Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Fish Cakes
[Everyday Side Dish] Simple yet Sophisticated Spicy Fish Cakes
This spicy fish cake stir-fry is incredibly easy to make but delivers a surprisingly gourmet flavor! A universally loved ingredient, fish cakes are transformed into a savory side dish with a spicy kick, perfect for accompanying rice or as a filling for kimbap. It’s a true family favorite. Enjoy this flavorful and versatile side dish that is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients- 5 sheets of square fish cakes (approx. 250g)
- 1/4 onion (approx. 50g)
- 1/2 stalk of green onion (approx. 50g)
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (30ml)
- 1/2 Tbsp oyster sauce (7.5ml)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, fine) (20g)
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (30ml)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (7.5g)
- 4 Tbsp water (60ml)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (30ml)
- 1/2 Tbsp oyster sauce (7.5ml)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, fine) (20g)
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (30ml)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (7.5g)
- 4 Tbsp water (60ml)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thinly slice the fish cakes and onion into julienne strips. Finely chop the green onion. Combine these prepared ingredients so they are ready to use. Heat a wide pan over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil, and stir-fry the chopped green onion and 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 2
Once the fragrant aroma of the green onion oil rises, add the julienned onion. Stir-fry over medium heat for about 1 minute until the onion becomes translucent. The onion will soften and release its natural sweetness.
Step 3
When the onion is partially cooked, add the julienned fish cakes. Stir-fry them together briefly for about 1 minute. This allows the fish cakes to slightly absorb the flavors. Avoid overcooking, as the fish cakes can become tough.
Step 4
Now it’s time to add the delicious seasonings. Reduce the heat to low and add 2 Tbsp of gochugaru (fine Korean chili flakes) first. Coating the chili flakes in the oil will enhance their spicy flavor.
Step 5
Add 2 Tbsp of soy sauce to bring in savory depth and saltiness.
Step 6
Incorporate 1/2 Tbsp of oyster sauce for a richer umami flavor. While optional, oyster sauce significantly enhances the overall taste.
Step 7
Add 2 Tbsp of oligosaccharide to balance the spiciness with sweetness. You can substitute with sugar if oligosaccharide is unavailable.
Step 8
Finally, pour in 4 Tbsp of water. Increase the heat to medium and stir-fry quickly for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring all the seasonings coat the fish cakes evenly. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the fish cakes beautifully. Cook over high heat only briefly to prevent the sauce from burning.
Step 9
Transfer the finished spicy and sweet fish cakes to a serving dish. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for a final touch. Enjoy this delicious side dish with your favorite steamed rice!