A Guide to Purchasing Authentic Korean Fish Cakes

Korean fish cakes, also known as eomuk or odeng, are a popular ingredient and street food in Korean cuisine Their tender, bouncy texture and umami flavor make them an addictive snack or addition to soups and stews If you’ve never tried these satisfying fish cakes before, you’re missing out! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find and purchase authentic Korean fish cakes.

What are Korean Fish Cakes?

Korean fish cakes, known as eomuk or odeng, are made from a batter containing fish or fish surimi, starch, egg, and flavorings that is then steamed, boiled, or fried into cylindrical sticks or flat sheets. The common fish used are varieties like pollock, cod, mackerel, and anchovy. The batter binds the ingredients and provides the distinctive soft, chewy texture.

Korean fish cakes have a mild savory seafood flavor enhanced by additions like sesame oil, scallions, garlic, and pepper flakes. They can be enjoyed on their own as a snack, added to soups and stews, or used as an ingredient in other Korean dishes.

Where to Buy Korean Fish Cakes

Finding authentic high-quality Korean fish cakes can require some sleuthing if you don’t live near an Asian market. Here are some of the best places to buy fresh and frozen Korean fish cakes

Local Asian Markets

An Asian supermarket, especially one specializing in Korean ingredients will offer the best selection and freshest fish cakes. Check the refrigerated section for fresh packaged eomuk and the freezer aisle for frozen varieties.

Online Retailers

Several online stores sell shelf-stable and frozen Korean fish cakes that can be shipped nationwide:

• HMart – Large selection of eomuk types and brands
• Amazon – Sells brands like Ottogi and CJ Foods
• Yamibuy – Fish cakes sold under Yami brand
• Walmart – Carries Chung Jung One brand frozen fish cakes

International Grocery Stores

Some larger mainstream grocery chains like Wegmans, H-E-B, and Kroger have expanded international sections with Korean pantry staples including fish cakes.

Korean Bakeries and Restaurants

Korean bakeries or restaurants may sell fish cakes over the counter or have them as part of prepared food offerings.

Types of Korean Fish Cakes to Buy

There are many varieties and brands of Korean fish cakes to suit different recipes and preferences:

• Eomuk – Basic cylindrical fish cakes available fresh or frozen
• Odeng – Flat, longer fish cakes usually served in soup
• Eomuk-hoe – Fish cake sheets sliced into thinner pieces
• Jjin-eomuk – Steamed sliced fish cakes with sesame oil
• Chive eomuk – Fish cakes with chives and vegetables mixed in
• Ramen eomuk – Fish cakes made with ramen noodles

Brands like Ottogi, CJ Foods, and Pulmuone are top picks. Check labels for ingredients and avoid additives.

What to Look for When Buying Korean Fish Cakes

To ensure you purchase high-quality Korean fish cakes, look for:

• Made in Korea – Authentic fish cakes are produced in Korea.

• Minimal ingredients – Fish, starch, egg, and seasoning should be the main components.

• Firm, intact cakes – Avoid torn, mushy, or dried out fish cakes.

• Bright, uniform color – Look for consistent pale white/pink color without discoloration.

• Proper refrigeration/freezing – Fresh fish cakes should be chilled, frozen ones completely frozen.

• Reputable brand – Stick to well-known Korean producers like Pulmuone and Ottogi.

• Reasonable price – Average $3 to $8 per 1 lb package. Extremely cheap prices signal poor quality.

How to Store Korean Fish Cakes

To maintain freshness and quality, store unused fish cakes:

• Fresh fish cakes should be kept chilled and consumed within a few days.

• Frozen varieties can be kept frozen for months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

• Don’t refreeze fish cakes after thawing.

• Once opened, transfer unused portions to a sealable container and refrigerate.

• Avoid keeping refrigerated fish cakes longer than 5 days. Discard if they smell bad or look slimy.

Proper storage keeps Korean fish cakes tasting great until you’re ready to use them.

Preparing and Cooking with Korean Fish Cakes

Korean fish cakes are very versatile. They can be used in many ways:

• Slice and pan fry for a crispy snack.

• Add to soups and stews for extra protein and texture.

• Skewer and grill with vegetables and meat.

• Stir fry lightly with noodles and vegetables.

• Embed in rice balls or noodle dishes.

• Serve sliced on top of rice bowls and salads.

Experiment with incorporating eomuk and odeng into your favorite Korean recipes or other Asian and fusion dishes. Their fun chewy bite pairs well with all types of ingredients and cooking methods.

Delicious Korean Fish Cake Recipes to Try

Here are some classic and creative recipes for you to try with Korean fish cakes:

• Tteokbokki – Spicy rice cakes with fish cakes
• Sundubu Jjigae – Soft tofu stew with odeng
• Japchae – Sweet potato noodles stir fried with vegetables and fish cakes
• Eomuk Bokkeum – Spicy stir fried fish cakes
• Eomuk Kalguksu – Knife cut noodles in anchovy broth with fish cakes
• Eomuk Sandwich – Fish cakes, vegetables, and mayo on milk bread
• Eomuk Jeon – Crispy fish cake pancake

The possibilities are endless for incorporating these versatile fish cakes into your cooking!

Where to Find More Korean Fish Cake Inspiration

For more eomuk and odeng recipe ideas, check out these resources:

• Maangchi – Korean cooking authority with fish cake recipes
• Korean Bapsang – Excellent Korean recipe blog with fish cake content
• Food & Wine – Creative Korean-inspired fish cake recipes
• My Korean Kitchen – fish cake recipes by Korean food blogger
• The Spruce Eats – Informational guide on cooking with eomuk