Grilled Fermented Skate (Hongeo) with Spicy Soy Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fermented skate 500g (1.1 lb) fermented skate
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
• Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or green onions), for garnish Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or green onions), for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil to make the spicy soy sauce.
3. 3.
   Brush the fermented skate with vegetable oil on both sides.
4. 4.
   Place the skate on the preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and has a golden-brown crust.
5. 5.
   Remove the skate from the grill and brush it generously with the spicy soy sauce.
6. 6.
   Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh herbs.
7. 7.
   Serve the Grilled Fermented Skate hot with steamed rice and banchan.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fermented skate — Make sure to purchase fermented skate from a reputable source or ferment it yourself using traditional methods to ensure the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find fermented skate, you can substitute it with fresh skate and marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce and rice vinegar for a few hours to mimic the fermented flavor.
• Adjust the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or less gochujang according to your preference.
• Serve the Grilled Fermented Skate with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• Pair this dish with a side of kimchi to balance the flavors and add a refreshing element.
• For a complete Korean dining experience, serve the Grilled Fermented Skate with steamed rice, banchan (such as pickled vegetables and seaweed salad), and a bowl of hot soup.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Fermented Skate hot off the grill to fully enjoy its crispy exterior and tender flesh. Drizzle extra spicy soy sauce over the fish for those who prefer an extra kick. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh herbs for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Grilled Fermented Skate on a platter, placing it at the center as the star of the dish. Surround it with steamed rice and banchan, creating an inviting and visually appealing spread. Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh herbs over the fish for an elegant touch. Serve with chopsticks and small bowls for an authentic Korean dining experience.