Fish Cake Kimchi Noodles: A Nostalgic, Savory, and Deeply Flavorful Dish
Weekend Lunch Idea: Easy and Flavorful Fish Cake Kimchi Noodles
Kimchi noodles are one of those comforting dishes that bring back cherished childhood memories. It’s a meal my mom and I often think of and make. Today, I’ve elevated this classic by adding savory fish cakes and succulent shrimp, creating a flavor profile that surpasses all expectations. This hearty noodle soup is perfect for a satisfying weekend lunch.
Ingredients- 1 bowl ripe kimchi, chopped
- 4 sheets square fish cakes, sliced into 5mm strips
- 150g somyeon (thin wheat noodles)
- 3 frozen shrimp, thawed
- 10 dried anchovies (for broth, guts removed)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 section scallion, sliced diagonally
- 1 handful houttuynia cordata (namul herb), washed
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (fish sauce alternative)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely chop the ripe kimchi. Slice the square fish cakes into strips about 5mm thick.
Step 2
In a pot, combine 7-8 cups of water with the chopped kimchi and bring to a boil. Add the 10 dried anchovies to the pot. For a cleaner broth, remove the innards from the anchovies and lightly toast them in a dry pan to remove any fishy odor. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3
Once the kimchi broth has developed a good flavor, add the sliced fish cakes and bring back to a simmer. Now is the time to add the thawed shrimp.
Step 4
As the soup begins to boil again, break the somyeon noodles in half and add them to the pot. Gently separate the noodles as they cook. Stir in 1 tablespoon of tuna extract for added umami. When the noodles are almost cooked through, add the minced garlic and diagonally sliced scallions, and continue to simmer briefly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed, though I found it flavorful enough without extra salt.
Step 5
Finally, add the washed houttuynia cordata (namul herb) and simmer for just another moment. Avoid overcooking the herb, as it can lose its delicate aroma. Cook just until it wilts slightly. The fragrant aroma of the herb will fill your kitchen, signaling that your delicious Fish Cake Kimchi Noodles are ready to be enjoyed!
