Description
This Korean Fish Cake Stir Fry, also known as Eomuk Bokkeum, is a savory and slightly sweet dish featuring tender Korean fish cakes sautéed with vegetables and a flavorful soy-based sauce. Perfect as a banchan (Korean side dish) or served over rice or noodles, this quick stir-fry combines aromatic garlic, crisp veggies, and a hint of toasted sesame for a satisfying meal or accompaniment.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 bell pepper (optional), sliced
- 1/2 pound Korean fish cakes (eomuk), sliced into strips
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (or water)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Pinch of black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté aromatics. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, green onions, and minced garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add vegetables. Stir in the julienned carrot and optional sliced bell pepper. Continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften but remain crisp.
- Cook the fish cakes. Add the sliced Korean fish cakes to the skillet and stir well to combine with the vegetables.
- Prepare and add sauce. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of mirin (or water), 1 teaspoon sugar, and a pinch of black pepper. Pour this sauce mixture over the fish cakes and vegetables.
- Stir-fry to caramelize. Cook everything for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the fish cakes are heated through and the sauce slightly caramelizes on the ingredients.
- Finish with sesame oil and seeds. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the stir-fry, toss to coat evenly, then garnish with 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve warm. Serve immediately as a side dish or over rice or noodles for a quick and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Korean fish cakes can typically be found in the refrigerated or frozen section of most Asian markets.
- This dish is traditionally served as a banchan (Korean side dish).
- For a heartier meal, serve this stir fry over steamed rice or noodles.
- Adjust the sugar and soy sauce to taste if you prefer a sweeter or saltier profile.
- If you don’t have mirin, water can be substituted, though mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
