Authentic Korean Godeungeo Gui (Grilled Mackerel) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 mackerel (godeungeo)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 green chili peppers, sliced
  • 2 red chili peppers, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice syrup (or corn syrup)
  • 1 tablespoon hot pepper flakes (gochugaru)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
  • 1 green onion, chopped

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean the mackerel, remove the guts and gills, and rinse under cold water.
  2. Pat dry the mackerel with a paper towel and sprinkle each side with sea salt.
  3. Let the mackerel sit for 20 minutes to absorb the salt.
  4. While the mackerel is sitting, prepare the sauce. Combine the minced garlic, sliced onion, green and red chili peppers, soy sauce, rice syrup, hot pepper flakes, sesame oil, and sesame seeds in a bowl.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the mackerel and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  6. Once the mackerel is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
  7. In the same pan, add the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened.
  8. Add the cooked mackerel back into the pan with the sauce, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fish regularly.
  9. Sprinkle the dish with chopped green onion before serving.

Tools for making

  • Non-stick pan - To cook the mackerel fillets without sticking.
  • Paper towel - To pat dry the mackerel before seasoning.
  • Bowl - To mix the sauce ingredients together.
  • Spatula - To flip the mackerel fillets while cooking.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of fish, such as salmon or cod, instead of mackerel.
  • Experiment with different seasonings or marinades, such as teriyaki sauce or a ginger-garlic marinade.
  • Add vegetables like sliced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the dish for added flavor and texture.
  • Try grilling the fish instead of pan-frying it for a smoky flavor.
  • Make it spicy by adding more hot pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers.
  • For a healthier option, bake the fish in the oven instead of frying it.
  • Add a tangy twist by squeezing fresh lemon or lime juice over the cooked fish.
  • For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting the fish with tofu or tempeh and adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
  • Explore different garnishes like cilantro, basil, or sliced radishes.

Recipe overview

Godeungeo gui is a popular Korean dish featuring grilled mackerel. This simple yet flavorful dish is loved by many for its savory and spicy taste. Preparing godeungeo gui involves seasoning the mackerel with coarse sea salt before pan-grilling it to golden brown perfection. It's then combined with a homemade aromatic sauce made of garlic, onions, chili peppers, and a few other pantry staples. The dish is finalized by simmering the fish in the sauce, allowing it to fully absorb all the rich and spicy flavors. Topped with fresh green onions, this dish offers a beautiful blend of textures and flavors. Enjoy Godeungeo gui as a main course partnered with rice and you can expect a satisfying and delicious meal that's packed with nutrients.

Common questions

  1. How do I clean and prepare the mackerel? To clean the mackerel, remove the guts and gills, and rinse it under cold water.
  2. What should I do after sprinkling salt on the mackerel? After sprinkling salt on the mackerel, let it sit for 20 minutes to allow the fish to absorb the salt.
  3. How do I make the sauce? To make the sauce, combine minced garlic, sliced onion, green and red chili peppers, soy sauce, rice syrup, hot pepper flakes, sesame oil, and sesame seeds in a bowl.
  4. What is the cooking time for the mackerel? Cook the mackerel for about 5 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown.
  5. How long should I cook the sauce? Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened.
  6. How long should I cook the mackerel in the sauce? Cook the mackerel in the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fish regularly.
  7. Should I garnish the dish with anything before serving? Sprinkle the dish with chopped green onion before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Non-stick pan - For cooking the mackerel without it sticking to the surface.
  • Bowl - To mix and prepare the sauce.
  • Paper towels - To pat dry the mackerel before salting.
  • Spatula - To flip the mackerel while cooking.
  • Plate - To transfer the cooked mackerel to for serving.

Origin stories

Godeungeo gui, or grilled mackerel, holds a special place in the heart of Korean cuisine. It's said that this dish emerged from the coastal regions of the Korean peninsula, where mackerel was abundant. The dish embodies the wisdom of the ancestors who aimed to preserve the original flavor of the fish while adding a zesty kick with the traditional Korean chili peppers. The secret to the deliciousness of godeungeo gui lies in its simplicity - the fresh mackerel, marinated with a balance of pungent and sweet seasonings, then grilled to perfection. This dish is a testament to the love Koreans hold for the sea, the bounty it provides, and the simple, yet profound culinary traditions passed down through the generations.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.