Delicious Korean Fish Cake Stir-Fry (Eomuk Bokkeum) – The Ultimate Side Dish Recipe
Introducing Eomuk Bokkeum, a delicious side dish made with versatile Korean fish cakes.
This Eomuk Bokkeum is an absolute rice-stealer! It’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for lunchboxes or as a simple snack for kids. Enjoy this incredibly satisfying side dish that the whole family will love with its chewy texture and savory flavor.
Main Ingredients- 1 packet (approx. 250-300g) of fish cakes (eomuk)
- 1 medium onion
- 5 Korean chili peppers (or red chili peppers, adjust to your preference)
- 1/2 stalk of green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables for the stir-fry. Peel and thinly slice the onion. Slice the green onion diagonally or finely chop it. Finely mince the chili peppers (if you prefer it spicier, leave the seeds in or use more green chili peppers). Cut the fish cakes into bite-sized pieces (about 3-4 cm). For a chewier texture and cleaner taste, you can briefly blanch the fish cakes in boiling water and rinse them under cold water, then drain well.
Step 2
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add about 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil.
Step 3
Once the pan is hot, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir-fry over low heat until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. When you can smell the garlic, the pan is ready for the main ingredients.
Step 4
Add the cut fish cakes to the frying pan and stir-fry over medium heat. Cooking them until they are slightly golden will enhance their flavor.
Step 5
Add the sliced onion and stir-fry until the onion becomes translucent. The natural sweetness from the onion will add depth to the dish.
Step 6
Add the finely minced chili peppers and stir-fry together. The spicy kick from the chilies will cut through any richness.
Step 7
Pour 3 tablespoons of soy sauce around the edges of the pan. Allowing it to caramelize slightly will add another layer of flavor.
Step 8
Add 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt (mat-so-geum) to adjust the seasoning. (You may need to adjust the amount depending on the saltiness of your soy sauce and fish cakes.)
Step 9
Finally, add the sliced green onion and stir-fry for a little longer. The refreshing taste of the green onion complements the dish well.
Step 10
Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to sweeten the stir-fry and mix everything evenly. (Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.)
Step 11
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
Step 12
Sprinkle a little toasted sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and visual appeal. Give everything a final gentle toss to combine.
Step 13
Your delicious Eomuk Bokkeum is ready! It looks incredibly appetizing and is perfect to enjoy with a bowl of warm rice or as a lunchbox side dish.
