Are you ready to spice up your meal routine with some bold and flavorful Korean-inspired dishes? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 mouth-watering spicy Korean fish recipes that will take your taste buds on a wild ride. From grilled mackerel to braised cod, and from spicy tuna stew to pan-fried fish cakes, these recipes showcase the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for some inspiration in the kitchen, this list has something for everyone. So grab your apron, fire up your stove, and get ready to dive into the bold and spicy world of Korean fish dishes!
Spicy Korean Grilled Mackerel
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this spicy grilled mackerel recipe. Pan-seared to perfection, the fish is infused with a sweet and spicy glaze made with gochujang, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
Ingredients:
– 4 mackerel fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp gochujang
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the mackerel fillets.
4. Grill the mackerel for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Korean-Style Braised Yellow Croaker
Korean-Style Braised Yellow Croaker Recipe
This recipe brings together the sweet and savory flavors of Korean cuisine with the succulent texture of yellow croakers. With a rich soy-based braising liquid, this dish is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 yellow croakers (about 1 pound), rinsed and patted dry
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a large saucepan, combine soy sauce, chili flakes, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add brown sugar, water, and sesame oil to the saucepan. Stir until sugar dissolves.
4. Place yellow croakers in a single layer in a large baking dish or Dutch oven. Pour braising liquid over the croakers.
5. Cover dish with aluminum foil and braise for 30-40 minutes or until croakers are cooked through.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Garlic Butter Korean Grilled Salmon
A flavorful twist on traditional grilled salmon, this recipe combines the savory goodness of garlic butter with the bold spices of Korean cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
– Sesame seeds and crispy garlic for optional topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, Gochujang, soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly onto both sides of the salmon fillets.
4. Place the salmon on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with green onions and optional sesame seeds and crispy garlic.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Korean Spicy Tuna Stew
Savor the bold flavors of Korea with this spicy tuna stew, a hearty and aromatic dish that combines the richness of tuna with the warmth of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes).
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna in water (drained), 250g
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
– 1/4 cup of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
– 1/2 cup of soy sauce
– 1/2 cup of water
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add tuna, gochugaru, soy sauce, and water; stir well.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pan-Fried Korean Fish Cakes
A classic Korean street food, these crispy fish cakes are flavored with a perfect balance of sweet and savory spices. In just a few simple steps, you can create this addictive snack at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or pollock fish, flaked
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine fish, flour, cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, scallions, garlic, Gochujang, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on desired size. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add fish cakes and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Korean Soy Sauce Braised Cod
This recipe is a classic Korean dish that combines the rich flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and sugar with the tender flaky fish. The result is a deliciously braised cod that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chili flakes, garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper.
3. Add the cod fillets to the marinade, making sure they’re coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove the cod from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Place the cod on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each fillet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Korean Fish Jjigae
This spicy fish stew, also known as Jjigae, is a popular Korean dish that combines the bold flavors of gochujang and gochugaru with tender fish and vegetables. With this recipe, you can create a hearty and aromatic meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound firm white fish (such as cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 teaspoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add fish and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and water.
5. Pour the sauce over the fish and vegetables; simmer for 10 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Korean-Style Steamed Sea Bass
This recipe yields a deliciously moist and flavorful sea bass dish, perfectly steamed to retain its natural sweetness. With the addition of aromatic Korean spices and herbs, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 sea bass fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
– Sesame oil and salt, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat steamer to high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Gochujang, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
3. Place sea bass fillets in the steamer basket and brush with the marinade.
4. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve with a drizzle of sesame oil and salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Grilled Korean Mackerel with Gochujang
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Korea with the simplicity of grilled fish. The gochujang sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick that complements the rich flavor of mackerel.
Ingredients:
– 4 mackerel fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup gochujang
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the mackerel fillets.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill the mackerel for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Korean Spicy Octopus and Fish Stir-Fry
A vibrant and bold Korean-inspired stir-fry that combines the tender texture of octopus with the sweetness of fish, all wrapped up in a spicy and savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup dried octopus, rehydrated and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup firm white fish (such as tilapia or cod), cut into small chunks
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic, octopus, and fish; stir-fry until the seafood is cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper.
4. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Korean Fish Pancakes with Green Onions
These Korean-style fish pancakes, also known as “bokkeumbap,” are a popular street food in Korea. Made with cod, green onions, and a hint of ginger, they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cod fillet, flaked
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add flaked cod, chopped green onions, grated ginger, and a beaten egg to the mixture. Mix until just combined.
3. Divide the batter into 4-6 portions, depending on desired pancake size.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Braised Korean Hairtail Fish
This recipe combines the tender texture of hairtail fish with the bold flavors of Korean cuisine, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. The braising process allows the fish to absorb the savory sauce, creating an unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 4 hairtail fish fillets (about 1 pound each)
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add the hairtail fish fillets and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Remove the fish from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine the chili flakes and water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
6. Add the marinated hairtail fish fillets to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8. Garnish with green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean Spicy Pollock Roe Stew
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this spicy pollock roe stew, a popular comfort food in Korean cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pollock roe (pollack or cod roe works well too)
– 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the pollock roe under cold running water, then drain well.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, water, sugar, and black pepper.
3. Add the pollock roe to the bowl and toss until coated with the spicy mixture.
4. Heat a small pot over medium heat and add the pollock roe mixture.
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the roe is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Korean Spicy Pollock Roe Stew!
Grilled Korean Eel with Sweet Soy Glaze
This sweet and savory dish is a popular street food in Korea, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. The grilled eel is smothered in a sticky sweet soy glaze that adds depth and umami flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb eel fillets
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and honey.
3. Brush the eel fillets with vegetable oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic, and ginger.
4. Grill the eel for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the sweet soy glaze all over the eel.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean Fish Dumplings with Spicy Dipping Sauce
Savor the flavors of Korea with this delightful dish featuring fish dumplings wrapped in a delicate wonton wrapper and served with a spicy dipping sauce that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 pound fish paste (such as pollock or cod), finely chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Spicy dipping sauce ingredients: 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together fish paste, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the fish mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper.
4. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point, making sure to seal the filling inside.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Cook dumplings by boiling for 10-12 minutes or pan-frying for 3-4 minutes on each side.
7. For the dipping sauce, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
8. Serve cooked dumplings with the spicy dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean-Style Fried Fish with Sweet Chili Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this crispy fried fish dish smothered in a sweet and spicy chili sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4 pieces of fish (cod, tilapia, or hake work well), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Sweet Chili Sauce (store-bought or homemade, see below)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs.
2. Dredge fish pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Fry fish pieces in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve fried fish with store-bought or homemade Sweet Chili Sauce (see below).
Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe:
– 1/2 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Korean Fish and Tofu Soup
This hearty soup combines the bold flavors of Korea with the comfort of fish and tofu. A perfect blend of spicy, savory, and sweet, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound firm white fish (such as tilapia or cod), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into cubes
– 4 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Optional: sliced Korean chili peppers (gochugaru) for added heat
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine fish, tofu, dashi broth, Gochujang, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean Grilled Sardines with Sesame Oil
Enjoy the rich flavors of Korea’s popular street food, grilled sardines infused with sesame oil and other savory ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sardines (fresh or canned)
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and ginger.
3. Brush both sides of the sardines with the sesame oil mixture.
4. Place the sardines on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Korean Fish and Vegetable Hot Pot
This spicy and savory hot pot recipe is a popular Korean dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner with friends or family. With its flavorful broth and variety of vegetables, it’s a delicious and nutritious meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fish (such as tilapia or cod), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 cups water
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Noodles or rice for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine Gochujang, water, onion, garlic, and fish pieces. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add mixed vegetables and sesame oil to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot with noodles or rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean-Style Marinated Raw Fish
Discover the bold flavors of Korean cuisine with this refreshing and flavorful raw fish dish, marinated in a zesty mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sashimi-grade fish (such as yellowtail or snapper), sliced into thin pieces
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Add the sliced fish to the marinade, tossing gently to coat.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Just before serving, garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Cooking Time: None – a raw fish dish!
Summary
Discover the bold flavors of Korea with these 20 mouthwatering spicy fish recipes. From grilled mackerel to braised cod, these dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Try Spicy Korean Grilled Mackerel, Korean-Style Braised Yellow Croaker, or Garlic Butter Korean Grilled Salmon for a start. Then, venture into the world of stews and soups with recipes like Korean Spicy Tuna Stew and Spicy Korean Fish Jjigae. Whether you’re in the mood for something crispy and pan-fried or tender and steamed, this collection has it all. Get ready to experience the spicy, savory flavors of Korea!
