Kim Dae-seok's Mackerel Steamed with Old Kimchi

Ingredients needed 🛒3 servings

• mackerel 2 pieces
• old kimchi half head
• rock sugar half tablespoon
• sea salt 1 tablespoon
• dried kelp 10g
• green onion 1 stalk
• onion 1 piece
• green chili pepper 2 pieces
• red pepper powder 2 tablespoons and half
• minced garlic 1 tablespoon
• minced ginger 1/4 tablespoon
• onion paste solids 1 tablespoon
• soy sauce 2 tablespoons
• perilla oil 1 tablespoon

Recipe 🍳

Cooking tips 💡

• Do not add mackerel and old kimchi together from the start, as the fish will overcook and become dry and crumbly—always fully simmer the kimchi first.
• Adding chopped solids from the onion paste helps eliminate fishy taste and enhances the broth’s rich, clinging umami. If unavailable, substitute with sugar.
• Pre-salting mackerel with sea salt ensures the flesh stays intact during cooking and maintains a chewy, springy texture.

Recommended for 🙋

• ⭐Those who want to successfully make a spicy, deeply cooked fish stew with fermented kimchi without any fishy odor.
• ⭐Home cooks looking to use up leftover old kimchi and create a heartfelt main course.