Fresh and Flavorful Eomuk Muchim (Seasoned Fish Cake)
A Refreshing Eomuk Muchim: Seasoned Instead of Fried for a Clean Taste
Eomuk bokkeum, or stir-fried fish cakes, is a beloved staple side dish in Korean households. This recipe offers a delightful twist: instead of stir-frying, we’ll prepare it as ‘muchim’ (seasoned). This method results in a surprisingly fresh and clean flavor profile, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy the enhanced texture and taste that comes from this simple yet impactful preparation.
Ingredients- 4 sheets of square fish cake (eomuk)
- 4 stalks of green onion (scallion)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp corn syrup (oligosaccharide)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, slice the square fish cakes into strips about 0.5 cm thick. This size makes them easy to pick up with chopsticks. Finely chop the green onions. If green onions are unavailable, the white parts of a larger leek can be used, but green onions offer a delightful fragrance that pairs exceptionally well with fish cake.
Step 2
Blanch the sliced fish cakes in boiling water for just 10 seconds, then briefly rinse them under cold water and gently squeeze out excess moisture. This blanching step is crucial for the best ‘muchim’! It removes excess oil and any impurities from the fish cake, resulting in a cleaner, more subtle flavor and a wonderfully tender texture. Be careful not to over-blanch, as this can make the fish cake mushy or cause it to break apart.
Step 3
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, red pepper flakes, and water to create the seasoning sauce.
Step 4
Add the blanched and squeezed fish cakes to the prepared sauce. Gently toss them to ensure the seasoning coats the fish cake evenly. Once the seasoning has begun to adhere, mix in the sesame oil, corn syrup, and the chopped green onions. Continue to gently mix until everything is well combined. Be mindful to prevent the sauce from clumping. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a little more soy sauce if you prefer a saltier flavor.
