Spicy Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts and Fish Cake
Make a Spicy Side Dish: Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts and Fish Cake
A simple yet delicious side dish, this recipe shows you how to stir-fry bean sprouts and fish cake in a spicy and savory way. The fantastic combination of crunchy bean sprouts and chewy fish cake will surely whet your appetite!
Main Ingredients for Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts and Fish Cake
- 300g Bean Sprouts (about 2 handfuls): Use fresh, plump bean sprouts for a crisp texture.
- 1.5 sheets of Square Fish Cakes: Slice them thinly to ensure they absorb the seasoning well when stir-fried.
- 1/2 Onion: Sliced thinly to add sweetness and flavor.
- 2 stalks of Green Onions: Finely chopped to add fragrance and color.
- 1 Serrano Pepper: Add if you like it spicy. Remove the seeds and chop finely.
- 1/2 Red Bell Pepper: Used for color. Add along with the serrano pepper if you want it spicier.
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic: An essential ingredient to enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Cooking Oil, as needed: For stir-frying the ingredients.
- A little Sesame Oil: Drizzle at the end for a nutty aroma.
- A little Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
Spicy and Savory Seasoning Ingredients
- 2 to 2.5 Tbsp Soup Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang): Adds umami. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
- 1 Tbsp Tuna Extract (Chamchi Aekjeot): Provides a deep savory flavor.
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes): Responsible for the spiciness and color. Adjust to your preference.
- A little Sesame Oil: Add a touch to the seasoning for enhanced overall flavor.
- A little Toasted Sesame Seeds: Makes the seasoning even more nutty when mixed in.
- 2 to 2.5 Tbsp Soup Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang): Adds umami. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
- 1 Tbsp Tuna Extract (Chamchi Aekjeot): Provides a deep savory flavor.
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes): Responsible for the spiciness and color. Adjust to your preference.
- A little Sesame Oil: Add a touch to the seasoning for enhanced overall flavor.
- A little Toasted Sesame Seeds: Makes the seasoning even more nutty when mixed in.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly under running water. After washing, drain them well in a colander. This is crucial to prevent the dish from becoming watery and to maintain their crispiness.
Step 2
Slice the square fish cakes into bite-sized pieces, about 1cm thick. Thinly slice the onion. Finely chop the green onions. For the serrano and red bell peppers, remove the seeds and chop them finely. (You can separate the white and green parts of the green onions if you like.)
Step 3
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add about 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry until they become fragrant, bringing out the aroma of garlic and scallions. Be careful not to burn them; infusing the oil with their fragrance is key.
Step 4
Once the aromatics are fragrant, add the sliced fish cakes. Stir-fry over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until the fish cakes become slightly translucent. This step enhances the fish cakes’ flavor and helps them absorb the seasoning better.
Step 5
Add the drained bean sprouts to the pan along with the seasoning ingredients (soup soy sauce, tuna extract, gochugaru). Avoid stirring too much at this stage. Cover the pan and let it steam for about 1 minute. This steaming process helps the bean sprouts retain their crispiness.
Step 6
After 1 minute, remove the lid. Check if the bean sprouts have slightly wilted. Gently flip and mix them with a spatula. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as this can make the bean sprouts mushy. Cover the pan again and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Step 7
Gently flip and mix once more. Add the chopped green parts of the green onions, serrano pepper, and red bell pepper. Turn the heat to high and quickly stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until all ingredients are well combined with the seasoning. Stir-frying quickly over high heat ensures the bean sprouts stay crisp and don’t release excess water.
Step 8
Turn off the heat, drizzle with a little sesame oil, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds to finish. Give it one last gentle mix to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Your delicious stir-fried bean sprouts and fish cake are ready! Serve it over warm rice and enjoy.
