Savory & Sweet Fish Cake Stir-Fry
Savory & Sweet Fish Cake Stir-Fry
Grandma Sumi’s Famous Stir-Fried Fish Cakes
A must-have side dish for any meal! This stir-fried fish cake is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly salty flavors, with a delightfully chewy texture. It’s incredibly addictive and a staple in Korean households, making it ideal for packed lunches or as a quick snack.
Main Ingredients- 10 sheets of square fish cakes (udon-muk), generous amount
- 1/4 onion, thinly sliced (optional, adds sweetness and texture)
- A small bunch of chives, chopped (for color and fresh aroma, can substitute with chili peppers)
Seasoning- 2.5 Tbsp soy sauce (for basic seasoning)
- 3 Tbsp water (prevents burning and creates a smoother sauce)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (for sweetness and depth of flavor)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp honey (for a glossy finish and subtle sweetness)
- 0.3 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish and nutty crunch)
- 2.5 Tbsp soy sauce (for basic seasoning)
- 3 Tbsp water (prevents burning and creates a smoother sauce)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (for sweetness and depth of flavor)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp honey (for a glossy finish and subtle sweetness)
- 0.3 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish and nutty crunch)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the 10 sheets of fish cakes. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, as you prefer. I’ve cut mine into long, thin strips. Feel free to adjust the shape and size to your liking. While Grandma Sumi’s recipe doesn’t include onions, I’ve thinly sliced a quarter of an onion to add sweetness and a nice crunch. If you’re making this for adults and enjoy a bit of spice, you can add one chopped chili pepper. For a touch of color and freshness, I’m using chives. Adjust the ingredients based on your preferences.
Step 2
Now, get your pan ready for stir-frying. Combine 2.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of water, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the pan to create the seasoning sauce. Getting this sauce balance right is key to a delicious fish cake stir-fry.
Step 3
Gently heat the seasoning sauce over low heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the sauce starts to bubble and simmer, you’re well on your way to a flavorful dish.
Step 4
Once the sauce is simmering, add the prepared fish cakes and sliced onion to the pan. Stir-fry over medium-low heat, allowing the fish cakes and onion to absorb the delicious sauce. Be careful not to use high heat, as this can cause the sauce to burn.
Step 5
After the fish cakes and onion have cooked for a bit and are well-coated with the sauce, add the chopped chives. Stir-fry briefly until the chives are just wilted. Overcooking the chives will make them mushy, so a quick stir is all they need.
Step 6
Just before you turn off the heat, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a rich, nutty aroma.
Step 7
Sprinkle 0.3 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds over the top as a garnish. This adds a beautiful finish and an extra layer of nutty flavor.
Step 8
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir everything together gently to combine. The honey will add a lovely glossy sheen and a subtle sweetness. You can also use corn syrup if preferred.
Step 9
And there you have it! Your delicious and fragrant fish cake stir-fry is ready. It’s perfect served over warm rice or enjoyed on its own. Enjoy this versatile side dish that tastes great warm or cold!
