Versatile Gochujang Dipping Sauce
Versatile Gochujang Dipping Sauce
33-Year Fisherman’s Wife’s Secret: The Golden Recipe for Gochujang to Elevate Your Raw Fish Rice Bowl
One of the most valuable pieces of wisdom passed down from my 33 years as a fisherman’s wife is this special recipe for Gochujang (spicy paste). It’s a beloved secret from the rural New Zealand housewives, renowned not just for its exquisite taste but also for its remarkable ability to prevent food poisoning. Today, I’m generously sharing this ultimate golden recipe with you!
Ingredients- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 cups
- Sugar 2 cups
- Vinegar 1.5 cups
- 1 Tbsp minced ginger
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (sweet rice wine)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Adding lemon juice transforms this Gochujang from a standard vinegar-based sauce into something extraordinary with a vibrant citrus aroma and tang. The lemon’s zestiness effectively neutralizes the fishy smell, while its abundant Vitamin C provides excellent protection against food poisoning, particularly inhibiting norovirus infections. This advanced tip boosts both flavor and health. If you’re concerned about foodborne illness when enjoying raw fish, adding a bit of plum extract along with the lemon juice is also a fantastic idea.
Step 2
Typically, mixing equal parts sugar and corn syrup creates a slightly reduced sweetness with a more mellow, nuanced flavor. However, I use only sugar because the two men in my life absolutely adore sweetness! Feel free to adjust the sugar quantity to your preference or add corn syrup if you like.
Step 3
If you don’t have Mirin, you can substitute it with Soju or Sake. However, when using Soju or Sake, use only half the amount called for Mirin. The alcohol content will help remove any unwanted odors and enhance the overall flavor.
Step 4
While using garlic juice can result in a cleaner taste, the texture of minced garlic bits is not unpleasant. Moreover, it’s a healthier, more convenient, and economical approach. So, let’s add the minced garlic directly! You can also adjust the amount of garlic to your liking.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. The pungent and slightly spicy notes of ginger create a fantastic harmony with the Gochujang, much like how ginger is an essential seasoning in braised fish dishes. It will elevate the Gochujang sauce to another level.
Step 6
Once all ingredients are combined, mix them thoroughly with a whisk or spatula until smooth and well-integrated. Pour the mixture into a clean jar and store it in the refrigerator. This finished versatile Gochujang sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, including raw fish rice bowls (hoe deopbap), salads, and various stir-fries, adding a rich and delicious flavor.
