Godeungeo Gui (Grilled Mackerel) with Radish Kimchi
Godeungeo Gui is a popular Korean dish featuring grilled mackerel, known for its rich, oily flavor and flaky texture. It's often served with a side of freshly made Kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi), which provides a refreshing, spicy, and crunchy contrast to the savory fish. This combination highlights the balance of flavors and textures characteristic of Korean home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 x 200g Mackerel fillets
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 tbsp (cooked, for thickening brine) Rice for Kkakdugi
- 500 g Korean radish (mu)
- 2 tbsp Salt for radish
- 3 tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tbsp Minced garlic
- 0.5 tsp Minced ginger
- 2 tbsp Chopped scallions
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 100 ml (for brine) Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Kkakdugi: Peel and cube the Korean radish into bite-sized pieces. Toss with 2 tablespoons of salt and let it sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse the radish cubes under cold water and drain thoroughly.
💡 Tip: Salting the radish helps to tenderize it and draw out excess water, preventing soggy kimchi. - 2
In a bowl, combine the gochugaru, fish sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, chopped scallions, and sugar. Add the cooked rice and 100ml of water to create a thick brine. Mix well.
💡 Tip: The cooked rice acts as a natural thickener and fermentation starter for the kimchi. - 3
Add the drained radish cubes to the kimchi paste and mix thoroughly until evenly coated. Transfer the Kkakdugi to an airtight container and let it ferment at room temperature for 1-2 days, then refrigerate.
💡 Tip: Fermentation time depends on ambient temperature. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - 4
Prepare the mackerel: Pat the mackerel fillets dry with paper towels. Score the skin side of the fish lightly with a knife. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Drying the fish ensures a crispier skin when grilled. Scoring helps prevent curling and allows heat to penetrate evenly. - 5
Brush the mackerel fillets with sesame oil. This adds flavor and helps prevent sticking to the grill.
💡 Tip: Sesame oil imparts a nutty aroma that complements the mackerel. - 6
Grill the mackerel fillets, skin-side down first, over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip and grill the other side for another 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
💡 Tip: Avoid overcrowding the grill. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. - 7
Serve the grilled mackerel immediately with a generous portion of the prepared Kkakdugi. Garnish with extra chopped scallions if desired.
💡 Tip: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the grill.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If you don't have Korean radish, daikon radish can be used as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
- ✓For a less spicy kimchi, reduce the amount of gochugaru.
- ✓Ensure the mackerel is fresh for the best flavor. Look for firm flesh and clear eyes.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of chopped chives to the Kkakdugi mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Marinate the mackerel in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes before grilling for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with a side of steamed rice and other banchan (side dishes).