Kim Dae-seok's Yellow Croaker Fillet Pickle

• yellow croaker fillets 2 packs (400g)
• soju 1 cup (200mL)
• red pepper powder 1/2 cup
• premium soy sauce 1/3 cup (70mL)
• plum syrup 1/2 cup
• maltose syrup 1 cup
• gochujang 600g
• dried kelp 1 piece (15g)
• minced garlic as needed
• sesame oil as needed
• green onions as needed

Recipe 🍳

Cooking tips 💡

• Sprinkling soju evenly on the yellow croaker fillets before cooking not only softens the tough texture but also helps prevent spoilage and removes fishy odor during long-term storage.
• Adding dried kelp to the marinade while aging allows its savory umami to blend deeply into the pickle, enhancing overall flavor.
• Do not add garlic and sesame oil to the entire batch at once, as they may cause spoilage; instead, add them gradually each time you serve, after one month of aging.

Recommended for 🙋

• ⭐Those who want a satisfying side dish that can be made in advance and enjoyed over a long period.
• ⭐Those seeking a spicy-sweet pickle with no fishy taste, featuring deep umami from yellow croaker fillets.
• ⭐Those interested in learning traditional pickling methods that develop richer flavors through aging.