Gogalbi || 고갈비

Gogalbi is a beloved dish in the Busan region of South Korea, particularly famous for its hearty and flavorful grilled mackerel.

Origin of the Name “Gogalbi”

While the exact origin of the name “gogalbi” is uncertain, there are a few popular theories:

Visual resemblance to grilled pork ribs: The most widely accepted theory suggests that the name “gogalbi” comes from the visual similarity between grilling mackerel and grilling pork ribs. When mackerel is grilled, it releases a lot of oil and smoke, creating a scene reminiscent of grilling meat.
A dish for the common people: Another theory posits that in the past, when meat was considered a luxury, people would grill mackerel as a more affordable alternative to grilled ribs. Hence the name “gogalbi.”
A college student’s meal: Some believe that the name originated from college students who enjoyed grilled mackerel as a cheap and filling meal, and the word “gogalbi” was coined to express their desire for something similar to ribs.

Characteristics of Gogalbi

Hearty portions: Gogalbi is typically served with a whole mackerel, making it a satisfying and filling meal.
Spicy flavor: The mackerel is often seasoned with a spicy sauce made with gochujang (Korean red pepper paste), garlic, soy sauce, and sugar, adding a delightful kick to the dish.
Oily richness: The natural oils from the mackerel contribute to its rich and savory flavor.
Popular as an alcoholic beverage accompaniment: Gogalbi is a popular choice as an appetizer or side dish to accompany alcoholic beverages, especially soju.

How to Make Gogalbi

Prepare the ingredients: Fresh mackerel, salt, pepper, and gochujang-based marinade.
Prepare the mackerel: Clean the mackerel and remove the innards.
Make the marinade: Combine gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings to create a flavorful marinade.
Grill the mackerel: Place the mackerel on a grill, season with salt and pepper, and cook until both sides are golden brown.
Serve: Cut the grilled mackerel into serving pieces and serve with the prepared marinade.

Best Pairings for Gogalbi

Soju: The combination of the spicy and oily flavors of gogalbi pairs exceptionally well with soju.
Beer: A cold beer can help cut through the richness of the mackerel.
Steamed rice: A bowl of steamed rice is a classic accompaniment to any grilled dish.
Kimchi: Kimchi adds a refreshing and tangy element to the meal.

Where to Try Gogalbi

Busan is home to countless restaurants that specialize in gogalbi. The Jagalchi Fish Market area is particularly famous for its fresh seafood and grilled dishes, making it a great place to try authentic gogalbi.

In conclusion, gogalbi is a beloved Korean dish that offers a unique combination of flavors and textures. Its rich history and popularity make it a must-try for anyone visiting Busan.

This image is created using data from the Korea Tourism Organization's Photo Korea, which is open under the Public Domain License. You can download these images for free from phoko.visitkorea.or.kr. (본 이미지는 공공누리 제1유형으로 개방한 ‘한국관광공사 포토코리아'의 데이터를 이용하였으며, 해당 저작물은 ‘phoko.visitkorea.or.kr’에서 무료로 다운받으실 수 있습니다.)

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