Frequently Asked Questions
What is Korean Spicy Fish Cake Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant Korean dish featuring tender fish cakes sautéed with fresh vegetables and a spicy, umami sauce.
How do I prepare the fish cakes for this recipe?
Briefly boil the fish cakes in a pot of water for 3-5 minutes until they expand, then drain them.
Can I reuse the water used to boil the fish cakes?
Yes, you can reserve the boiling water to use later as a base for soups or broths.
What vegetables are included in this stir-fry?
The recipe includes onion, carrot, and hot pepper.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be thinly sliced before being added to the skillet.
How should the carrot be cut?
The carrot should be julienned into thin, matchstick-sized pieces.
How do I prepare the hot pepper?
Chop the hot pepper into small pieces; you can remove the seeds if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I use a different type of pepper if I don't want it spicy?
Yes, you can substitute the hot pepper with a bell pepper for less heat.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onions, carrots, and hot pepper in oil for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
When should the fish cakes be added to the skillet?
Add the boiled fish cakes after the vegetables have softened, which takes about 5 minutes.
How long do I stir-fry the fish cakes with the vegetables?
Stir-fry everything together for an additional 5 minutes until the fish cakes begin to turn golden.
What ingredients are in the sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, Korean red pepper powder, and minced garlic.
How is the sauce mixed?
Combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, red pepper powder, and garlic in a small bowl and mix well.
How long does the dish cook after adding the sauce?
Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce is fully absorbed and the ingredients are well-coated.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.
How should this dish be served?
Serve the Spicy Fish Cake Stir-Fry hot, preferably with steamed rice or noodles.
Is this recipe suitable as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as either a flavorful side dish or a satisfying main course.
What type of red pepper powder is used?
The recipe calls for Korean red pepper powder, also known as gochugaru.
How much fish cake is required for this recipe?
You will need 8 ounces of fish cakes.
How much soy sauce is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Is fish sauce necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce is added to the sauce mixture for extra umami flavor.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of oil for sautéing the vegetables.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There is 1 tablespoon of sugar included in the sauce.
Is garlic used in this dish?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
What is the role of sesame oil in this recipe?
One tablespoon of sesame oil is added to the sauce to provide a nutty aroma and flavor.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 chopped green onions for garnish.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 ingredients in total for this Korean Spicy Fish Cake Stir-Fry.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe and a quick meal that is sure to impress.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The dish offers a balance of spicy, savory, and umami flavors typical of Korean cuisine.
Can I add extra sesame seeds?
The recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of sesame seeds for garnish, but you can adjust to your preference.