Korean Spicy Fish Stew Recipe (Galchi Jorim)

Korean spicy fish stew, known as Galchi Jorim, is one of Korea’s most beloved fish dishes that’s famous for being a “rice thief” – meaning it’s so delicious you’ll end up eating way more rice than planned!

When you braise the silvery cutlassfish(name of Galchi) with radish and spicy seasonings, you get this amazing mix of spicy and sweet flavors that’ll make your mouth water.

What You’ll Need for Korean Fish Stew

Main Ingredients (Serves 3-4 people)

• 1 whole cutlassfish (or any firm white fish)
• 1/3 large white radish
• 1 medium onion
• 1 green onion
• 2 green chilies
• 1 red chili

For the Spicy Sauce

• 3 tablespoons red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (gochujang)
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon soybean paste (doenjang)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons cooking wine
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• A pinch of black pepper

For the Broth

• 10 dried anchovies
• 1 piece of dried kelp
• 3 cups water

How to Make Korean Spicy Fish Stew(Galchi Jorim) – Step by Step

• Step 1: Clean your fish and cut it into thick pieces.
• Step 2: Make a simple broth by boiling anchovies and kelp in water.
• Step 3: Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl.
• Step 4: Put the radish pieces in your pot with the broth and let it boil.
• Step 5: Add the fish pieces and pour the spicy sauce over everything. Cook on medium heat.
• Step 6: Throw in the onions, green onions, and chilies. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Step 7: Serve it up and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top!

Pro Tips for Perfect Korean Fish Stew(Galchi Jorim)

• Cook the radish first – this brings out its natural sweetness
• Keep the heat at medium – slow and steady wins the race here
• Use salt water and cooking wine to get rid of any fishy smell
• Let it sit overnight if you can – the flavors get even better the next day

Different Ways to Make This Dish

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these variations:

• Potato Fish Stew(Potato Galchi Jorim) – add some chunks of potato
• Mild Version – cut back on the spicy ingredients for kids
• Soybean Paste Style – use more doenjang for a deeper flavor

Why This Korean Fish Recipe(Galchi Jorim) Works So Well

The magic happens when you get the perfect balance of spicy seasonings, sweet radish, and tender fish all working together. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you feel warm inside.

This traditional Korean fish stew(Galchi Jorim) is something even people who aren’t familiar with Korean food usually love. The flavors are bold but not overwhelming, and it goes perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice.

Give this recipe a try and see why Koreans have been making this dish for generations!

Thank you for reading this post.
Please note: We do not encourage underage drinking. Enjoy responsibly.