Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Fish Cakes: A Flavorful Korean Side Dish
Easy Spicy Fish Cake Stir-Fry: Deliciously Sweet and Spicy, a Crowd-Pleaser!
We’ve made a wonderfully spicy and sweet stir-fried fish cake! This super simple side dish is a staple for any meal. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy makes it an irresistible accompaniment to rice, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy days.
Main Ingredients
- 300g Fish cakes (Eomuk)
- 1/3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Plum extract (or corn syrup/honey)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- 1 Tbsp Perilla oil
- 1 tsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, we’ll prepare the fish cakes to remove any excess oil and make them softer. Rinse the fish cakes under hot running water or briefly blanch them in boiling water. Drain them thoroughly in a colander. This step helps to remove any unpleasant greasiness and allows the sauce to adhere better.
Step 2
Let’s make the delicious sauce! In a small bowl, combine 1/3 Tbsp Gochujang, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp plum extract, 1 Tbsp Gochugaru, and 2 Tbsp honey. Whisk everything together until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. This mixture creates the perfect balance of sweet and spicy!
Step 3
Now it’s time to stir-fry the fish cakes. Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the drained fish cakes and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they become soft and slightly pliable. Breaking them up as you stir-fry will prevent them from sticking together and ensure even cooking.
Step 4
Once the fish cakes are softened, add all of the prepared sauce to the pan. Stir well to coat the fish cakes evenly with the sauce. Continue to stir-fry over medium-low heat, making sure the sauce doesn’t burn and clings beautifully to the fish cakes.
Step 5
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of perilla oil and stir-fry for another 30 seconds. The nutty aroma of the perilla oil will enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. Be careful not to overcook at this stage, as the delicate flavor of the perilla oil can dissipate with prolonged heating.
Step 6
Transfer the finished spicy and sweet stir-fried fish cakes to a serving plate. Sprinkle with 1 tsp of toasted sesame seeds for a final touch of flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite rice!
