Eomuk jeon-gol, a vibrant and comforting Korean fish cake hot pot, is the perfect dish for a chilly evening or a cozy gathering. This hearty stew, brimming with chewy fish cakes (eomuk), vegetables, and a flavorful broth, offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. The generous amount of eomuk provides a satisfying chewiness, while the vegetables add a refreshing crispness that cuts through the richness of the broth. The simple yet deeply satisfying flavors make it a beloved dish across Korea, easy to customize to your liking with different vegetables and spices. Beyond its deliciousness, eomuk jeon-gol is incredibly convenient, a true one-pot wonder.
This recipe offers a delicious and accessible way to experience the magic of eomuk jeon-gol in your own kitchen. Ready to dive into the simple steps that will bring this comforting Korean classic to your table? Let's get started with our detailed, step-by-step guide!
Tools Needed
- Large pot
- Tea bag
- Strainer
- Wide shallow pot
- Portable stove (optional)
Ingredients
- Korean radish (Mu): 300g
- Onion: 1 medium
- Korean cooking wine (Beum): 1/4 cup
- Garlic: 6 cloves, crushed
- Scallions: 2
- Peppercorns: 12-16
- Dried anchovies, kelp, and shrimp (Tashi pack): 2 packs
- Korean soy sauce for broth (Kuk-jang): 2 tbsp
- Shitake mushrooms: 2
- Korean fish cakes (Amuk): 110g (for broth) + 8 skewers + extra for hot pot
- Salt: 1/2 tbsp
- Beef dashi or MSG: 1/2 tsp
- Udon noodles: 2 packages
- Napa cabbage (Petu): 3 leaves
- Brown sugar: 1/2 tsp
- Minced scallions (green parts only): 1 tbsp
- Sujeonggwa (optional garnish)
- Spicy pepper (optional): 1
- Water: 3L
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Flavorful Broth & Fish Cakes
- In a large pot, combine water, half an onion, Korean radish, cooking wine, scallions, peppercorns, and garlic. Bring to a boil.
- Add the Tashi pack and boil for 10 minutes.
- Remove Tashi pack, add Kuk-jang and shitake mushrooms, and 110g of fish cakes. Boil for another 10 minutes.
- Strain the broth and season with salt and dashi or MSG. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Cut fish cakes as desired or use pre-skewered ones. Optional: Soak cut fish cakes in cold water to make skewering easier.
Step 2. Assemble and Cook the Hot Pot
- In a wide pot, add cooked radish, half onion, optional spicy pepper, and udon noodles. Arrange fish cakes and napa cabbage.
- Using a portable stove or your regular stove, heat the broth until boiling. Add more broth as needed.
Step 3. Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- Combine broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced scallions.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with Sujeonggwa (optional) and serve.
Read more: Authentic Korean Spicy Beef Soup (Yukgaejang) Recipe
Tips
- Use Korean radish for the best flavor; Japanese radish or small pink radishes are acceptable substitutes.
- Don't discard the root ends of scallions; they add flavor to the broth. Freeze leftover root ends for future use.
- Don't overcook dried anchovies to avoid a fishy smell.
- Add fish cakes to the broth to enhance its flavor.
- Use Korean fish cakes (Amuk) for the authentic taste. Japanese fish cakes can be a substitute, but the flavor will differ.
- The dipping sauce is meant to be salty. Use sparingly.
- It's acceptable to slurp noodles and drink the broth directly from the bowl in Korean culture.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbs: 90-100g
- Protein: 30-35g
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of fish cakes?
Absolutely! While traditional eomuk is preferred, you can experiment with various shapes, sizes, and even seafood-based alternatives.
2. What if I don't have all the listed vegetables?
No problem! Eomuk jeon-gol is very adaptable. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand – the more the merrier!
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the broth and vegetables ahead. Add the fish cakes just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Eomuk Jeon-gol, with its simple elegance and deeply satisfying flavors, is a true testament to Korean culinary comfort. This versatile one-pot wonder is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, easily adaptable to your preferences and readily enjoyed by all. So gather your ingredients, embrace the warmth, and savor the deliciousness of this classic Korean hot pot.