Super Simple Fish Cake Japchae
Effortlessly Delicious Japchae Made with Fish Cakes
Japchae, once a celebratory dish for special occasions, can now be enjoyed anytime you crave a quick and satisfying meal! This recipe brings together the delightful chewiness of glass noodles with the tender texture of fish cakes and the crispness of vegetables, creating a flavor loved by all ages. With simple slicing and mixing, even beginner cooks can create an impressive Japchae.
Main Ingredients
- 2 sheets of flat square fish cakes
- 5 chili peppers (e.g., Cheongyang or regular)
- 2 imitation crab sticks
- 1 handful of dried glass noodles (approx. 100g)
Noodle Boiling & Seasoning
- 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce for boiling noodles
- 2 Tbsp dark brown sugar for boiling noodles
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce for japchae seasoning
- 1 Tbsp dark brown sugar for japchae seasoning (15g)
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- A drizzle of sesame oil
- 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce for boiling noodles
- 2 Tbsp dark brown sugar for boiling noodles
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce for japchae seasoning
- 1 Tbsp dark brown sugar for japchae seasoning (15g)
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- A drizzle of sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the ingredients that will add flavor to your Japchae. Lightly rinse the flat square fish cakes under running water to remove any impurities, then slice them into thin strips about 0.5cm wide. Similarly, deseed the chili peppers and slice them into thin strips. Tear or slice the imitation crab sticks along their grain. Stir-frying these prepared fish cakes, chili peppers, and crab sticks together briefly will enhance their flavor.
Step 2
Next, prepare the water for boiling the glass noodles. In a pot, combine 1/4 cup (60ml) of water and 2 Tbsp of dark brown sugar, mix well, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Boiling the noodles with soy sauce and sugar this way will infuse them with a subtle sweetness and umami, making them even more delicious.
Step 3
Once the water starts boiling, add the soaked glass noodles or dried glass noodles and cook them. To maintain a chewy texture, it’s best not to overcook the noodles. Refer to the package instructions or cook until the noodles begin to turn transparent.
Step 4
Check if the glass noodles are cooked to your liking. They will have transformed from their initial white color to an appealing brown hue as they cooked. Once the noodles are done, carefully tilt the pot and drain the noodle cooking water. (Be careful not to let the noodles escape with the water!)
Step 5
Now it’s time to bring all the ingredients together for a flavorful mix. Add the stir-fried fish cakes, chili peppers, and imitation crab sticks to the pot with the cooked glass noodles, or transfer everything to a large bowl. Preparing the ingredients separately and then combining them at the end, rather than stir-frying everything in one pan, reduces the amount of washing up and makes the process much simpler.
Step 6
Finally, add the seasoning to perfect the flavor of your Japchae and mix everything thoroughly. Add 2 Tbsp soy sauce and 1 Tbsp dark brown sugar. Sprinkle in sesame seeds for nuttiness and a drizzle of sesame oil for aroma, according to your preference. Gently mix using your hands or a spatula until all ingredients and seasonings are well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or sugar if needed.
Step 7
Serve your beautifully prepared Fish Cake Japchae in a dish, and it’s ready to enjoy! The vibrant colors and appetizing appearance will make your table look even more festive. It’s most delicious when served warm, but it’s also a delightful treat served cold. Enjoy your meal! ^^
