The Delight of Korean Fish Cake Recipe and Uniqueness of South Korean Snacks

Korean Fish Cake Recipe: South Korea is not only famous for its captivating dramas but also for its delicious traditional culinary wealth. One of the favorite snacks enjoyed by many is Korean Fish Cake, known as Bakso Ikan ala Korea. This snack often appears in various scenes in Korean dramas and has become an iconic culinary delight for many Korean cuisine enthusiasts.

What is Fish Cake?

Fish cake is a dish made primarily from fish, creating a unique and appetizing flavor. In Palembang, it is known as Pempek. The preparation involves special techniques that distinguish Korean-style fish cake from variations in other countries. The tenderness of the fish used, the blend of typical Korean seasonings, and the unique presentation contribute to an unforgettable culinary experience.

Typically, the recipes for Korean Fish Cake that can be tried at home include simple ways to enjoy this delicious dish. First and foremost, choose fresh fish as the main ingredient, with common choices being codfish or mackerel. The fish is then processed and mixed with typical Korean seasonings such as soy sauce, garlic, and salt to provide an authentic taste.

Once the mixture is well-combined, the shaping process follows. Usually, the mixture is formed into flat rounds or small cylinders before being steamed or fried. This choice provides flexibility in enjoying fish cake, whether fried for a crispy exterior and tender interior or steamed for a lighter result.

Additionally, Korean Fish Cake can also be processed into convenient frozen food. After the preparation process, it can be stored in the freezer for future use. This makes it a suitable choice for tasty and nutritious instant food. Just fry or steam according to preference, and the fish cake is ready to be enjoyed anytime.

The uniqueness of Korean Fish Cake is not only in its taste and presentation but also in its role in Korean culture. This food often becomes part of snack traditions or serves as a complement to special events. Its frequent appearance in Korean dramas creates a unique allure for viewers, enticing them to try and experience its deliciousness firsthand.

With various advantages and uniqueness, this Korean-style fish cake is worthy of being part of the list of dishes to be tried by culinary enthusiasts. The simple recipe that can be followed at home makes it a practical choice to enjoy with family or friends. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the experience.

South Korean Fish Cake Recipe

Recipe by Devina Hermawan

Fish cake is a snack from South Korea. This dish is often seen in Korean dramas. It’s mainly made of fish, resulting in a unique flavor. This Korean fish cake is perfect to be made into frozen food, fried, or added into soups.

Course: AppetizersCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy

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pcs

50

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

0

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Ingredients:

• 300 g tilapia/snapper/spanish mackerel fillet, chilled (weigh after the fish is patted dry)

• 200 g squid (chilled)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1.5 tbsp sugar

• ½ tsp MSG

• 2 tsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 pc egg white

• 4 tbsp grated onion

• 1.5 tsp baking powder, optional

• 75 g sago / cornstarch

• Add-ins:

• 5 pc bird’s eye chili, sliced

• 2 tbsp chili sauce

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 50 g grated mozzarella

• 100 g breadcrumbs

• 5 pc red chili, seed removed

• 6 pc sausages

• 3 pc nori sheet

• 1 pc small carrot, chopped

• 1 pc green onion, chopped

• Others:

• Oil for frying

• Kimchi

Directions

• Grind the fish fillet, squid, salt, sugar, and seasoning in a food processor until smooth and sticky.
• Add the remaining ingredients (except tapioca flour) and stir until well combined.
• Once well mixed, add tapioca flour and stir again until smooth.
• Divide the mixture into 3 equal parts.
• Mix one part of the mixture with sliced bird’s eye chili, chili sauce, and Korean chili powder, then stir well.
• Prepare halved red chilies and place mozzarella cheese inside, then coat the chili with the mixture until evenly covered.
• Roll the coated chili in breadcrumbs and fry until golden brown.
• Mix one part of the mixture with chopped spring onions and carrots, then stir well and transfer to a piping bag.
• Pipe the mixture onto hot oil, fry until golden brown, then set aside.
• For the plain mixture, prepare baking paper, place the mixture on it (not too thick), and flatten.
• Fry with baking paper, flip, and then remove the baking paper. Fry until golden brown. Once cooled, cut into pieces and skewer with toothpicks.
• The plain mixture can also be used to coat sausages on skewers, then coat with the mixture until well combined, and place seaweed in the middle.
• Roll in breadcrumbs and fry until golden brown.
• Serve the fish cakes with kimchi as a complement.

Recipe Video

Varieties of Korean Fish Cake Shapes

Fish cakes can be presented in various interesting and creative shapes, adding uniqueness and deliciousness to this dish. Here are several common shapes:

1. Disk-shaped (Bulat Pipih): The most common shape is disk-shaped. The fish mixture, combined with traditional Koreanspices, is compacted and formed into broad disc shapes. This provides a crispy texture on the outside and a soft interior when fried.
2. Cylinder (Silinder Kecil): Fish cakes are often shaped into small cylinders or rods. This shape allows the cakes to be skewered with satay sticks or added to soups for an appealing presentation.
3. Oval (Lonjong): Some variations have an oval or elongated shape, adding aesthetic variety and drawing attention when served.
4. Layered (Berlapis): Some are made with multiple layers, adding dimensions to both flavor and texture. These layers may contain additional ingredients such as vegetables or small seafood.
5. Flower-shaped (Bentuk Bunga): To present fish cakes in a visually appealing way, some chefs mold them into flower shapes. This technique creates a beautiful and aesthetic display on the dining table.
6. Animal or Character-shaped (Bentuk Hewan atau Karakter): In certain instances, the mixture can be shaped to resemble animals or specific characters, adding a cute and entertaining element to the dish. This is particularly popular among children.
7. Mini-sized (Miniatur): Fish cakes are often served in miniature forms, allowing diners to enjoy them as snacks or as complements to other dishes.
8. Star-shaped (Bentuk Bintang): For a different touch, the mixture can be shaped into stars, adding an attractive and captivating visual element.

The use of these various shapes not only creates visual variations but also provides a more interesting dining experience. These diverse fish cake shapes can be adapted to personal preferences or specific food-themed events, enhancing their appeal and uniqueness in Korean culinary culture.