Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Fish Cakes (Eomuk Bokkeum)
Perfect Quick Side Dish: Eomuk Bokkeum
As going out feels increasingly daunting with rising news of confirmed cases and fatalities, it’s become crucial to prepare delicious meals safely at home. Today, to reduce grocery trips and utilize ingredients from the fridge, I’ve chosen ‘Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Fish Cakes’ (Eomuk Bokkeum) as a ‘fridge-clearing’ menu item. This flavorful dish, not overly spicy, is a perfect side for rice or a great addition to lunchboxes. Let’s learn how to make this simple and satisfying Eomuk Bokkeum recipe!
Main Ingredients- 3 sheets of square fish cakes (eomuk)
- 1/2 medium onion
- 4 stalks of green onions
- 1 chili pepper (e.g., Cheongyang pepper for spice)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the square fish cakes into long, thin strips. Cutting them not too thinly will give a better texture.
Step 2
Pour hot water over the cut fish cakes to remove any impurities and drain them thoroughly. This step helps get rid of any unpleasant odor and ensures a cleaner taste.
Step 3
Slice the onion thinly. Finely chop the chili pepper after removing the seeds. Cut the green onions into 4-5cm lengths.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium-low heat. Add 2 Tbsp of cooking oil and 2 Tbsp of gochugaru. Stir-fry gently until fragrant to create chili oil. Be careful not to burn the chili flakes, as this is key for a flavorful base. Adjust the heat as needed.
Step 5
Add the sliced onion and the white parts of the green onions to the pan with the chili oil. Sauté over medium heat until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Step 6
In a small bowl, mix 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 Tbsp oligodang, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp minced garlic to create the seasoning paste. Having it ready beforehand makes stir-frying easier.
Step 7
Add the drained fish cakes, chopped chili pepper, and the prepared seasoning paste to the pan with the sautéed onions and green onion whites. Stir-fry everything together until well combined.
Step 8
Add a little water (about 1-2 Tbsp) to prevent the fish cakes from becoming too dry and to help the seasoning coat them evenly. This also prevents the seasoning from burning.
Step 9
Finally, add the green parts of the green onions and stir-fry briefly to maintain their vibrant color. Turn off the heat, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds, and your delicious spicy and sweet stir-fried fish cakes are ready to be enjoyed with a bowl of freshly cooked rice!
