Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Fish Cakes with Korean Green Peppers
#SideDish #RiceThief Learn to make spicy and sweet stir-fried fish cakes with Korean green peppers and dried shrimp!
This recipe features stir-fried fish cakes cooked with tender Korean green peppers and savory dried shrimp, creating a deliciously spicy and slightly sweet dish. It’s a quick and satisfying side dish perfect for everyday meals or packed lunches. Enjoy this flavor-packed ‘rice thief’ that everyone will love!
Main Ingredients- 1 bag (approx. 200g) Korean green peppers (Ggwari Gochu)
- 5 sheets (approx. 250g) square fish cakes (Eomuk)
- 1 cup (approx. 50g) dried shrimp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the fish cakes into bite-sized squares, about 2cm x 2cm. Lightly rinse the dried shrimp under running water and drain them in a sieve. Finely chop the green onion.
Step 2
Heat about 1-2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the cut fish cakes, dried shrimp, minced garlic, chopped green onion, and black pepper. Stir-fry until the ingredients are lightly cooked and fragrant, ensuring they don’t stick together.
Step 3
Once the fish cakes and dried shrimp start to cook, add 1 Tbsp of Cheongju (rice wine) to remove any fishy smell and enhance the flavor. Then, add 3 Tbsp of Gochugaru for a spicy kick and vibrant color, 1 Tbsp of honey (or sugar) for a touch of sweetness, and 2 Tbsp of soy sauce for savory depth. Stir well to combine and cook until the seasonings are well incorporated. (Tip: For a smoky flavor, you can add about 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika powder for enhanced color and aroma.)
Step 4
When the ingredients have taken on a rich reddish hue from the seasonings, add the rinsed and drained Korean green peppers. These peppers cook quickly, so add them last and stir-fry gently for just 1-2 minutes until they are well mixed with the sauce but still retain a slight crispness.
Step 5
Your delicious stir-fried fish cakes with Korean green peppers are ready! Turn off the heat. Drizzle in a little sesame oil for a nutty aroma and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish and added flavor. Adding sesame oil after turning off the heat preserves its fragrant scent.
Step 6
See how simple it was to make this fantastic dish! Even with basic ingredients, this Korean green pepper and fish cake stir-fry is a true ‘rice thief’ that will have you reaching for more rice. It’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making it a perfect side dish that both children and adults will absolutely adore. Give it a try!