Grilled Korean Fish Cakes (Eomuk Gui) on the Arteflame

Introduction

Grilled Korean Fish Cakes, or Eomuk Gui, are a delicious and easy-to-make Korean street food. Lightly grilled and brushed with a sweet soy glaze, these fish cakes develop a rich, smoky flavor that makes them absolutely irresistible. Using the Arteflame grill allows you to achieve perfect even grilling on the flat cooktop griddle, ensuring the glaze caramelizes beautifully without burning. This recipe is quick, full of umami, and makes for a fantastic appetizer or side dish to any Korean meal!

Ingredients

• 6 Korean fish cakes (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a kick (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 green onions, finely sliced, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper and allow the wood to catch fire.
4. Wait about 20 minutes for the cooktop to heat up properly before grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the glaze

1. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and gochugaru.
2. Stir well until combined.

Step 3: Grill the fish cakes

1. Add butter to the flat cooktop griddle, letting it melt and coat the surface.
2. Place the fish cakes on the griddle closer to the center for a higher heat sear.
3. Cook each side for about 2 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 4: Brush with sweet soy glaze

1. Using a brush, generously coat one side of the fish cakes with the soy glaze.
2. Flip them over and brush the other side.
3. Continue grilling for another 2 minutes until the glaze caramelizes.

Step 5: Serve and garnish

1. Remove the fish cakes from the grill.
2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
3. Serve immediately while warm!

Tips

• For more intense flavor, let the fish cakes sit in the glaze for 5 minutes before grilling.
• Adjust grilling temperature by moving the fish cakes toward the outer edge of the flat cooktop if they cook too quickly.
• Use high-quality fish cakes for the best taste and texture.

Variations

1. Spicy Eomuk Gui: Add extra gochugaru or drizzle with spicy gochujang sauce before serving.
2. Garlic Butter Eomuk: Mix minced garlic into the butter for an extra layer of rich, garlicky flavor.
3. Cheesy Eomuk: Place a small slice of cheese on top of the fish cakes during the last 30 seconds of grilling.
4. Teriyaki Eomuk: Swap the soy glaze for your favorite homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce.
5. Honey-Mustard Eomuk: Mix honey and Dijon mustard for a tangy-sweet twist on the glaze.

Best pairings

• Kimchi – A spicy fermented side that enhances the savory flavor of fish cakes.
• Steamed rice – A simple, classic pairing for balance.
• Grilled vegetables – Perfectly seared vegetables on the Arteflame griddle complement the dish.
• Cold beer or Makgeolli – Refreshing drinks to contrast the savory-sweet flavors.

Conclusion

Grilled Korean Fish Cakes (Eomuk Gui) are a simple yet flavorful snack or side dish that comes together beautifully on the Arteflame grill. The even heat distribution ensures a perfect caramelized glaze, while the butter enhances the savory flavors. Serve these delicious grilled fish cakes at any gathering or enjoy them as a quick bite!