Fish Cake (Eomuk · Eomuk/Odeng)

🔍 What is it?

Eomuk is fish paste that's ground, kneaded, and then fried or steamed. While it's related to Japanese kamaboko, Korea is known for its street food culture of skewering flat, square eomuk and boiling it in broth.

👅 Taste and Aroma

Soft and chewy texture, subtle fish sweetness.

🍳 How to use it

Eomuk-tang (the national snack of winter streets — unlimited broth refills are the rule), Eomuk-bokkeum (the king of lunchbox side dishes), a partner in Tteokbokki.

🛒 Buying/Substitute Tips

Look for 'fish cake' in the frozen section of Asian markets. Pour boiling water over it once to remove excess oil before cooking, and your broth will be cleaner.