Korean Grilled Spanish Mackerel
Samchi-gui is Korean grilled Spanish mackerel, a common home-style fish side dish where thick mackerel steaks are salted and peppered for ten minutes, dusted lightly with flour, and pan-fried in oil over medium heat for four minutes per side. Spanish mackerel belongs to the same family as regular mackerel but has milder odor and softer flesh, making simple salt seasoning sufficient. The thin flour coating serves two purposes: it seals in moisture during cooking and creates a crisp, golden exterior. Applying too much flour causes the fish to absorb excess oil and turn greasy, so shaking off the surplus through a sieve is an important step. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end binds with the fish oils and adds acidity that neutralizes any lingering fishy aftertaste, keeping the flavor clean when eaten over rice.
Adjust Servings
Instructions
- 1
Season mackerel with salt and pepper for 10 minutes.
- 2
Dust the surface lightly with flour.
- 3
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- 4
Cook about 4 minutes per side until golden.
- 5
Finish with lemon juice and serve.
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Nutrition (per serving)
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