Spicy and Savory Stir-Fried Fish Cakes (Eomuk Bokkeum)
# KoreanSideDish # EasyRecipe # EomukBokkeumMasterRecipe
Introducing a recipe for stir-fried fish cakes (eomuk bokkeum) that’s perfectly spicy from the chili powder, yet deliciously sweet and savory! It’s a perfect side dish for rice and a wonderful snack for kids! This dish, with its chewy fish cakes and crisp vegetables, offers a delightful texture and can be ready in just 10 minutes, making it a fuss-free option for busy days.
Main Ingredients- 7 sheets of square fish cakes (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 medium onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 stalks of green onion (cut diagonally)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Spicy and Sweet Seasoning- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder) (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2.5 Tbsp corn syrup (adjust sweetness to preference)
- 2 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder) (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2.5 Tbsp corn syrup (adjust sweetness to preference)
- 2 Tbsp water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the star of our dish: the fish cakes. We’ll use 7 sheets of square fish cakes, commonly found at grocery stores. (This is approximately 300g.)
Step 2
Cut the prepared fish cakes into bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are not too small, making them easy to eat and providing a pleasant chew. (e.g., about 3cm x 4cm)
Step 3
Place the cut fish cakes into a large bowl. We’ll marinate them directly in the seasoning.
Step 4
Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce to the fish cakes to enhance their savory flavor. Be precise with the measurement to avoid making the dish too salty.
Step 5
Next, add 2.5 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili powder) for that signature spicy kick. If you enjoy more heat, feel free to add a little extra. For milder versions, especially for children, reduce it to 1-1.5 tablespoons.
Step 6
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for added aroma and depth of flavor. Garlic will elevate the taste of the fish cakes wonderfully.
Step 7
Finally, add 2.5 tablespoons of corn syrup to the bowl. This will provide sweetness and a lovely glossy finish to our delicious seasoning. Corn syrup is great for shine, but you can substitute it with rice syrup or sugar if needed.
Step 8
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry until it becomes translucent. The sweetness from the onions will enrich the flavor of the stir-fried fish cakes.
Step 9
Once the onions are slightly softened, add all the marinated fish cakes to the pan and stir-fry them together. Keep the ingredients moving quickly to prevent the fish cakes from sticking.
Step 10
Now, add the diagonally sliced green onions and continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes. The green onions will slightly wilt and release their fragrant aroma.
Step 11
Stir continuously over medium heat to ensure all ingredients are well combined and don’t burn. Continue stir-frying for about 3-5 minutes, or until the seasoning evenly coats the fish cakes. This ensures the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 12
For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top if desired. (Optional)
Step 13
Transfer the finished spicy and savory stir-fried fish cakes to a serving dish. You’ve now created a delicious Korean side dish that the whole family will enjoy! It’s also fantastic served over a bowl of hot rice for a simple and satisfying meal.