| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 475 | 24g | 5g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 0g | 40g | 4.6g |
Why I Love South Korean Grilled Gizzard Shad with Soy Ginger Glaze
When I first stumbled upon the Grilled Gizzard Shad with Soy Ginger Glaze, my initial thought was, “how can something so simple produce a depth of flavor so profound?” This delectable South Korean dish works miracles on your palate, thanks to the delightful mingling of soy sauce, fresh ginger, and subtle kick of minced garlic. Just like my beloved New York, this recipe boasts of a vibrant flurry of flavors, all harmoniously collaborating to create something unique.
The genius behind the flavors
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It heavily relies on the amalgamation of distinctly Asian flavors – the saltiness of soy sauce, the earthy spice of ginger, the aromatic addition of sesame oil, all masterfully blended together. But it isn’t just flavor that this recipe brings to the table; it speaks a universal language. Whether you’re a home cook trying to replicate the wonders of your favorite Asian restaurant, or an experienced chef looking for inspiration, this dish has something to teach you.
When crafting this recipe, I drew significant inspiration from the works of talented chef Sam Kim. Known for his delicate and refined approach to traditional Korean cuisine, his influence is palpable in how this dish presents a sophisticated take on the simple gizzard shad.
Serving it up in style
The Grilled Gizzard Shad with Soy Ginger Glaze boasts a beautiful balance of flavors. Its sweet-spicy glaze, aromatic green onions, and a hint of brightness from fresh lemons create a dish that’s not just a visual delight but a sensory one as well. I love serving it up for dinner parties as a sophisticated, yet comforting main course. Given its robust flavor profile, it works surprisingly well with mild sides like plain rice or soft steamed buns. For a fuller meal, a simple salad or pickled radish can successfully cut through the full-bodied glaze, refreshing your palate in between bites.
The daily grind of creating stage characters seldom fills my world with unexpected surprises. But the magic I felt when I discovered how all these beautiful ingredients in the Grilled Gizzard Shad with Soy Ginger Glaze meld together, it sincerely brought a wonderful and pleasant surprise. That’s exactly what I love about my culinary journey – the continuous discovery of new flavors, textures, and the thrilling chance to share them with the world. Here’s to a more flavorful world!
What You’ll Need
- 3 whole Gizzard Shad Fish, cleaned
- 1 cup Soy Sauce
- 4 tablespoons fresh Ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons Garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 4 Green Onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Lemon, sliced into rounds for garnish
- Freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Firstly, prepare the soy ginger glaze. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 6 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer, stirring continuously until the sugar has fully dissolved. Once the glaze is smooth, remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool.
Step Two
While the glaze is cooling, prepare the gizzard shad. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with kitchen paper towels. Place the fish on a large plate and season both sides with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step Three
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Once it is ready, place the gizzard shad on the grill, and cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step Four
Once the gizzard shad is almost done, generously brush both sides of the fish with the cooled soy ginger glaze. Grill for another minute on each side to allow the glaze to caramelize a little. Be careful not to leave the fish on the grill for too long after applying the glaze, as the sugars in the glaze can burn easily.
Step Five
Transfer the grilled gizzard shad to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and slices of lemon. Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your Grilled Gizzard Shad with Soy Ginger Glaze!
