Savory Soy Sauce Braised Fish Cake: A Classic Korean Side Dish
Savory Soy Sauce Braised Fish Cake: A Classic Korean Side Dish
Braised Fish Cake, Soy Sauce Fish Cake, Odeng Bokkeum, Simple Fish Cake Recipe, Homestyle Korean Side Dish, Easy Meal Prep
Introducing ‘GanJang Eomuk Bokkeum’ (Soy Sauce Braised Fish Cake), a quintessential Korean side dish that’s both affordable and incredibly delicious. Made with common fish cakes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed dish perfect for any meal. It’s a beloved staple in Korean households, offering a satisfying chewy texture and a delightful savory-sweet glaze that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. This dish is a guaranteed hit for the whole family!
Main Ingredients- 250g Fish cakes (approx. 3-4 sheets)
- 1/4 medium Carrot (approx. 30g)
- 1/2 medium Onion (approx. 70g)
- 30g Garlic Scapes (approx. 5-6 stalks)
- 1/2 medium Green Onion (approx. 50g)
Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (5g)
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup or Oligosaccharide (15ml, adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Water (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (5g, for garnish)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (5g)
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup or Oligosaccharide (15ml, adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Water (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (5g, for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the fish cakes. Briefly blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds. This step removes any excess oil and impurities, resulting in a chewier texture. Drain them well and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm in length. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might break apart during cooking.
Step 2
Next, prepare the carrot. Peel and slice it thinly into strips, slightly smaller than the fish cake pieces. This ensures an even cooking time and a pleasing visual balance.
Step 3
Slice the half onion into similar-sized thin strips to match the carrot pieces. The onion will add a subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Step 4
Add a delightful crunch and unique flavor with garlic scapes. Wash and trim the garlic scapes, then cut them into 3-4 cm lengths. Their crisp texture and mild garlicky aroma complement the fish cake beautifully. If garlic scapes are unavailable, you can omit them.
Step 5
Finally, finely chop the green onion. This will add a fresh aroma and a touch of color to the finished dish.
Step 6
Heat a pan over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped green onions for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 7
Add the prepared fish cakes to the pan and stir-fry for about 1 minute. This lightly sears the fish cakes, helping them absorb the sauce better and giving them a firmer texture.
Step 8
Toss in the sliced carrots, onions, and garlic scapes. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still retain a slight crispness. Overcooking will make them mushy.
Step 9
It’s time to season the dish. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, corn syrup (or oligosaccharide), and water to the pan. Stir everything well to coat the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed – you can add more soy sauce for saltiness or corn syrup for sweetness. Continue to stir-fry over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the fish cakes and vegetables.
Step 10
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in the sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Give it a final toss to distribute the fragrant sesame oil and seeds.
Step 11
Your delicious Soy Sauce Braised Fish Cake is ready! This beloved Korean side dish is incredibly satisfying when served with warm rice. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
