A vibrant tableau of snowy halibut chunks peeking amidst a hearty red-orange broth, studded with chunks of assorted roots- brilliant carrots, creamy potatoes, and earthy turnips. Fresh green scallions and sesame seeds sprinkled on top complete the picture.

Halibut Jjigae with Root Vegetables

Name: Halibut Jjigae with Root Vegetables
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: boneless halibut, 400g cut into chunks; Gochujang red chili paste, 2 tablespoons; soy sauce, 1 tablespoon; garlic cloves, 2 cloves minced; medium-sized carrots, 2 peeled and chopped; medium-sized potatoes, 2 peeled and chopped; medium-sized turnip, 1 peeled and chopped; scallions, 3 finely chopped; sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon; vegetable stock, 4 cups; sesame oil, 2 tablespoons; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste

Category Appetizer

Prep 40 minutes

Cook 30 minutes

Style Korean

Technique Simmering

Diet Friendly Pescatarian

Daily Recipe: December 23, 2024

Our featured appetizer is a captivating fusion of the traditional Korean flavors with a touch of sophistication lent by the halibut, a fish known for its delicate yet firm white flesh. The biting chill of winter demands something warm and soothing, yet light on the palate. This recipe pays homage to the humble Jjigae stew, jazzing it up with seasonal root vegetables and allowing the halibut to shine.

Ingredients (for 4)

Boneless halibut - 400g - cut into chunks
Gochujang red chili paste - 2 tablespoons
Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
Garlic cloves - 2 cloves - minced
Medium-sized carrots - 2 - peeled and chopped
Medium-sized potatoes - 2 - peeled and chopped
Medium-sized turnip - 1 - peeled and chopped
Scallions - 3 - finely chopped
Sesame seeds - 1 teaspoon
Vegetable stock - 4 cups
Sesame oil - 2 tablespoons
Salt - to taste
Black pepper - to taste

Preparation

Step 1 - 🌶️🐟⏲️

Combine chili paste, soy sauce and garlic to create a marinade. Toss the halibut chunks in it until it's fully coated. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2 - 🔥🍳🐟

Heat the sesame oil in a pot and gently sear the marinated halibut on all sides. Then remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 3 - 🥕🥔🍲

In the same pot, add the chopped carrots, potatoes and turnip. Stir fry them for a few minutes.
Step 4 - 🍲🥄🔥

Pour the vegetable stock into the pot and bring it to a simmer.
Step 5 - 🍲🐟⏲️

Carefully reintroduce the seared halibut into the broth. Let the stew simmer for 20-30 minutes until the halibut is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Step 6 - 🧂🌶️🥣

Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7 - 🥣🌿🌰

Garnish the stew with chopped scallions and sesame seeds before serving hot.

Additional

Traditionally, Jjigae is a communal dish, prepared and served in a large earthenware pot (ttukbaegi) in the center of the table. For this fusion recipe, individual bowls can be used, making it easier to tailor to individual taste preferences. For an extra heat kick, diced red chilies can be used as a garnish. Likewise, tofu can be added to increase protein content.