Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Fish Cakes with Kimchi
Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Fish Cakes with Kimchi
The Ultimate Side Dish to Boost Your Appetite: Easy Stir-Fried Fish Cakes with Kimchi!
Hello everyone, it’s Henri’s older sister! This morning, I really didn’t have much appetite, and what popped into my mind was stir-fried fish cakes with kimchi. I opened the fridge and there were only two sheets of fish cake… haha, but that’s enough for a meal! This dish is a fantastic side that will make you crave rice. Let me guide you through making this delicious stir-fry!
Ingredients- 2 sheets of square fish cakes (eomuk)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 full paper cup of well-fermented kimchi (about 150g)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp soju or cooking wine (to remove fishy smell)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the two sheets of square fish cakes. Rinse them briefly under hot water to remove any impurities and make them softer. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm wide. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might break apart while stir-frying.
Step 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the cut fish cakes and stir-fry them lightly. Stir-frying the fish cakes first creates a slightly coated surface, allowing them to absorb seasonings better.
Step 3
As the fish cakes begin to turn slightly golden, add 1 tablespoon of soju or cooking wine. This helps to eliminate any fishy odor from the fish cakes and adds a nice flavor. Stir it in immediately and continue to sauté.
Step 4
Next, add 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sugar balances the sourness of the kimchi and enhances the overall flavor, adding a delightful sweetness and umami.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Soy sauce contributes to the savory and salty notes, balancing the overall seasoning. Adding soy sauce also imparts a subtle smoky flavor, making the dish even more delicious.
Step 6
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir-fry everything together until the seasonings are well combined with the other ingredients. The pungent aroma of minced garlic adds a richer flavor profile. Be mindful of the heat to prevent the seasonings from burning.
Step 7
Now, it’s time for the star ingredient: the well-fermented kimchi! Add a generous amount, filling a paper cup completely (about 150g). Since kimchi itself has flavorful seasoning, you don’t need to add much more. Stir-fry it together with the fish cakes, ensuring everything is well mixed.
Step 8
Continue to cook over low heat, allowing the kimchi to soften and the flavors to meld, like simmering it gently. This process allows the delicious kimchi seasoning and fish cake flavors to merge, creating a deep and satisfying taste. Once the kimchi has softened and the sauce has slightly reduced to a glaze, turn off the heat. Your delicious stir-fried fish cakes with kimchi are ready!
Step 9
Once cooled, transfer the finished stir-fried fish cakes with kimchi to an airtight container and refrigerate. This makes a hearty side dish that can last for about a week. Making a larger batch at once can be incredibly useful on busy days.
Step 10
Serve yourself a portion and enjoy! While very aged kimchi (mukimchi) might be tastier after rinsing, well-ripened kimchi benefits from using its own flavorful seasonings for stir-frying. This is the key to this dish’s deliciousness. Whether served as a side with rice or as a snack with drinks, be sure to try making this amazing stir-fried fish cakes with kimchi!
