Fragrant Perilla Leaf and Fish Cake Stir-Fry (Ready in 5 Minutes!)
[Super Quick 5-Min Recipe] Fish Cake and Perilla Leaf Stir-Fry: A Perfect Side Dish for Rice!
Processed meats like fish cakes and sausages are already flavorful on their own, but they truly shine when paired with aromatic vegetables. Perilla leaves, with their unique fragrance, can transform a simple fish cake stir-fry into something special and far from ordinary, even when used in small quantities. This is especially great when vegetable prices are high! Give your meals a delightful twist with this easy and quick recipe.
Main Ingredients
- 4 sheets of square fish cakes (Eomuk)
- 1 onion
- 10-15 fresh perilla leaves (Kkaennip)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all your ingredients by cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Slice the square fish cakes into strips about 1 cm wide. Similarly, slice the perilla leaves to about the same width. Slice the onion thinly into half-moon shapes, roughly half the thickness of the fish cake strips.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the sliced onion and sauté for another minute. * A quick tip: Minced garlic burns easily, so be careful not to overheat the pan. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish.
Step 3
Once the onion pieces start to turn translucent and soften, add the sliced fish cakes to the pan. Stir-fry them together with the onions.
Step 4
Now, let’s add the seasonings. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of water, and 1/3 to 1/2 tablespoon of sugar. Stir well to combine and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the fish cakes and onions to absorb the flavors. You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
Step 5
In the final minute of cooking, add the perilla leaves to the pan. Stir-fry briefly for about 1 minute, just until the perilla leaves are slightly wilted and their fresh aroma is released. Avoid overcooking to maintain their vibrant flavor and texture.
Step 6
Turn off the heat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the stir-fry. Gently toss everything together to ensure the sesame oil is evenly distributed, adding a final touch of nutty aroma.
Step 7
And there you have it! A delicious and fragrant fish cake and perilla leaf stir-fry, perfect as a side dish for any meal or as part of a packed lunch. Let it cool slightly before serving for the best flavor. Enjoy!
