Have you tried Korean fish jerky called “Jwipo”? It is a popular snack enjoyed by all ages. And did you know that it's the perfect snack to pair with a drink?  

 So, why not add it to your snack table the next time you raise a glass with friends or family? Jwipo is always ready to join in on the fun. 

Fish jerky, also known as Jwipo, is a popular snack in Korea, often served with a sauce made of mayonnaise, soy sauce, and green serrano chili. It makes a great finger food or drink accompaniment. 

In Korea, grilled Jwipo (or Juipo, 쥐포) is a popular fish jerky enjoyed by all ages. Known for its savory and slightly salty flavor, it is a popular snack and a common accompaniment to traditional Korean alcoholic drinks. 

This fish jerky snack is simple to prepare, with the dried fish quickly grilled in butter. The addition of a flavorful dipping sauce--made from soy sauce, mayonnaise, and green chili--elevates the taste and provides a balance of savory and sweet flavors. 

WHAT IS JWIPO? 

Jwipo is a Korean style fish jerky that is made from dried and salted filefish. It is a common snack in Korea and is known for its chewy texture and savory taste. 

The process of making Jwipo begins with selecting filefish fillet. The fish is then cleaned and cut into thin slices. These slices are then marinated in a mixture of salt, sugar, and other spices for several hours. After the marination process, the slices are sun-dried for several days until they become chewy and have a briny, savory flavor. 

Jwipo is readily available at many Korean markets and online shops. It’s a common gift for special events and a favored snack for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. 

In addition to being a snack and ingredient in dishes, Jwipo is commonly enjoyed as an accompaniment to alcoholic drinks such as soju, makgeolli, or beer. 

The combination of Jwipo and alcoholic drinks is considered to be a classic and much-loved pairing. Its savory flavor and chewy texture make it a popular choice for those looking to enhance their drinking experience. 

The high protein content of Jwipo can help to balance the effects of alcohol and prevent overeating, making it a popular snack choice for those who are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying alcoholic drinks. 

So next time you have a drink with friends or family, consider including Jwipo in your snack lineup. 

INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING FISH JERKY KOREAN STYLE SNACK 

• 4 pieces dried filefish (Jwipo) 
• 1 tbsp butter, cut in half 
• 1 tbsp soy sauce, low sodium preferred 
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise 
• 1 serrano chili, finely chopped 

HOW TO MAKE GRILLED BUTTERY FISH JERKY (JWIPO) 

Step 1. Pan-grill dried fish in butter 

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add dried filefish and gently press down with a spatula. Grill until brown spots form here and there on the bottom side with a slight charred edge. 

Turn the Jwipo over and continue roasting in butter while occasionally pressing down with a spatula. Cook until your desired doneness. 

Step 2. Cut into strips 

Allow the fish jerky to cool slightly. Using a pair of scissors, cut it into thin, bite-sized strips. 

Step 3. Make dipping sauce 

To make the dipping sauce, combine soy sauce and mayonnaise in a small, shallow serving dish. Sprinkle chopped chili on top. Do not mix the sauce. 

SERVE WITH COLD DRINKS 

To serve, dip the fish jerky into the dipping sauce and scoop up the pieces of chili, then enjoy with a cold drink, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic. 

Source: Hyegyoung K. Ford, Beyond Kimchi, 2023