Grilled Tilapia with Makgeolli and Doenjang (Korean Rice Ale and Soybean Paste) paired with

For two years now, several friends and I have held a tradition of exchanging gifts on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The idea originated from my friend Gabe after none of us got our act together to do a gift exchange during the typical holiday season. So, we chose the next holiday everyone would be in town for, a tradition was born. This year I was chosen by my Korean friend Dolim to be given a gift. She knows how much Brit and I love to cook and to try new recipes, especially after we made Jengban Mak Guksu, and got for me a Korean inspired cookbook: The Kimchi Chronicles. I randomly decided I wanted to cook some fish, went through the index, and found this recipe. We decided against using a whole fish and instead just bought frozen fillets from TJs. Brit found a great recipe for sautéing portobello mushrooms and also made some brown rice on the side. The fish was cooked wonderfully and had a really great flavor to it. Overall a great meal.

Grilled Tilapia with Makgeolli and Doenjang (Korean Rice Ale and Soybean Paste)
(adapted from The Kimchi Chronicles)

Serves 4

1.5 lbs tilapia fillets (adapted from the original suggestion of whole black sea bass)
3 tbsp doenjang (soybean paste) - we bought from Maxx's
3-4 tbsp rice vinegar (I added a little bit more to balance the marinade)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 cup white wine (adapted from the original suggestion of makgeolli, a Korean rice ale)
2 tbsp shallots, finely diced
2 tbsp ginger, finely chopped
Scallions, thinly sliced

Whisk together the soybean paste, vinegar, soy sauce, wine, shallots, and ginger. Generously cover the fillets with the marinade for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or 4 hours in the fridge.

Pre-heat a grill pan until it is hot. Grill the fish for 5-6 minutes on each side while basting with additional marinade. You can tell that the fish is fully cooked with a knife is easily inserted into the thickest part of the fish. Let the fish rest for a few minutes and garnish with scallions


Sauteed Portobello Mushrooms
(adapted from an Epicurious.com recipe)

4 Portobello mushrooms, gills removed and diced
3 shallots, chopped
1.5 tbsp butter
Scallions, sliced
5 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar

Melt the butter in a saute pan and cook the shallots for 3 minutes. Add in the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the liquid given off by the mushrooms is mostly evaporated, about 10-12 minutes later. Meanwhile, mix the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar together. Once the mushrooms are done, stir in the sauce and let it boil for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with scallions

Spice Rub Baked Tilapia with Asparagus and Quinoa

Tonight's meal was another variation of the baked fish dish we've done several times in the past when we want a quick, easy and satisfying meal. The frozen fish from Trader Joes has always treated us well and is good whether or not we add any significant marinade or other seasoning to it.

For tonight's meal I decided to create a spice rub out of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, and minced garlic. I lightly spread some olive oil on the tilapia fillets first and then rubbed the spice mix all over the fish. The tilapia was baked at 450 F for about 12-13 minutes and I tested them by inserting a knife into the fattest part of the fish and feeling no resistance.

The quinoa was seasoned with the same spice mix, minus the garlic, and the asparagus was steamed and then dressed with balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

The spice mix was a winner and I will definitely use it again!