Spicy and Sweet Fish Cake Stir-fry (Tteokbokki Style)

Quick & Easy ‘Clean-out-the-Fridge’ Dish: Spicy Fish Cake Stir-fry with Leftover Vegetables

Spicy and Sweet Fish Cake Stir-fry (Tteokbokki Style)

Got some random vegetables lingering in your fridge? Don’t let them go to waste! Turn them into a delicious and flavorful Spicy Fish Cake Stir-fry with a hint of tteokbokki flavor. This dish uses gochujang for a delightful spicy kick and a savory depth, making it a perfect side dish for rice or a tasty snack. Let’s make a fantastic meal with simple ingredients!

Recipe Info

  • Category : Main dish
  • Ingredient Category : Processed foods
  • Occasion : Everyday
  • Cooking : Stir-fry
  • Servings : 4 servings
  • Cooking Time : Within 10 minutes
  • Difficulty : Anyone

Main Ingredients

  • 5 sheets of square fish cakes
  • 1/4 onion
  • 1/4 red bell pepper
  • 1/4 yellow bell pepper
  • 2-3 green chilies (adjust to your spice preference)

Seasoning Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp seasoned soy sauce (or more regular soy sauce)
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for finishing)
  • 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 100ml anchovy-kelp broth or water

Cooking Instructions

Step 1

If your fish cakes have been frozen, briefly blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. This helps remove excess oil and allows the sauce to penetrate better, resulting in a more flavorful stir-fry. After blanching, rinse them under cold water and squeeze out any excess moisture.

Step 1

Step 2

Cut the fish cakes into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1.5cm x 5cm. Thinly slice the onion. Remove the seeds from the bell peppers and chili peppers, then slice them into strips similar in length to the fish cakes. Cutting all ingredients to a similar size ensures even cooking and an appealing presentation.

Step 2

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Sautéing the onions first caramelizes their natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Step 3

Step 4

Once the onions are slightly softened, add the sliced bell peppers and green chilies. Stir-fry over high heat for a short time, just until the vegetables are slightly tender but still have a bit of crispness. Keeping the vegetables vibrant adds visual appeal to the finished dish.

Step 4

Step 5

When the vegetables are about halfway cooked, add the prepared fish cakes to the pan. Pour in the pre-mixed sauce ingredients (gochujang, soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, corn syrup, and broth/water). Stir well and continue to stir-fry over high heat to prevent the sauce from burning.

Step 5

Step 6

Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the fish cakes and vegetables evenly. The sauce should thicken slightly. Add a pinch of black pepper at this stage to boost the aroma.

Step 6

Step 7

Turn off the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a final touch of nutty flavor and aroma. Adding these at the end preserves their fresh scent.

Step 7

Step 8

Transfer the spicy and sweet fish cake stir-fry to a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds if desired for a more appetizing look. This dish is delicious served hot over a bowl of steamed rice.

Step 8

Step 9

On chilly days like these, warm, comforting food is always welcome. Lately, I’ve found myself a bit reluctant to spend too much time in the kitchen, leading to small amounts of leftover vegetables accumulating in the fridge. What better way to use up those odds and ends than in a fish cake stir-fry? This ‘clean-out-the-fridge’ recipe is incredibly satisfying!

Step 9

Step 10

This fish cake stir-fry stands out because of the gochujang, giving it a spicy kick, and a chewy, savory flavor reminiscent of tteokbokki. It’s not just a simple stir-fry; it offers a fun texture and taste experience like tteokbokki itself. Its sweet and spicy profile makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. It’s the perfect ‘clean-out-the-fridge’ meal!

Step 10



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