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Korean Fish Grill

Serves 4 to 6 Entree seafood, Fish

Korean Fish Grill

Korean Fish Grill is a beloved staple on home tables across Korea, often enjoyed during family meals or gatherings with friends. This dish captures the essence of home cooking, where the salt is measured by intuition and the fish is generously bathed in olive oil before hitting the grill. The recipe reflects the simplicity and warmth of Korean home kitchens, where the focus is on sharing and enjoying food together.

The taste is a delicate balance of savory and fresh, as the fish is seasoned with fine sea salt and a hint of black pepper, bringing out its natural flavors. A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of herbs elevate the dish, adding a refreshing brightness. The result is a tender, flaky fish with a crispy, golden skin, perfect for enjoying communally, where everyone reaches for a piece.

Ingredients

  • 2whole fish
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • lemon — sliced
  • herbs — chopped
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Rinse the 2 whole fish under cold water to remove any scales or debris, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This ensures the skin will crisp up nicely when grilled. Make three diagonal slashes on each side of the fish to help the flavors penetrate and to promote even cooking.
  2. In a large skillet or grill pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This indicates that the oil is hot enough to prevent the fish from sticking. Add a few sprigs of your chosen herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the pan to infuse the oil with their aroma.
  3. Season the fish generously with fine sea salt and black pepper, ensuring you get some seasoning into the slashes. Carefully place the fish into the hot oil, laying them away from you to avoid any splatter. Cook the fish for about 3-4 minutes on one side, until the skin is golden brown and starts to crisp.
  4. Gently flip the fish using a spatula and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. The fish is done when the flesh is just opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The aroma of the herbs should be prominent, and the skin should be crispy.
  5. Remove the fish from the pan and transfer to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish to enhance its flavors and add a bright note. Taste a small piece of the fish and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary before serving immediately.
Cover of Authentic Korean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Korean Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Korean Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Korean volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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