Simple and Delicious Stir-Fried Fish Cakes (Eomuk Bokkeum)
Easy Fish Cakes: A Wheat-Free Kamaboko Style Recipe
Hello everyone! Today, we’re making a beloved Korean side dish: stir-fried fish cakes, or ‘Eomuk Bokkeum’. This recipe is especially great using kamaboko-style fish cakes, which are made without flour, offering a wonderfully soft texture. Kamaboko is essentially processed fish paste, typically made from ground fish meat mixed with salt and seasonings, then steamed, baked, fried, or boiled. This makes it a fantastic option for those avoiding gluten! With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, anyone can make this delicious dish, perfect as a quick side for rice. Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients- 3 sheets of square fish cakes (Kamaboko-style, wheat-free recommended)
- 2 Tbsp grapeseed oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (Yangjo Ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru – adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (Oligosaccharide can be used as a substitute)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the fish cakes. Stack 3 sheets of square fish cakes and cut them in half lengthwise, then slice thinly. Avoid slicing too thinly, as they might break apart during cooking.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce that will elevate our fish cakes! In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes, and 1 Tbsp corn syrup. Mix well until thoroughly combined. You can substitute corn syrup with oligosaccharide if you prefer. For a milder version, especially for children, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
Step 3
Heat 2 Tbsp of grapeseed oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced fish cakes and begin to stir-fry. Once the fish cakes start to turn slightly translucent, pour in the prepared sauce and continue to stir-fry together.
Step 4
Continue to stir-fry over low heat, ensuring the sauce coats the fish cakes evenly. Cook until the sauce has slightly reduced and thickened, but be careful not to overcook, which can make the fish cakes tough. This will result in perfectly seasoned fish cakes.
Step 5
Finally, just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and sprinkle with a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for both visual appeal and flavor. Your delicious stir-fried fish cakes are ready to be served alongside a warm bowl of rice!
