This spicy braised monkfish is highly popular in Korea. The white flesh fish is tender, and the crunchy soybean sprouts nicely complement the fish with a burst of robust flavor!
2tablespoonsrice wine or dry white wineor use dry white wine
1teaspoonsalt
6large shrimp, unpeeled (or a few little neck clams) - optional
Seasoning
1tablespoonminced garlic
1teaspoonfinely grated ginger
3tablespoonsgochugaru (Korean red chili pepper flakes)
1teaspoonsugar
1tablespoonsoy sauce
pepper to taste
2tablespoonswater
Vegetables
8ouncessoybean sprouts
2ouncesminari or watercresscut into about 3 to 4 inch lengths
2scallionscut into about 2 inch lengths
Other
1tablespoon corn or potato starch, mixed in 2 tablespoons of water
2teaspoonssesame oil
1teaspoonsesame seeds
Instructions
Clean and cut the fish into about 2 inch-thick pieces. Drain, and pat dry with a paper towel. Mix well with a teaspoon of salt and the wine. Let it stand while preparing the other ingredients.
Combine all the seasoning ingredients.
Prepare a bowl with ice water. In a medium size pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the soybean sprouts, and cook, covered, for 2 minutes over high heat. Drain, and immediately plunge them into the ice water. Drain.
Heat a heavy, deep skillet. Add 1/2 cup of water and the fish, and cook, covered, over medium heat, for 3 or 4 minutes. Flip the fish over half way through the process.
Stir in the seasoning mix and the optional shrimp (or clams). Continue to cook, covered, for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the fish is tender and the optional shrimp is cooked through (or the clams open).
Pour in the starch slurry, and stir well until the sauce thickens. Add the vegetables. Gently toss to evenly coat the vegetables with the sauce. Stir in the sesame oil and sesame seeds at the end. Serve with a bowl of rice.