People in Korea have enjoyed the Korean fish cake recipe, also known as Eomuk, as a popular street food for over a century. To make Eomuk, they grind fish into a paste, combine it with flour, and shape it into various forms, such as a cylinder, a ball, or a flat disc. Then, they boil or fry it and serve it with a dipping sauce.
In this article, we will explore the history, cultural significance, and different types of Korean fish cake.
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What Are Korean Fish Cake?
The history of Korean fish cake dates back to the late Joseon period, which lasted from 1392 to 1897. During this time, the fishing industry in Korea began to flourish, and fishermen would often make fish cakes to preserve their catch for a longer period. Fish cakes were also made to feed the less fortunate and to be used as a bartering item.
The people initially made the fish cake with small fish, but as the dish grew in popularity, they started using larger fish such as mackerel and pollock. The first fish cake factory in Korea was established in the early 1900s, paving the way for the mass production of fish cakes.
Today, people all over Korea enjoy fish cakes, and different regions have their unique styles of fish cakes.
Cultural Significance of Korean Fish Cake
Korean fish cake is not just a popular street food; it is also an integral part of Korean cuisine and culture. In Korea, fish cakes are often eaten as a side dish, snack, or as part of meal. They are also used in stews, soups, and rice cakes, adding flavor and texture to these dishes.
The popularity of fish cakes in Korea can be seen in the numerous fish cake stores and stalls found all over the country. The streets of Busan, a port city in Korea, are particularly famous for its fish cake vendors. It is common to see people enjoying fish cakes as a snack while walking along the streets or as a quick meal during a lunch break.
Different Types of Korean Fish Cake
Korean fish cake, or eomuk, is a popular snack that comes in many different shapes and sizes. Here are some of the most common types of Korean fish cake:
Hot Bar Eomuk
Hot bar eomuk is a popular street food in Korea. It is a long and thin fish cake that is skewered and served hot. The fish cake is often coated in a spicy sauce and served with a side of mustard for dipping.
Ojingeo Eomuk
Ojingeo eomuk is a fish cake that is filled with squid or octopus. The filling gives the fish cake a chewy texture and a slightly briny flavor. It is often served in a spicy sauce and topped with green onions.
Bong Eomuk
Bong eomuk is a fish cake that is shaped like a tube. It is often stuffed with various ingredients such as noodles, vegetables, or cheese. It is then sliced into bite-sized pieces and served in a broth or sauce.
Samhap Eomuk
Samhap eomuk is a fish cake that is made by combining three different types of fish. It has a softer texture and a milder flavor compared to other types of fish cake. It is often served in a clear broth or with a dipping sauce.
Gyeongdan Eomuk
Gyeongdan eomuk is a fish cake that is filled with sweet rice cake. The rice cake gives the fish cake a chewy texture and a sweet flavor. It is often served in a sweet and savory sauce.
Saeu Eomuk
Saeu eomuk is a fish cake that is made with shrimp. It has a slightly sweet and savory flavor and a chewy texture. It is often served in a spicy sauce or a clear broth.
Eomuk Guk
Eomuk guk is a fish cake soup that is a popular comfort food in Korea. The fish cake is sliced into bite-sized pieces and cooked in a clear broth with vegetables such as radish and onion. It is often garnished with green onions and served hot.
These are just a few examples of the different types of Korean fish cake. Each type has its own unique flavor and texture, making them a delicious addition to any meal or snack. Whether you prefer a spicy and chewy fish cake or a milder and softer one, there is a type of Korean fish cake that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
What do I Need to Make Korean Fish Cake Recipe
here are a few Korean fish cake recipes that you can try making at home:
Traditional Eomuk (Fish Cake) Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 300g fish cake
- 1/2 onion
- 4 cups of water
- 2 sheets of dried kelp
- 2 green onions
- 1/2 carrot
- 1/2 zucchini
- 1/2 cup of Korean radish
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Thinly slice the onion, thinly slice the carrot, zucchini, and radish
- Cut the satsumaage into bite-sized pieces
- Add water, dried kelp, and finely chopped onion to a pot. bring to a boil
- Once boiling, remove the seaweed and add the kamaboko, carrots, zucchini, and radish. boil for 5 minutes
- Put salt, ground black pepper, soy sauce and sesame oil in a pan
- Heat for an additional 5 minutes and remove from heat
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot
Fried Fish Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 300g fish cake
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut the satsumaage into bite-sized pieces
- Mix flour, cornstarch, eggs, water, and salt in a bowl to make dough
- heat the oil in a frying pan
- Dip the kamaboko into the dough and gently drop it into the hot oil
- Deep-fry the kamaboko until golden brown and crispy
- Remove the kamaboko from the oil and place it on a paper towel to remove excess oil
- Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce
You can read in detail about How to Make Korean Fish Cake? You can also try The Best Apple Pie Cake Amazing For You.
Spicy Odeng (Fish Cake) Recipe
Ingredients
- 300g fish cake
- 3 cups of water
- 3 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp rice wine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Cut the satsumaage into bite-sized pieces
- Put water, gochujang, sugar, soy sauce, sake, and minced garlic in a pot
- Bring to a boil, then add the kamaboko
- boil for 5 minutes
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions
- Serve hot on rice
I hope these recipes help you to enjoy the delicious taste of Korean fish cake in the comfort of your own home.
FAQs | Korean Fish Cake Recipe
Korean fish cake can be found at most Asian grocery stores in the USA. Some mainstream grocery stores may also carry it in the international section. You can also purchase it online from various retailers.
If you can’t find Korean fish cake, you can use Japanese fish cake, which is similar in texture and flavor. You can also make your own fish cake using ground white fish, flour, and other ingredients.
Yes, you can make Korean fish cake at home in the USA. The ingredients for making fish cakes are readily available at most grocery stores, and there are many online recipes that are easy to follow.
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan Korean fish cake recipes that use alternative ingredients such as tofu or seitan instead of fish.
Most Korean fish cake recipes use wheat flour as a binding agent, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free flour to make a gluten-free version of fish cake at home.
Conclusion | Korean Fish Cake Recipe
In conclusion, Korean fish cake, or eomuk, is a popular and delicious snack that you can enjoy on its own or in various dishes. With its unique texture and flavor, it has become a staple in Korean cuisine and people enjoy it all over the world.
Whether you prefer the traditional eomuk soup, the crispy fried fish cake, or the spicy odeng, there are many different recipes to choose from when it comes to making Korean fish cake. These recipes are not only easy to follow, but they also use simple ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores.
By trying out these recipes, you can bring a taste of Korea to your own kitchen and enjoy the delicious flavors of Korean fish cake. So why not give it a try and experience the rich culinary heritage of Korea? You might just discover a new favorite dish!
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