Authentic Korean Fish Cake Soup (Eomuk Tang) Recipe & Origin

Discover the rich history of Busan’s famous street food and learn how to make a comforting bowl of authentic Korean Fish Cake Soup (Eomuk Tang) at home in just 15 minutes.

The Origin of Korean Fish Cake (Eomuk)

Fish cake, known as Eomuk (어묵) in Korea, originates from Busan, the country’s second-largest city and premier port. Blessed with a thriving fishing industry, Busan receives fresh catches daily from bustling fishing fleets.

To make the most of this abundance, local culinary traditions evolved to transform finely minced fish meat, mixed with starch and eggs, into savory fish cakes. Originally sold as simple skewers or hot soup in lively street markets, Eomuk has become one of Korea’s most iconic and beloved comfort foods.

Easy Korean Fish Cake Soup Recipe (Serves 2)

Ingredients

Assorted Fish Cakes: 200g
Korean Radish (Mu): 100g
Crown Daisy (Ssukgat): 50g
Red Chili Pepper: 1
Green Onion & Onion: As needed
Soup Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang): 10ml (approx. 2 tsp)
Anchovy Broth: 500ml

Step 1: Ingredient Preparation

Fish Cakes: Select a variety pack for rich flavors and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Korean Radish: Slice into thin, square bite-sized pieces.
Crown Daisy: Wash thoroughly, drain, and chop into 5cm lengths.
Vegetables: Cut the onion in half and diagonally slice the green onion.

Step 2: Cooking Instructions

Build the Broth: Pour the anchovy broth into a pot. Once it comes to a boil, add the onion half to infuse natural sweetness into the soup.
Simmer the Base: Once boiling again, scoop out the onion. Add the sliced fish cakes and radish to the pot.
Season: Bring the soup to a boil, season with soup soy sauce to taste, and turn off the heat.

Step 3: Plating & Serving

Garnish the soup with sliced red chili peppers and fresh crown daisy. For an authentic dining experience, transfer the soup to a traditional Korean earthenware pot (Ttukbaegi), bring it to a quick boil one last time, and serve steaming hot.

Experience the Real Taste of Busan

To truly experience authentic Korean fish cake, nothing beats a visit to the vibrant coastal city of Busan. Beyond its stunning beach nightscapes and youthful energy, Busan offers an unmatched array of fresh seafood and traditional street-side fish cake skewers. Until your next trip, enjoy bringing a warm piece of Busan culinary culture right into your kitchen!