Recipe Saengsun Jorim

Saengsun Jorim is a traditional Korean dish that features fish braised in a flavorful sauce. This dish is known for its savory and slightly sweet taste, combined with a hint of spiciness that perfectly complements the tender fish. Saengsun Jorim is typically served as a banchan (side dish) but can also be enjoyed as a main course with steamed rice. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to making this delicious Korean delicacy at home.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized white fish fillets (e.g., cod, mackerel, or snapper)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2-3 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 medium carrot, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 large potato, sliced into thin rounds
• 1-2 red chili peppers, sliced (optional, for added spice)
• 2 cups water

Sauce Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice wine (mirin)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Fish Preparation: Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut the fillets into manageable pieces if they are too large.
2. Vegetables: Slice the onion, carrot, and potato into thin rounds. Cut the green onions into 2-inch pieces and slice the red chili peppers if using.

Making the Sauce

1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, gochujang, gochugaru, minced garlic, minced ginger, sugar, rice wine, and sesame oil. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Cooking the Saengsun Jorim

1. In a large, shallow pot or pan, arrange the sliced onion, carrot, and potato at the bottom.
2. Place the fish fillets on top of the vegetables.
3. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the fish and vegetables.
4. Add 2 cups of water to the pot, ensuring that the fish and vegetables are mostly submerged.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer.
6. Simmer the dish for about 20-30 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the fish to ensure it gets evenly coated. The fish should be cooked through, and the sauce should thicken slightly.
7. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the green onions and red chili peppers (if using) to the pot.

Serving

1. Transfer the fish and vegetables to a serving dish, making sure to drizzle some of the sauce over the top.
2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
3. Serve hot with steamed rice and other Korean side dishes.

Tips

• Fish Selection: Choose fresh, firm white fish for the best results. Avoid fish with a strong odor, as it can overpower the delicate flavors of the sauce.
• Sauce Adjustments: Adjust the amount of gochujang and gochugaru based on your spice preference. You can also add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste.
• Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the dish for added flavor and texture.

Variations

• Seafood Jorim: Instead of fish, you can use a mix of seafood such as shrimp, squid, and clams for a seafood braise.
• Soy Sauce Base: For a milder version, use only soy sauce and omit the gochujang and gochugaru. This will create a less spicy but still flavorful dish.
• Vegetarian Jorim: Substitute the fish with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this dish. The cooking process remains the same.

Calorie Information

The calorie content of Saengsun Jorim can vary based on the type of fish and the amount of sauce used. On average, a serving of Saengsun Jorim (including fish and vegetables) can contain approximately 250-350 calories. This estimate includes the fish, vegetables, and sauce but can vary with portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

Conclusion

Saengsun Jorim is a delightful Korean dish that brings together the delicate flavors of braised fish with a rich, savory sauce. This recipe provides a straightforward approach to making this traditional dish at home, allowing you to enjoy a taste of Korea in your own kitchen. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, Saengsun Jorim is sure to impress with its delicious blend of flavors and textures. Enjoy it with steamed rice and your favorite Korean banchan for a complete and satisfying meal.