If you’re craving something quick, flavorful, and packed with that comforting Korean street food vibe, this Korean Fish Cake Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a vibrant medley of tender fish cakes, fresh veggies, and a deliciously savory sauce that comes together in under 20 minutes. Perfect as a main dish or a lively side, each bite offers a delightful balance of textures and a hint of spice that will have you coming back for more. Let me take you through how to make this wonderful dish that feels like a warm hug in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—these are simple, everyday items that combine to create a dish bursting with both color and flavor. Each one plays a key role, from the crisp, fresh veggies that add crunch and vibrancy, to the savory sauces that bring it all together with a perfect balance of salty and sweet.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying your ingredients evenly without sticking.
- Small onion (sliced): Adds a sweet, caramelized base flavor when cooked.
- Green onion (cut into 1-inch pieces): Lends freshness and a mild pungency to the dish.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the stir fry with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
- Carrot (julienned): Brings natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
- Bell pepper (optional, sliced): Offers vibrant color and a slight crispness.
- Korean fish cakes (about 200g, sliced into strips): The star ingredient providing unique umami and chewiness.
- Soy sauce: Adds savory depth and saltiness.
- Oyster sauce: Enriches the dish with a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Sugar: Balances out the salt and spice with a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame oil: Delivers nutty aroma and flavor for that authentic Korean touch.
- Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes): Provides gentle heat and signature color.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Add a lovely finishing crunch and toasty fragrance.
How to Make Korean Fish Cake Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions and cook them gently for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want them to become slightly softened and start releasing their natural sweetness—this builds a flavorful foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Next, stir in the minced garlic, green onions, julienned carrots, and bell pepper slices if you’re using them. Keep the heat lively and continue stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for maintaining the crisp texture and bright colors of your veggies while infusing the oil with those delicious scents.
Step 3: Cook the Fish Cakes
Now it’s time for the Korean fish cakes to shine. Add the sliced fish cakes to the pan and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they start turning lightly golden. Their slightly chewy texture adds a delightful contrast to the tender vegetables.
Step 4: Mix and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and gochugaru. Pour this generous, fragrant sauce over the stir fry and toss everything to coat every piece evenly. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes more so the sauce can fully soak in, giving the dish that irresistible glaze and depth of flavor.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Take your skillet off the heat and sprinkle a handful of toasted sesame seeds on top. These little seeds bring a pop of nutty crunch and make your Korean Fish Cake Stir Fry Recipe not only taste amazing but look fabulous too.
How to Serve Korean Fish Cake Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to add a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or even a small drizzle of extra sesame oil for an additional boost of fragrance. Toasted sesame seeds, as mentioned, are a must-have finishing touch that adds texture and enhances the whole eating experience.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with a steaming bowl of perfectly cooked rice, which soaks up every bit of that flavorful sauce. You can also serve it alongside other Korean favorites like kimchi or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness with a bit of crisp acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Korean Fish Cake Stir Fry Recipe wrapped in large lettuce leaves as a handheld bite or a light appetizer. Another great idea is to toss it with some cooked noodles for a heartier, noodle-based lunch that still carries all the classic flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for about 2 days and is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner when you’re short on time but still want something tasty and homemade.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t ideal because the texture of the fish cakes and vegetables can change once thawed. However, if you must freeze, do so in a tightly sealed container for up to a month, and expect to have a softer texture upon reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, the stovetop method is best. Warm the stir fry gently in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This helps maintain the texture much better than microwaving, which can make the fish cakes rubbery.
FAQs
What type of fish cake should I use?
Look for Korean-style fish cakes labeled “eomuk” or “odeng” at Asian grocery stores. They come in various shapes; strips work best for this stir fry as they cook evenly and absorb flavors well.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
The traditional recipe uses fish cakes and oyster sauce, but you can substitute fish cakes with firm tofu or a plant-based alternative and swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian mushroom-based sauce for a delicious vegan version.
How spicy is this dish?
The gochugaru adds a gentle warmth, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat to your liking by increasing or reducing the gochugaru or adding gochujang for extra kick.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Cabbage, mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas are great additions that blend well with the flavors and add even more texture and nutrition.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s fantastic for quick meals. Prepare it fresh or store leftovers for a quick reheat. Just keep in mind the texture changes slightly after refrigeration.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Fish Cake Stir Fry Recipe is one of those gems that feels special without demanding too much time or effort. It’s packed with flavors that comfort you and brighten your day, whether you’re new to Korean food or a seasoned fan. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with how quickly something so simple can taste so incredibly satisfying.
Print
Korean Fish Cake Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
Korean Fish Cake Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender fish cakes sautéed with fresh vegetables and seasoned with a savory, slightly spicy sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines traditional Korean ingredients like gochugaru and sesame oil for a delicious meal or side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 green onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper (optional), sliced
Main Ingredient
- 1 package Korean fish cakes (about 200g), sliced into strips
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
Other
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil and soften onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add aromatics and vegetables: Add the minced garlic, green onion pieces, julienned carrot, and sliced bell pepper if using. Stir-fry these for another 2-3 minutes to slightly tenderize the vegetables and build flavor.
- Cook fish cakes: Add the sliced Korean fish cakes to the skillet and continue stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until the fish cakes are lightly browned and warmed through.
- Prepare and add sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and gochugaru. Pour this sauce over the stir fry and toss everything well to coat evenly.
- Simmer to absorb flavors: Cook the stir fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to absorb into the fish cakes and vegetables.
- Finish and garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving for a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of gochugaru or add a splash of gochujang (Korean chili paste).
- You can include additional vegetables such as cabbage or mushrooms to boost the nutrition and bulk of the dish.
- Serve this dish with steamed rice for a complete Korean-inspired meal.
