🍢 Korean Soul Food Series: Eomuk (Fish Cake)
Warm, savory, and endlessly comforting. Let’s dive into Korea’s beloved street food – eomuk.
When the cold wind blows across Korea, one food stall draws everyone near: the eomuk cart. These fish cakes, gently simmering in golden broth, are more than a snack — they are a taste of home, a symbol of winter, and a shared comfort across generations.
💙 A Taste of Korean Winter
Eomuk (also known as odeng) is more than street food — it’s an emotional anchor for many Koreans. Whether in a bustling market or beside a subway exit, steaming cups of eomuk broth warm frozen hands and hearts alike.
During winter, locals and tourists alike look for ways to recreate that feeling at home. That’s why terms like korean fish cake soup and odeng recipe keep gaining attention worldwide.
🍲 What’s in Eomuk?
Made from pureed white fish, flour, and seasonings, eomuk is shaped into various forms — skewers, rolls, bars. These are then simmered in a light but deeply savory broth made from dried anchovies, kelp, and radish.
Today, many families use ready-made fish cake soup base or hot pot kits for quick preparation. It’s a go-to meal in colder seasons.
👩🍳 How Is Eomuk Made?
Traditional Korean fish cake is made by finely grinding white fish—such as pollock or cod—into a smooth paste. This fish paste is then mixed with ingredients like flour, sugar, salt, and vegetables, and shaped into thin sheets or rolls.
Once formed, these cakes are steamed or boiled, and sometimes lightly fried for extra texture. This process creates a bouncy, chewy texture that’s ideal for soups and stir-fries. Many fans around the world search for how to make Korean eomuk at home to recreate this taste from scratch.
🌶️ Variations and Twists
- Street Skewers: Most iconic, served with cups of hot broth
- Busan-style Eomuk: Thicker and chewier, signature of Korea’s southern coast
- Eomuk Soup: A full meal with noodles, veggies, and fish cakes
- Stir-fried Eomuk: Sweet-salty soy sauce glaze, often in lunchboxes
🛍️ Try Eomuk at Home
Recreate the cozy eomuk experience with just a few clicks. These curated packs deliver comfort straight to your kitchen:
📌 Before You Go…
We’ve explored the golden comfort of eomuk together. Craving more? Check out the rest of our Korean Soul Food Series and discover the rich stories behind Korea’s most beloved dishes.
🍴 Explore More Korean Dishes
