Spicy & Sweet Savory Fish Cake Stir-Fry Recipe
The Ultimate Korean Side Dish: Flavorful Stir-Fried Fish Cakes with a Spicy Kick
Introducing the ultimate crowd-pleasing Korean side dish: stir-fried fish cakes! This recipe elevates the classic with a savory and slightly sweet sauce that penetrates deeply, making each bite incredibly flavorful. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a dish that both adults and children will adore. Serve it alongside rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients
- 3 sheets of square fish cakes (eomuk)
- 1 stalk of green onion
- 1/2 medium onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s get started by preparing all the ingredients for your delicious stir-fried fish cakes.
Step 2
First, cut the square fish cakes into bite-sized pieces. A simple way is to cut each sheet in half, and then in half again. Slice the onion into pieces similar in size to the fish cakes. Chop the green onion finely. If you like a bit of heat, finely chop the Cheongyang chili pepper as well. (Tip: If cooking for children, it’s best to omit the chili pepper.)
Step 3
Now, it’s time to combine everything in the pan. Ensure the pan is cool before adding the ingredients. Place the cut fish cakes and sliced onions into the pan. Add 1 Tbsp sugar, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp cooking oil, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1/2 cup (about 100ml) of water.
Step 4
Gently stir everything with a spatula to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed amongst the fish cakes and vegetables. Turn the heat to medium and begin to cook. Once the liquid starts to reduce by about half, add the chopped green onion and the optional Cheongyang chili pepper, and continue to stir-fry. (Tip: Cooking with a bit of water and allowing it to simmer helps the fish cakes absorb the flavors more deeply, resulting in a richer taste.)
Step 5
When the sauce has thickened and is almost completely absorbed, add 1/2 Tbsp of sesame oil. Stir-fry for about one more minute until everything is well combined. Your delicious fish cake stir-fry is now ready!
Step 6
This soy sauce-based fish cake stir-fry is wonderfully savory and not at all greasy. Adding the chili pepper provides a delightful spicy kick, making it an even more irresistible side dish. This recipe, inspired by Baekpa (a popular Korean cooking show segment), is foolproof for beginners. Enjoy your homemade, delicious fish cake stir-fry!
