What are Korean Fish Cakes (Eomuk)?
Korean fish cakes, or Eomuk (어묵), are a beloved street food and versatile ingredient in Korean cooking, featuring prominently in dishes like tteokbokki and savory soups. Made from a mashed fish paste known as surimi, these chewy and savory cakes offer a distinct texture and flavor profile. In Korea, they are also frequently called Odeng (오뎅), a term with Japanese origins that has become synonymous with the product over time. While the cakes are indeed made from real fish, it is the processing method and additional ingredients that distinguish them from whole fish fillets.
The Core Ingredient: Surimi
At the heart of every Korean fish cake is surimi, a processed fish paste. This refined concentrate of myofibrillar proteins is derived from fish meat after removing the bones, skin, and unwanted proteins. The process concentrates the desired fish protein, resulting in a paste that forms the foundation of the fish cake's springy, chewy texture. Common white fish varieties, such as pollock, cod, or snapper, are often used to make surimi.
How Surimi is Made
The surimi production process is a multi-step procedure aimed at creating a high-quality, protein-rich paste:
- Fish Preparation: The process begins with cleaning and deboning fresh fish fillets.
- Mincing and Washing: The fillets are minced into a fine paste and then washed with water to remove sarcoplasmic proteins, blood, fat, and pigments.
- Refining: The refined fish paste is then dewatered and mixed with cryoprotectants to preserve its quality during freezing.
- Adding Ingredients: For Korean fish cakes, this surimi is then mixed with other ingredients to create the final product.
Beyond the Fish: Additional Ingredients
The composition of Korean fish cakes is not limited to surimi alone. A variety of other ingredients are added to influence flavor, texture, and cost. These typically include:
- Fillers: To create a desirable consistency, starches like wheat flour or potato starch are used as binders. These fillers can make up a significant portion of the cake, especially in lower-quality versions.
- Vegetables: Diced vegetables like carrots, onions, and garlic are often mixed into the paste, adding flavor and texture.
- Seasonings: Common seasonings include salt, sugar, and various sauces to enhance the savory and slightly sweet flavor profile. In some cases, flavor enhancers like MSG may also be added.
The Manufacturing Process
Once all ingredients are combined, the paste is kneaded, shaped into various forms (such as sheets, balls, or cylinders), and cooked. In Korea, the most common cooking method is frying, which gives the cakes a golden-brown color and slightly crispy exterior. However, other methods like boiling or steaming are also used, particularly for fish cakes intended for soups.
A Nutritional and Diet Perspective
From a nutritional standpoint, Korean fish cakes offer a significant source of protein, especially those with a higher fish content. As a fish-based product, they can also provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health. However, the overall health profile depends heavily on the specific ingredients and preparation:
- Sodium Content: Many commercial fish cakes are high in sodium due to the salt added for preservation and flavor.
- Fat Content: Fried fish cakes contain a higher fat content than their steamed or boiled counterparts.
- Filler vs. Fish: Cheaper, lower-quality products may have a higher proportion of flour and starches compared to fish, reducing their overall protein and nutritional density.
For a balanced nutrition diet, moderation is key. Choosing higher-quality brands or making homemade fish cakes can provide a healthier option by allowing control over the ingredients.
Comparison Table: High-Quality vs. Low-Quality Eomuk
| Feature | High-Quality Eomuk | Low-Quality Eomuk |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Content | Higher percentage (>50-70%), often from better cuts of whitefish. | Lower percentage, sometimes using cheaper fish or fish waste. |
| Fillers | Minimal starch (e.g., potato starch) to bind ingredients, maximizing fish content. | High proportion of flour and starches to reduce cost. |
| Flavor | Rich, savory umami flavor with a cleaner, fresher fish taste. | Can taste overly sweet or fishy due to lower-quality ingredients and flavorings. |
| Texture | Springy, firm, and slightly chewy due to high protein content. | Softer, less chewy, and sometimes gritty due to lower fish quality. |
| Processing | Generally prepared with higher hygiene standards and better-quality oil if fried. | Potentially processed with lower-grade ingredients and overused oil, which can impact health. |
Conclusion: Are Korean fish cakes real fish?
In conclusion, yes, Korean fish cakes are made from real fish, but it is important to remember they are a processed food, not a whole fish fillet. The base ingredient, surimi, is a refined fish paste, and its quality can vary significantly between brands. While higher-quality fish cakes offer a decent source of protein, lower-quality products contain more fillers, higher sodium, and sometimes unhealthy fats from deep-frying. For a mindful nutrition diet, choosing brands known for their higher fish content, moderating consumption, or opting for boiled or homemade versions is the best approach. A balanced diet incorporates such foods judiciously, acknowledging both their flavor and their nutritional nuances.
Visit Maangchi's recipe for homemade fish cakes to control your ingredients.
Choosing the Best Korean Fish Cakes
- Read the Label: Look for brands that list a high percentage of fish or surimi as the first ingredient to ensure higher quality and protein content.
- Check the Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium levels, as they can be quite high, and factor this into your daily intake.
- Consider Cooking Method: Fried fish cakes will have a higher fat content; opt for boiled versions if you are watching your fat intake.
- Try Busan Brands: Historically, Busan, a major port city, has been known for producing high-quality fish cakes with a higher fish-to-filler ratio.
- Look for Freshness: For pre-packaged options, check the expiration date and ensure proper storage to avoid rancid oil or spoilage.
