Crispy Korean Chili Pepper and Fish Cake Fritters
Transforming Leftover Korean Chili Peppers: Delicious Fish Cake Fritters Recipe
Got some Korean chili peppers (Oigo-chu) lying around in the fridge? Instead of letting them go to waste, let’s turn them into these incredibly delicious fritters! These Oigo-chu Fish Cake Fritters are delightfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, packed with savory minced pork and chewy fish cake. They make a fantastic snack for kids or an excellent appetizer/side dish for adults. The unique combination of the mildly spicy, crisp chili pepper, the savory meat filling, and the chewy fish cake creates an unforgettable flavor profile. Give this recipe a try for a satisfying culinary adventure!
Main Ingredients
- 4 Korean chili peppers (Oigo-chu)
- 1 cup minced pork (approx. 150g)
- 4 sheets of rectangular fish cake (Eomuk)
- 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs (approx. 100g)
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
- 3-4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
Seasoning for Pork Filling
- 1 Tbsp minced scallions (green onions)
- 1 Korean chili pepper, finely minced (adjust to spice preference)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced onion
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp rice wine (Cheongju)
- 1 Tbsp minced scallions (green onions)
- 1 Korean chili pepper, finely minced (adjust to spice preference)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced onion
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp rice wine (Cheongju)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the Korean chili peppers thoroughly. Make a lengthwise slit down the middle of each pepper with a knife, but be careful not to cut all the way through to the stem. Use a small spoon or a pointed tool to carefully scoop out the seeds and pith, creating a hollow space. Leaving the stem intact will help keep the pepper together while you work.
Step 2
While the hollowed chili peppers are draining, prepare the pork filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced pork with the minced onion, minced scallions, minced Korean chili pepper, rice wine, salt, black pepper, and sesame oil. Gently mix everything together with your hands. Knead the mixture for a few minutes until it becomes cohesive and slightly sticky; this helps the filling hold its shape.
Step 3
Lightly coat the inside and outside of each hollowed chili pepper with all-purpose flour. Gently shake off any excess flour. Next, firmly stuff the prepared pork mixture into the hollowed chili peppers, pressing it in to fill the space completely. Once filled, lightly dust the outside of the stuffed peppers with a little more flour. This flour layer will help the fish cake adhere better.
Step 4
Take a sheet of fish cake and wrap it around the stuffed chili pepper, similar to how you would roll sushi. The fish cake should encase the pepper. Secure the wrapped pepper firmly by piercing it through the center with a skewer or a toothpick. This will prevent the fish cake from unwrapping during frying.
Step 5
Prepare the final coating for the fritters. Lightly dust the fish cake-wrapped pepper with a thin layer of flour. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, generously coat the entire piece with Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure they stick well. A good coating of Panko is key to achieving a super crispy exterior.
Step 6
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a wide pan over medium heat. The oil should be about 1-2 inches deep. To test if the oil is ready, drop a few Panko crumbs into it; they should sizzle and float to the surface immediately. Carefully place the breaded fritters into the hot oil. Fry them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 7
Once cooked, remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess grease. Admire your creation! The savory pork, chewy fish cake, and crisp chili pepper come together in perfect harmony, resulting in a wonderfully flavorful fritter. Serve immediately while they are warm and enjoy the delightful textures and tastes. They are delicious on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup or tonkatsu sauce.
