Crispy Shrimp & Fish Cake Sandwiches (Menbo-eomuk)
Delicious ‘Menbo-eomuk’: A Unique Twist on ‘Menbosha’ Using Fish Cake Instead of Bread
Experience the irresistible crunch of ‘Menbosha,’ a beloved Chinese dish! This ‘Menbo-eomuk’ offers an even richer umami flavor by substituting bread with savory fish cake. It’s perfectly crispy on the outside and bursting with a flavorful shrimp and vegetable filling inside. This recipe from ‘Sesang-ui Modeun Recipe’ and ‘Man-gae Recipe’ is simple yet impressive, making it ideal for parties, special occasions, or a delightful snack for kids. Enjoy this unique and delicious creation!
Main Ingredients
- 4 sheets of square fish cake (eomuk)
- 2 cups peeled shrimp, finely chopped
- 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped
- 1 green chili pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Seasoning Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp egg white
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (cheongju)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 2 Tbsp egg white
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (cheongju)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the filling for the Menbo-eomuk. Finely mince the red and green chili peppers, removing the seeds. Also, finely chop the peeled shrimp using the side of your knife. Be careful not to mash the shrimp completely; aim for a slightly textured consistency.
Step 2
Lightly rinse the fish cakes under running water and pat them dry. Cut each fish cake into 8 equal rectangular pieces. If your fish cakes are very thick, you can make a slit in the middle to create a pocket for the filling.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, red chili, and green chili. Add the seasoning ingredients: egg white, cornstarch, cooking wine, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until it forms a cohesive and slightly sticky paste.
Step 4
Take one piece of fish cake and carefully spoon about a tablespoon of the shrimp mixture onto it. Then, place another piece of fish cake on top, like making a sandwich. Gently press down to seal the filling inside, ensuring it doesn’t ooze out from the sides.
Step 5
Now, coat the assembled fish cake sandwiches. First, dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip them into the beaten egg, making sure they are fully coated. Finally, press them firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Place the prepared Menbo-eomuk into the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
Step 6
Lightly spray the Menbo-eomuk with vegetable oil for an extra crispy finish. Air fry at 170-180°C (338-356°F) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. Once they are golden brown and beautifully cooked, your delicious Menbo-eomuk is ready to be enjoyed! Serve hot for the best texture.
