
Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Fish Cakes (Eomuk Bokkeum)
Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Fish Cakes (Eomuk Bokkeum)
A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Spicy Stir-Fried Fish Cakes
This is a go-to side dish that’s quick and simple to make, and its delicious taste makes it a favorite for everyone. Enjoy this popular and satisfying dish!
Main Ingredients- 2 sheets square fish cakes (eomuk, approx. 150g)
- 1/3 stalk green onion (approx. 30g)
- 2 Korean chili peppers (cheongyang pepper)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 5g)
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Spicy & Sweet Sauce- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce (approx. 20ml)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (approx. 15ml)
- 1 tsp sugar (approx. 5g)
- 1/3 Tbsp oyster sauce (approx. 5ml)
- 1/3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru, approx. 3g)
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine or mirin (approx. 30ml)
- 3 Tbsp water (approx. 45ml)
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce (approx. 20ml)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (approx. 15ml)
- 1 tsp sugar (approx. 5g)
- 1/3 Tbsp oyster sauce (approx. 5ml)
- 1/3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru, approx. 3g)
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine or mirin (approx. 30ml)
- 3 Tbsp water (approx. 45ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the square fish cakes into bite-sized pieces. If they are too large, the seasoning won’t penetrate well, and if too small, the texture might be less satisfying. Slice the green onion diagonally and finely chop the Korean chili peppers after removing the seeds. Adding chili peppers will enhance the spicy flavor.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the spicy and sweet sauce. In a bowl, combine 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp corn syrup, 1 tsp sugar, 1/3 Tbsp oyster sauce, 1/3 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 2 Tbsp cooking wine (or mirin), and 3 Tbsp water. Stir well with a spatula or spoon until the sugar is completely dissolved to create the sauce.
Step 3
Heat 1-2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add all the prepared square fish cakes to the pan. Spreading them out will help them cook more evenly when stir-frying.
Step 4
Continue cooking over medium heat and add 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic. Stir-fry until the garlic is fragrant and the fish cakes are lightly golden brown. This step adds a delicious savory depth. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5
Once the fish cakes are lightly browned, push them to one side of the pan. Slightly tilt the pan, reduce the heat to low, and pour the prepared sauce into the empty space. Let the sauce simmer gently until fragrant. Once it simmers, increase the heat back to medium and stir the fish cakes into the sauce.
Step 6
Stir-fry for about 1 minute, coating the fish cakes evenly with the sauce. Now, add the prepared green onions and chili peppers. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender. Avoid overcooking the vegetables to maintain their crispness.
Step 7
When all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, turn off the heat. Finally, sprinkle with a pinch of sesame seeds for added aroma and nutty flavor. Your delicious spicy stir-fried fish cakes are ready! They taste great served hot or after cooling slightly.

