Odeng Fish Cake Recipe Korean Street Food at Home

When it comes to comforting street food, Odeng fish cake stands out as a warm, flavorful, and satisfying dish. Moreover, it is simple to prepare and perfect for cold weather. In addition, this Korean delicacy is popular for its soft texture and savory broth. Because of its rich taste and easy preparation, many people enjoy it at home as well as from street vendors. Therefore, learning how to make Odeng fish cake can bring authentic Korean flavors into your kitchen.

Ingredients of Odeng fish cake

• White Fish (Ground) – This is the main ingredient. It provides protein and gives the fish cake its soft texture.
• Cornstarch or Potato Starch – It acts as a binder. Therefore, it helps hold the mixture together.
• Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of fish. In addition, it balances sweetness.
• Sugar – Adds slight sweetness. As a result, it improves taste balance.
• Garlic (Minced) – Gives aroma and depth of flavor.
• Onion (Finely Chopped) – Adds moisture and mild sweetness.
• Carrot (Finely Chopped) – Provides color and slight crunch.
• Egg – Helps bind ingredients and improve texture.
• Black Pepper – Adds mild heat and enhances taste.
• Anchovy Broth – Used for cooking and serving. It adds savory umami flavor.

Ingredients with Quantity

Step by Step Odeng fish cake Recipe

1. Prepare the Fish Mixture
   
   First, place the ground white fish in a large bowl. Then, add cornstarch, salt, sugar, garlic, onion, carrot, egg, and black pepper. After that, mix everything thoroughly until smooth and sticky. This texture ensures soft fish cakes later.
2. Shape the Fish Cakes
   
   Next, lightly oil your hands. Then, take small portions of the mixture and flatten them. Afterward, fold or shape them onto skewers. Make sure they are evenly shaped so they cook properly.
3. Prepare the Broth
   
   Meanwhile, boil anchovy broth in a deep pot. Because the broth adds flavor, do not skip this step.
4. Cook the Fish Cakes
   
   Once the broth is boiling, carefully place the skewered fish cakes into the pot. Then, let them simmer for about 10–15 minutes. As they cook, they will firm up and absorb flavor.
5. Serve Hot
   
   Finally, remove the skewers and serve them in bowls with broth. In addition, you may sprinkle chopped green onions on top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Fish Paste
  
  Although mixing is important, overmixing can make the texture too dense. Therefore, mix just until smooth and sticky.
• Using Low-Quality Fish
  
  Since fish is the main ingredient, poor-quality fish affects taste. Thus, always choose fresh white fish.
• Skipping the Broth Flavoring
  
  Some people use plain water. However, this reduces the authentic taste. Instead, always use anchovy or seaweed broth.
• Cooking at High Heat
  
  Boiling too hard can break the fish cakes. Therefore, simmer gently.

Tips for Perfect Odeng

• Chill the Mixture Before Shaping
  
  If you refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes, it becomes easier to handle.
• Add a Little Sesame Oil
  
  A small amount enhances aroma. However, do not overuse it.
• Taste Test Before Shaping
  
  Fry a small portion first. Then, adjust seasoning if needed.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Variations of Odeng fish cake

• Spicy Odeng
  
  Add Korean chili paste (gochujang) to the mixture. As a result, it becomes spicy and bold.
• Cheese Filled Odeng
  
  Insert small cheese cubes inside. Therefore, it melts and becomes creamy inside.
• Vegetable Odeng
  
  Add cabbage and green onions. Consequently, it becomes healthier and colorful.
• Fried Odeng
  
  Instead of boiling, deep fry the shaped fish cakes. Thus, they become crispy outside and soft inside.
• Benefits and Disadvantages

Benefits of Odeng fish cake

• High Protein Content
  
  Fish provides essential amino acids. Therefore, it supports muscle health.
• Low in Sugar
  
  Compared to many snacks, it contains less sugar.
• Easy to Digest
  
  Its soft texture makes it gentle on the stomach.

Disadvantages of Odeng fish cake

• High Sodium
  
  Because of broth and seasoning, sodium levels can be high.
• Processed Texture
  
  Some commercial versions contain additives. Therefore, homemade is healthier.