How to Make Traditional Korean Seafood Dishes

Korean cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and rich, diverse ingredients, particularly when it comes to seafood. Traditional Korean seafood dishes highlight the natural taste of fish and shellfish, often infused with vibrant seasonings and delicious side dishes. This article delves into how to make some traditional Korean seafood dishes that you can enjoy at home.

1. Korean Seafood Stew (Maeuntang)

Maeuntang is a spicy and hearty seafood stew that showcases a variety of fresh seafood such as fish, clams, and shrimp. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients: Fresh fish (like cod or snapper), shrimp, clams, gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), garlic, onion, tofu, and scallions.
Instructions: Start by gathering your seafood and ingredients. In a pot, sauté minced garlic and sliced onions until fragrant. Add water and bring it to a boil. Add gochugaru for spice, along with your seafood, and let it simmer until the seafood is cooked through. Add tofu and scallions just before serving for added texture and flavor.

2. Spicy Grilled Fish (Gogijang Saengseon)

This dish complements the savory taste of fish with a spicy marinade. Here’s how to grill it perfectly:

Ingredients: Whole fish (like mackerel or red snapper), gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice.
Instructions: Clean and prepare the fish, then make a marinade by combining gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lemon juice. Coat the fish well with the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the grill and cook the fish for about 10 minutes on each side, or until it’s crispy and cooked through.

3. Korean Salted Shrimp (Saeujeot)

Salted shrimp is a popular side dish in Korean cuisine and can be used as a condiment for various meals.

Ingredients: Fresh small shrimp, coarse sea salt, and optional garlic and chili flakes.
Instructions: Wash the shrimp thoroughly and drain them. In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with coarse sea salt, garlic, and chili flakes if you prefer it spicy. Pack the mixture into a jar and let it ferment in the refrigerator for a few days. This salty condiment pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

4. Seafood Pancakes (Haemul Pajeon)

Haemul Pajeon is a savory pancake loaded with seafood and green onions. This dish is excellent as a snack or appetizer.

Ingredients: All-purpose flour, water, egg, assorted seafood (such as squid, shrimp, and mussels), and green onions.
Instructions: In a bowl, mix flour with water to form a batter and add a beaten egg. Incorporate your choice of seafood and sliced green onions into the batter. Heat oil in a pan, pour in the batter to form pancakes, and cook on both sides until golden brown and crispy.

5. Korean Fish Cakes (Eomuk)

Korean fish cakes are versatile and can be enjoyed in various forms, often served on skewers or in soups.

Ingredients: Fish fillets (like cod), starch flour, salt, and optional vegetables such as carrots and onions.
Instructions: Blend fish fillets with salt and starch flour until it forms a smooth paste. Add finely chopped vegetables if desired. Shape the mixture into flat cakes and pan-fry or deep-fry until golden brown.

These traditional Korean seafood dishes not only highlight the flavors of the ocean but also bring a taste of Korea to your dining table. Enjoy the process of cooking and the rich flavors that come with each recipe!