| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 180 | 10g | 2g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 0g | 15g | 1.2g |
Why I Love South Korean Soy Marinated Grilled Saury
When I first encountered Soy Marinated Grilled Saury, it was like discovering an entirely new dimension of flavor and texture. This dish, rooted in the heart of South Korean cuisine, called to me in ways I didn’t expect. Despite my Southern roots, I’ve always been intrigued by global flavors and how they can blend harmoniously with my coastal Charleston upbringing.
The Magic of Soy Marination
The marinade is the soul of this recipe. It combines soy sauce, mirin, garlic, and ginger to create a savory, sweet, and aromatic liquid that infuses the saury, or mackerel pike, with layers of complexity. This process not only enhances the natural umami of the fish but also provides a deep, caramelized crust when grilled.
Coming from Charleston, I’m no stranger to seafood, but the intensity of flavor from this marinated grilled saury is something else. The slight smokiness from the grill brings out the best in the marinade. It reminds me of the first time I ventured beyond traditional Southern cooking to explore Asian influences. The results were nothing short of magical.
Perfect Pairings
This dish isn’t a stand-alone star; it plays well with others on the dinner table. For example, it pairs brilliantly with a simple bowl of steamed rice or traditional Korean banchan like kimchi and pickled radish. The acid and crunch from these sides cut through the richness of the saury, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
If you’re familiar with Japanese cuisine, you might find this dish similar to Shioyaki (salt-grilled mackerel). But where Shioyaki is minimalistic, focusing on the inherent qualities of the fish, Soy Marinated Grilled Saury is like a flavorful symphony, each ingredient playing its own distinct note.
One of the chefs who inspired me in my culinary journey is Maangchi, a renowned Korean chef known for her approachable and heartfelt recipes. Her love for Korean cuisine is infectious, and it motivated me to experiment and weave those flavors into my culinary repertoire.
The beauty of Soy Marinated Grilled Saury lies in its simplicity and the emotional comfort it brings. Whether you’re enjoying it as a novel adventure or reminiscing about your travels, this dish promises an extraordinary experience that’s both unique and universally appealing.
What You’ll Need
- 6 saury (approximately 1.5 pounds in total)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
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Method
Step One
Rinse the saury under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Set aside while you prepare the marinade.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, mirin, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and all ingredients are well mixed.
Step Three
Place the saury in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the fish, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
Step Four
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the fish from sticking.
Step Five
Remove the saury from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place the saury on the preheated grill. Grill the fish for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the skin is crispy and the fish is cooked through. Use a spatula to carefully flip the fish to avoid breaking them.
Step Six
Transfer the grilled saury to a serving platter. Sprinkle with finely chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Step Seven
Serve the soy marinated grilled saury with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your meal!
