EoMuk Bbokkeum is a Korean side dish. EoMuk means fish cake and Bokkeum means fried. In the past, most Korean students brought their own lunch box to school everyday since schools didn’t have a cafeteria like they do nowadays. EoMuk bokkeum was a common side dish for our lunch box, and because of that, it brings back memories of my school days. It is also a common side dish for homemade meals. If you like spicy food you can add more red pepper powder. Keep this side dish in the refrigerator and serve it with rice. I hope you enjoy this food. *^^*
Yield: 1 Quart
Short Korean Lesson: *^^*
- Chaek (책) = Book
- GaBang (가방) = Bag
Video Instructions
Main Ingredients
- 1 Pack Fried Fish Cakes (14 oz)
- 1 Cup Onion
- ½ Cup Sweet Pepper
- ⅓ Cup Carrot
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Red Pepper Powder
- 2 Tbsp Corn Syrup
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Wine (or Water)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 2 Pinches Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (to garnish)
- Salt to Taste
Directions
Cut the fish cakes into ½-inch pieces. Slice 1 onion, ½ sweet pepper, and ⅓ carrot.
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a pan. After the pan gets hot, fry the fish cakes for 3 minutes.
Add the onion and cook for 2 more minutes.
Cook the sweet pepper and carrot for 20 seconds.
Set the fried fish cake aside for a while.
In a big pan, add and mix all of the ingredients for the sauce: 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp red pepper powder, 2 Tbsp corn syrup, 2 Tbsp cooking wine, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 pinches black pepper, 1 tsp minced garlic, and 1 tsp sesame seeds (to garnish). Heat until it boils and then reduce heat to medium.
Add the fried fish cake and vegetables in the sauce. Add a little salt to taste.
Fry it for 5 more minutes on medium and turn off the heat. 
Once you make this side dish, keep it in the refrigerator. You can enjoy this delicious side dish with rice, kimchi, and other Korean side dishes anytime. 
Hi Aeri,
I had this for the first time a few days ago, and I loved it! It was my first time trying authentic Korean food, rather than trying the recipes on my own and hoping I did them right, haha. Now I really want to try this one on my own. I’m so glad you have a recipe for it here.
Hi Aeri,
I’m a new fan of yours. Was looking for a recipe for making this spicy fish cake side dish which I had eaten at a Korean restaurant here in sgp. Found your link last night and couldn’t wait to try making it. Although I don’t have exactly the same ingredients as your recipe, I’m happy that it turn out well. I replaced the fish cake with our local fish cake, corn syrup with sugar + water. I wonder why mine didn’t turn out as red as yours or those I ate at the restaurant. Should I have use red pepper paste?
I made the non spicy version for my gal too and it was well received too.
Thank you for your detailed sharing! The video, photos and Korean words explanation are very useful.
What a beautiful dish! I made it as part of my Chuseok feast!
I’ve recently moved to Korea and while I’m a good cook back home I’m completely confused by Korean food! Thank you for you English language recipes, I’m really enjoying them!
And to the person above, I know this is a bit late, but corn syrup is only unhealthy when consumed in huge quantities like in sodas and juices. When you use it in moderation as a thickening agent it’s fine!
Hello Aeri
I tried this recipe today, it was very nice! What I love about your recipes is that you use simple and healthy ingredients, and the dish still turns out tasty~
Thanks!
yumyum, everything in here look so delicious.
actually i was looking for some korean recipes
i always see fishcakes or something on korean dramas
and movies. the one sold n the streets.
for now, im going to try your recipe.
great website by the way.
Hi Aeri,
Since its usual for Koreans to serve a number of side dishes for a meal, do they prepare it fresh everyday? Or they make a batch and keep them in the fridge to be eaten over a few days?
How long can this spicy fried fish cake be kept in the fridge?
Thanks for a wonderful blog and keep up the great work! Everytime I come here, I find new things and I don’t ever get bored!
hi zenith,
We have different kinds of side-dishes.. as you mentioned.. some ..we make them fresh for each meal.. some you can keep in the refrigerator and eat for several days.. like this fish cake side-dish.. you can keep this spicy fried fish cake more than one week.. if you still have left..hehe hope to see you more often.
Hi Aeri,
Happy New Year 2010! I discovered your website a few days ago and everything looks so good!
I got to visit the korean grocery store today and couldn’t resist picking up some fishcake sheets.
Made this tonight and it was yummy! I over put a bit of the pepper powder and it was a little too spicy for me, but I will be able to adjust next time.
Can’t wait to try out more recipes!
PS: Congrats also on your baby.
hi Wakkun,
Nice to meet you !!! I’m happy to hear that you liked this dish. Yes, please try more Korean dishes.
Thanks for your comment. Happy new year
hihi ! thanks for all the wonderful recipes you provided ^^ is it okay if i leave out the corn syrup? Oh, and is this dish better to eat cold or hot? i tried a similar dish at a korean restaurant and it was served rather cold . Thanks! (:
Hi criza,
aha.. corn syrup gives some texture for this dish… a little sticky..and thick sauce… but you can substitute it to sugar ^^ it’s both good when it’s cool and warm. thanks
Another great recipe! I made this yesterday and it was a hit! Thanks for the recipe.
Hi, crzycpl
Nice to meet you!!!
Thanks for trying the recipe.
I’m very happy to hear that you liked it. hehe..
No, I should thank you for sharing your great recipes. The only time I get to eat many of the food on your blog is either at Korean restaurants or buy prepackaged at stores.
Hi, cruiser
thanks ~~~
It’s my pleasure..hehe
Now you can cook some Korean dishes at home… save money…but yummy.. right ??
You are a fabulous cook. I made this and another without hot pepper for my little one. It is so tasty.
Hi, cruiser
Oh~~~ you left many comments for me. Thank you very much~~ I’m happy that your side-dish turned out good.
p.s I like the expression “for my little one”….hehe