Korean Stir-Fried Fish Cake (Eomuk Bokkeum)

June 19, 2022

Appetizers Korean Recipes Sides

Korean Stir-Fried Fish Cake (Eomuk Bokkeum) is an extremely popular side dish served at Korean restaurants and Korean BBQ as a side dish, or banchan. It’s one of my favorite side dishes to get at Korean BBQ and I’m always finding myself asking for more!

The fish cakes are made from pureed fish, and are meaty and delicious stir fried with vegetables and a sweet and savory sauce. The dish itself is extremely easy to make and only takes a few minutes to put together for a delicious side dish!

Watch the Korean Stir-Fried Fish Cake Recipe Video Below!

Ingredients for Korean Stir-Fried Fish Cake

This quick and delicious stir-fried fish cake recipe is extremely easy to make! You only need a few ingredients for the stir fry and to make the sauce. Here is what you’ll need:

Fish Cake
White Onion
Garlic
Scallion
Carrot
Light Soy Sauce
Mirin
Sugar
Black Pepper
Sesame Seeds

My Top Ingredient Tips for Korean Stir-Fried Fish Cakes

INGREDIENTS TIPS

VEGETABLES
I used carrots and onions here, but you could also add bell peppers, jalapenos, or birds eye chilis if you prefer extra heat.

SPICY VERSION
If you prefer a spicer version, feel free to add 1 tbsp of gochujang to the sauce! I opted for a sweet and savory version for this recipe.

Prepare Your Fish Cakes, Vegetables, and Sauce

The first (and most important) ingredient for this recipe? You guessed it – fish cakes! You can find fish cakes in any Asian grocery and they are usually sold in sheets like this. I typically find these fish cake sheets in the refrigerated section near the tofu at my local H-Mart.

Slice the Fish Cakes

I like to begin by slicing the fish cake sheet in half length wise down the middle. Next, cut them into roughly 2 inch strips.

I prefer 2 inch wide strips, but you could cut them according to your preference. No matter what you prefer, make sure the strips are equally sized so they cook evenly in the pan.

Prepare the Vegetables

Once the fish cakes are sliced, place them in a bowl and finish preparing the rest of your vegetables. Finely mince 3 cloves of garlic, then cut your carrots into 2″ long matchsticks, thinly slice your white onion, and cut the scallions into 2″ pieces.

Mix the sauce

Once the fish cakes and vegetables are prepared, it’s time to mix your sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together light soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and black pepper.

If you prefer a spicy version of these stir-fried fish cakes, you can optionally add 1 tablespoon of gochujang to this mixture.

Korean Stir Fried Fish Cake sauce in a bowl

Stir-Fry the Fish Cakes and Vegetables

To make the dish, begin by heating 2 tablespoons of oil over medium high heat in a non-stick pan. Saute garlic along with the scallions, carrots, and onions for 1 minute until the vegetables have softened.

Once the vegetables have softened, add the sliced fish cakes and stir fry for another minute. You want the fish cakes so also soften and pick up some of the oil, and cook them until they begin to take on some color.

Korean Stir Fried Fish cakes cooking in a pan

After the vegetables and fish cakes have stir-fried for a few minutes, it’s time to add the sauce you mixed earlier. Combine the sauce with the fish cakes and vegetables, then continue cooking over medium high heat until the sauce has been fully absorbed.

Korean Stir Fried Fish Cakes in a pan with vegetables

Transfer the fish cakes and vegetables to a bowl and top with sesame seeds! Your stir-fried fish cakes are now ready to enjoy!

My Key Recipe Tips for Korean Stir-Fried Fish Cakes

RECIPE TIPS

SHAPE/SIZE
I personally like to cut these into 2″ strips – however, you have probably seen them in many iterations! Feel free to cut them to your preference, but ensure that they are cut the same size to ensure even cooking.

SUCCESS IS IN THE PREP
Once you start cooking, this recipe will come together very quickly. The key to pulling this off successfully is having all of your ingredients prepped and in bowls right next to pan! Have your premixed sauce, fish cakes, and vegetables ready and easily accessible during the cooking process.