Korean Spicy Fish Stew (Maeuntang) 🐟🌶🇰🇷 Bracing Chili Heat, Clear Broth, and Clean Seafood Depth With a Fermented Backbone

ByKarl S

Maeuntang (매운탕) is Korea’s signature spicy fish stew — a fiery, fragrant broth made with white fish, gochujang, and gochugaru, simmered with tofu, radish, and vegetables. It’s cleansing and rich all at once, balancing spice with briny depth and umami from doenjang or anchovy stock.

Perfect on cold days, post-drinking nights, or whenever you want bold flavor and a serious broth fix.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the broth

  • 5 cups anchovy-kelp broth or water (see tips)
  • 1 tbsp doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste, optional for umami)
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional but traditional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, thinly sliced
  • Salt to taste

For the stew

  • 1–1½ lbs firm white fish (snapper, cod, sea bass, or even mackerel), cut into large chunks
  • ½ block firm tofu, cut into cubes
  • ½ Korean radish (mu) or daikon, sliced thin
  • ½ zucchini, sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 small chili pepper (green or red), sliced (optional)

To finish

  • Handful of chrysanthemum greens (ssukgat) or spinach (optional)
  • Extra gochugaru or fresh chili for more heat
  • Steamed white rice, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Build the Broth

In a large pot, combine broth, gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, and doenjang (if using). Bring to a simmer and stir to dissolve everything. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Veg and Simmer

Add sliced radish, zucchini, onion, and tofu. Simmer 8–10 minutes until the radish is nearly tender.

Step 3: Add the Fish

Carefully add the fish chunks. Simmer gently for 6–8 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through and tender. Skim off foam as needed.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Add scallions, chili slices, and ssukgat or spinach. Simmer 1–2 minutes more. Taste and adjust seasoning — add salt, soy sauce, or more gochugaru to balance heat and salt.

Serve bubbling hot with steamed rice, kimchi, and lots of broth.

Flavor Variations

  • Add clams, shrimp, or mussels for a mixed seafood version
  • Use enoki mushrooms or napa cabbage for extra body
  • Add glass noodles for a more filling bowl
  • Skip tofu for a lighter version, or sub in soft tofu for silkier texture
  • Add a spoonful of perilla seed powder at the end for nutty depth (Korean-style)

Pro Tips

  • Use anchovy-kelp broth for depth — simmer 6–8 large dried anchovies + 1 piece kombu in 5 cups water for 20 min
  • Avoid over-stirring once fish is in — keep chunks whole
  • Use gochugaru flakes (not powder) for best color and flavor
  • Let stew rest 5 minutes off heat before serving for best texture
  • Always serve with rice — the broth demands it

Final Thoughts

Maeuntang is fiery, brothy, and full of ocean character — a stew that clears the sinuses and comforts the soul in equal measure. It’s clean but punchy, traditional but endlessly adaptable.

Simmer bold. Spoon deep. Slurp the spice. 🐟🌶🔥🇰🇷

🍲 Hearty Seafood Soups & Stews

From creamy chowders to fiery global fish stews, this is your deep-dive into warm, comforting, ocean-inspired bowls.

🦐 Seafood Soup Recipes (Main Hub) – Chowders, bisques, and brothy seafood soups from all over the globe.
🦞 Seafood Stew Recipes (Main Hub) – Bold, rustic stews loaded with shrimp, fish, crab, and global spices.

🍜 Seafood Soup Favorites

🌽 Shrimp & Corn Chowder – Creamy, sweet, and perfect for late summer or cozy nights.
🐟 Classic Fish Stew – Tomato-based and herb-laced, with hearty chunks of white fish.
🦀 Creamy Crab Bisque – Rich and luxurious with delicate crab flavor.
🌊 New England Clam Chowder – Creamy, briny, and loaded with clams and potatoes.
🍅 Spicy Tomato Seafood Soup – A fiery broth with shrimp and fish, kissed by chiles.
🥥 Thai Coconut Seafood Soup – Silky, spicy, and aromatic with lemongrass and lime.
🐟 Salmon Chowder – Creamy and smoky with big flakes of fresh salmon.
🫘 Portuguese Fish & Bean Soup – Earthy and savory, perfect with crusty bread.
🌶️ Mexican Caldo de Mariscos – Spicy, tomato-rich seafood soup with big Baja flavor.
🌿 Mediterranean Fish Stew – Olive oil, fennel, and tomatoes — simple and soulful.

🌍 Global Seafood Stews

🇧🇷 Brazilian Moqueca (Shrimp & Coconut Stew) – Coconut milk, lime, and dendê oil — totally unforgettable.
🇮🇹 Italian Cioppino – Tomato-wine base with crab, mussels, and white fish.
🇹🇭 Spicy Thai Seafood Stew – Deep, complex heat and umami in every bite.
🇪🇸 Spanish-Style Fish Stew – Saffron-laced and rustic, with tender fish and potatoes.
🦀 Crab & Corn Stew – Southern-style with sweet crab and hearty corn.
🦞 Lobster Stew (Maine-Style) – Creamy, luxurious, and surprisingly simple.
🇰🇷 Korean Maeuntang (Spicy Fish Stew) – Fiery red broth with tofu and tender white fish.

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

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