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Introduction:

If you love Korean cuisine and want to add some tasty and easy-to-make dishes to your repertoire, look no further than Korean-style frozen fish cakes. These delicious and versatile fish cakes are a popular street food in Korea and can be enjoyed as a snack or as a main course with rice or noodles. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking frozen fish cakes in the traditional Korean way.

Ingredients:

Before delving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:

– Frozen fish cakes (available in most Asian grocery stores)

– Water

– Soy sauce

– Korean red pepper paste (gochujang)

– Sugar

– Garlic cloves, minced

– Sesame oil

– Green onions, chopped

– Sesame seeds (optional)

Cooking method:

To cook frozen fish cakes the Korean way, follow these simple steps:

Preparation for cooking frozen fish cakes

Before starting to cook frozen fish cakes, it is necessary to properly prepare them. Follow these simple steps:

1. Take the frozen fish cakes out of the packaging.

2. Place the frozen fish cakes on a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel to allow excess moisture to be absorbed.

3. Leave the frozen fish cakes at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to slightly thaw.

4. Meanwhile, prepare a non-stick frying pan or skillet and heat it over medium heat.

5. If desired, lightly oil the frying pan or skillet to prevent the fish cakes from sticking.

6. Once the frozen fish cakes have partially thawed, gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.

7. Place the partially thawed and dry fish cakes in the preheated frying pan or skillet.

8. Cook the fish cakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

9. Once cooked, transfer the fish cakes to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

10. Allow the fish cakes to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy!

Gather the necessary ingredients

To cook frozen Korean fish cakes, you will need the following ingredients:

• Frozen fish cakes: Purchase frozen fish cakes from a Korean grocery store or Asian market. These will be the main ingredient for your dish.
• Vegetables: You can choose to add vegetables such as carrots, onions, and green onions for added freshness and flavor.
• Soy sauce: Soy sauce will be used as a seasoning for the fish cakes. You can use regular soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce according to your preference.
• Sesame oil: Sesame oil will enhance the taste of the dish and add a nutty aroma. Make sure to use toasted sesame oil for a more pronounced flavor.
• Garlic: Finely minced garlic will add a savory taste to the fish cakes.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar will balance out the flavors and add a hint of sweetness.
• Water: You will need water to boil the fish cakes and to dilute the soy sauce for the seasoning.
• Optional seasonings: If desired, you can also add other seasonings such as black pepper, red pepper flakes, or chili paste to suit your taste.

Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, you can proceed to the next steps to cook your frozen Korean fish cakes.

Thaw the frozen fish cakes

Before cooking, it is important to thaw the frozen fish cakes properly. Thawing them will ensure that they cook evenly and help to improve the overall texture and taste.

There are two main methods to thaw frozen fish cakes:

1. Refrigerator thawing:

1. Transfer the frozen fish cakes from the freezer to the refrigerator.
2. Place them in a container or on a plate to catch any dripping liquid.
3. Allow the fish cakes to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for about 8 to 10 hours.
4. Once thawed, they are ready to be cooked.

2. Cold water thawing:

1. Take the frozen fish cakes out from their packaging.
2. Place them in a sealed plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
3. Fill a large bowl or sink with cold water.
4. Submerge the bag of fish cakes in the water, ensuring that they are completely covered.
5. Change the water every 30 minutes to maintain the temperature of the water.
6. It usually takes about 1 to 2 hours for the fish cakes to thaw using this method.

After thawing the fish cakes, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. Thawed fish cakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Cooking the frozen fish cakes

When it comes to cooking frozen fish cakes, following the proper cooking instructions can make a big difference in the final result. Whether you have Korean fish cakes or any other type, here is a step-by-step guide to help you cook them to perfection.

Step 1: Thawing the fish cakes

The first step in cooking frozen fish cakes is to thaw them properly. Place the fish cakes in the refrigerator overnight or follow the instructions specified on the packaging. Thawing the fish cakes before cooking helps ensure even cooking and a better texture.

Step 2: Preparing the frying pan

Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or cooking spray to prevent the fish cakes from sticking to the pan.

Step 3: Cooking the fish cakes

Place the thawed fish cakes in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Cook the fish cakes in batches if necessary.

It’s important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the fish cakes, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. If the fish cakes are too thick, consider turning down the heat to allow them to cook through without burning the exterior.

Step 4: Serving the fish cakes

Once the fish cakes are cooked, carefully remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve them hot as an appetizer, side dish, or as part of a main course.

There are various ways to enjoy cooked fish cakes. You can serve them with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or gochujang, for an added kick of flavor. They also go well with rice, noodles, or as a filling in sandwiches or wraps.

Now that you know how to cook frozen fish cakes, you can easily enjoy this delicious Korean dish at home. Follow these steps, experiment with different seasonings, and savor the unique flavors and textures of Korean fish cakes.

Prepare the cooking sauce

Before you start cooking the frozen fish cakes, it’s important to prepare the cooking sauce. This sauce will add flavor and enhance the taste of the fish cakes.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is well combined.

This cooking sauce will provide a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the fish cakes. It’s important to make the sauce before cooking the fish cakes so that it’s ready to be used when needed.

Heat the pan and add oil

Before cooking the frozen fish cakes, it’s important to heat the pan properly. This will ensure that the fish cakes cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

To start, place a non-stick frying pan or skillet on the stove over medium heat. Allow it to preheat for a few minutes until it is nice and hot.

Once the pan is hot, add a generous amount of cooking oil. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any oil with a high smoke point. Make sure to use enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, as this will prevent the fish cakes from sticking.

After adding the oil, let it heat up for another minute or two. You’ll know the oil is ready when it starts to shimmer and ripple slightly.

Why heat the pan and add oil?

Heating the pan before adding the frozen fish cakes is crucial because it helps to create a sear on the exterior of the fish cakes, giving them a crispy texture. When the fish cakes come into contact with the hot oil, they will sizzle and develop a golden brown crust.

Adding oil to the pan is also important because it prevents the fish cakes from sticking. The oil acts as a barrier between the fish cakes and the pan, allowing them to cook and brown without any hassle.

Note: If you prefer a healthier cooking method, you can also bake the frozen fish cakes in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to the recommended temperature stated on the packaging, place the fish cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for the specified amount of time or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Now that the pan is hot and the oil is ready, it’s time to add the frozen fish cakes and start cooking.

Cook the fish cakes

Once you have thawed the frozen fish cakes, you can begin cooking them. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your skillet or frying pan over medium heat.

2. Add a small amount of oil to the pan to prevent sticking.

3. Place the fish cakes in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them.

4. Cook the fish cakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

5. Carefully flip the fish cakes using a spatula.

6. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.

7. Remove the fish cakes from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

8. Serve the fish cakes hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a larger meal.

Now that you know how to cook frozen fish cakes, you can enjoy this tasty Korean dish at home anytime!

FAQ

Can I cook frozen fish cakes in the oven?

Yes, you can cook frozen fish cakes in the oven. Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature on the package of the fish cakes. Place the frozen fish cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake them for the specified time. Make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking process for even browning.

How do I cook frozen fish cakes on the stovetop?

To cook frozen fish cakes on the stovetop, you will need a frying pan or skillet. Heat some cooking oil in the pan over medium heat. Place the frozen fish cakes in the pan and cook for a few minutes on each side until they are heated through and have a golden brown crust. Serve with sauce and optional toppings.

Can I cook frozen fish cakes without defrosting them first?

Yes, you can cook frozen fish cakes without defrosting them first. In fact, it is recommended to cook them directly from frozen to maintain their texture and taste. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may take slightly longer to cook compared to defrosted fish cakes.