Are Korean fish cakes high in calories? The surprising truth

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a single serving of Korean fish cake, or eomuk, can have a moderate to high calorie count, heavily influenced by its preparation method. While the core ingredient is fish, the addition of oil, flour, and starches during processing and cooking can significantly increase the total calories, leading many to question: are Korean fish cakes high in calories?

Quick Summary

An analysis of Korean fish cakes (eomuk) reveals that calorie content is highly dependent on whether they are deep-fried or boiled, and the quantity of fillers like flour and sugar. Though fish provides protein, the cooking method and ingredients can increase fat, sugar, and sodium, impacting their nutritional profile.

Key Points

Calories Vary Greatly: The calorie count depends on whether the fish cake is deep-fried or boiled, and the amount of starchy fillers used.
Fried = More Calories: Deep-frying is the main reason some Korean fish cakes are higher in fat and calories compared to boiled versions.
Check for Fillers: Fish cakes with more flour and less fish will have a higher calorie and carbohydrate count, so read the labels.
Sodium is a Concern: Both boiled and fried versions of eomuk tend to be high in sodium, so moderating your intake is important for blood pressure.
Healthy Enjoyment is Possible: You can reduce the calorie impact by blanching fish cakes to remove oil, opting for boiled preparations, and serving them with lots of vegetables.
Look for Better Ingredients: For the healthiest choice, find brands that list fish as the primary ingredient and have fewer additives.

Understanding Korean Fish Cakes (Eomuk or Odeng)

Korean fish cakes, known as eomuk or odeng, are a beloved staple in Korean cuisine. Made from pureed fish, starches, and other flavorings, they are a versatile ingredient found in stews, side dishes (banchan), and as a popular street food on skewers in broth. The perception of their caloric value is often mixed, with some assuming they are a lean, healthy protein source due to the fish content, while others suspect they are high in calories due to how they are processed and cooked.

The Calorie Breakdown: Ingredients and Cooking Methods

The calorie count of Korean fish cakes is not a single, fixed number. Several factors influence the final energy value, from the ingredients used in production to the method of cooking:

Type of fish and fillers: The base of eomuk is fish paste, which is naturally low in calories. However, manufacturers add starches like wheat flour and corn starch, and sometimes sugar, to achieve the desired texture and flavor. Higher proportions of these fillers will lead to more carbohydrates and, consequently, more calories.
Cooking method is critical: The most significant factor is how the fish cake is cooked. Many commercially produced fish cakes are deep-fried, which dramatically increases their fat and calorie content. Street food skewers are often boiled in a light broth (eomuk tang), but some varieties may still be fried.
Additional ingredients and sauces: When fish cakes are incorporated into a dish, the overall calorie count changes. A stir-fried fish cake side dish (eomuk bokkeum) uses oil for sautéing and a sugary sauce, driving up the calories. A simple fish cake soup, however, remains lower in calories.

Deep-Fried vs. Boiled: A Nutritional Comparison

To highlight the impact of cooking method, here is a comparison of typical nutritional values (per 100g) for a deep-fried eomuk versus a simple boiled or blanched version. Note that values can vary significantly by brand and recipe.


Nutrient	Deep-Fried Fish Cake (per 100g)	Boiled Fish Cake (per 100g, approx)
Calories	~130-180 kcal	~90-110 kcal
Fat	5-11g	1-3g
Sodium	400-500+ mg	200-300 mg
Carbohydrates	11-18g	5-10g
Protein	6-10g	8-12g

As the table clearly demonstrates, the fried version contains a higher proportion of fat and consequently more calories. The sodium content is also a significant factor in both preparations, making moderation key regardless of the cooking method.

Health Implications Beyond Just Calories

While the calorie count is a key consideration for weight management, other health factors associated with Korean fish cakes are also important. These are, by nature, a processed food. High levels of sodium are often used for flavor and preservation. The deep-frying process, especially in commercially produced versions or certain street food stalls, can sometimes involve reused, lower-quality oil, which is less healthy. Certain brands may also include flavor enhancers, preservatives, and higher levels of sugar, which detract from their nutritional value.

For those concerned about overall health, it's wise to focus on the preparation and source of the fish cakes. Blanching store-bought fish cakes before adding them to a dish can help remove excess oil and salt. Choosing fish cakes with a higher fish content and fewer fillers is also a healthier option.

How to Enjoy Korean Fish Cakes Healthily

It is certainly possible to incorporate Korean fish cakes into a balanced diet. Here are some tips:

Opt for boiled over fried: When possible, choose fish cakes served in a light, savory broth (eomuk tang) over deep-fried or heavily sauced versions. If using pre-packaged cakes, boil or steam them instead of frying.
Blanch first: Before adding pre-packaged eomuk to a stir-fry or soup, blanching them in boiling water for a minute helps remove some of the excess oil and salt.
Pair with vegetables: Balance the meal by serving eomuk with a large quantity of fresh vegetables. This adds fiber and nutrients while reducing the portion size of the fish cake itself.
Control your portion size: As with any processed food, moderation is key. Enjoy Korean fish cakes as a small side dish or an occasional treat rather than a main component of every meal.
Check the ingredients list: Look for brands with a high fish content listed first on the ingredients label and with lower amounts of fillers, sugar, and sodium. For more on how to identify healthier options, you can check out resources on healthy Korean food choices like this article on Reddit

Conclusion

So, are Korean fish cakes high in calories? The answer is nuanced. While the base ingredient of fish is lean, the processing and cooking methods are the primary determinants of the final calorie count. Deep-fried fish cakes are significantly higher in calories, fat, and sodium compared to those simply boiled or steamed. By choosing healthier preparation methods, paying attention to portion sizes, and pairing them with fresh vegetables, it is possible to enjoy this delicious Korean favorite without derailing your health goals. Moderation and mindful preparation are the keys to a balanced enjoyment of eomuk.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical serving of Korean fish cake (eomuk) from a street vendor, which is often boiled on a skewer, contains approximately 130-160 calories per 100g, though this can vary based on size and brand.

Yes, the cooking method has a huge impact. Deep-frying significantly increases the fat and calorie content, while boiling or steaming keeps the calories much lower by avoiding added oil.

Yes, eomuk tang is generally healthier. Eomuk tang involves boiling the fish cakes in a light broth, while eomuk bokkeum is stir-fried in oil with a sweet and savory sauce, which adds more fat and sugar.

They are a source of protein, but their quality varies. Fish cakes with a higher percentage of actual fish meat and fewer fillers will provide a better protein source. Some brands have more fillers than fish.

You can reduce the sodium and excess oil by blanching the fish cakes in boiling water for a minute before adding them to your final dish.

Yes, besides calories, you should be mindful of the high sodium content and potential additives like MSG and preservatives found in some processed versions.

No, not all Korean fish cakes are deep-fried. While many commercially produced and street food varieties are fried, many are also sold and prepared by boiling, such as in soups, or steaming.