil. Place the prepared croaker in the heated pan. Drizzle the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over the fish, making sure some gets into the cuts you made. Be careful not to let the seasoning burn; adjust heat as needed. If you prefer, you can also add some thinly sliced green onions or leeks to the pan before adding the fish for added aroma.
Step 5
Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the fish steam gently for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Avoid flipping the fish too often, as its delicate flesh can break apart easily. Once cooked, carefully transfer the steamed croaker to a serving plate. Garnish with thinly sliced red chili pepper for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredibly tender and flavorful steamed croaker!
