Busan Clumpies

Background

Busan Clumpies are an intriguing and delightful dish hailing from the coastal city of Busan, South Korea. Known for its vibrant seafood cuisine, Busan offers a variety of unique dishes, and Clumpies are among the local favorites. Typically enjoyed as a street food, these savory and slightly spicy cakes combine the freshest ingredients from the Korean peninsula. With a history rooted in the daily life of Busan's busy fish markets, Clumpies were initially a way to use up leftover seafood, creating a hearty meal that could be enjoyed on the go. Over time, they have transformed into a beloved dish that represents the beauty of Korean culinary ingenuity and are now crafted with care to highlight the local flavors.

Ingredients

• Flour - 2 cups
• Water - 1.5 cups
• Seafood mix (shrimp, squid, and fish) - 1 pound
• Cabbage, shredded - 1 cup
• Carrots, grated - 1/2 cup
• Green onions, chopped - 1/4 cup
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
• Red pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Egg - 1
• Oil for frying - 1/4 cup

Preparation

To create the perfect Busan Clumpies, you need to start with the freshest seafood you can find. Chop the seafood into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure an even distribution throughout the batter.

Making the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour with 1.5 cups of water. Stir until smooth to form the base batter.
2. Add the chopped seafood, cabbage, carrots, and green onions into the batter. Mix thoroughly to integrate all vegetables evenly.
3. Incorporate the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the flavors.
4. Finally, beat the egg and add it to the mixture; this will help bind the ingredients together during cooking.

Cooking Process

Frying the Clumpies

Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small spoonful of batter into the pan. If it sizzles and bubbles, you are ready to cook the clumpies.

1. Spoon a portion of the batter into the frying pan, shaping it into a round pancake about the size of your palm.
2. Fry each side for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Refer to the cooking timer to avoid overcooking.
3. Once cooked, remove the clumpies from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
4. Repeat the process until all the batter is used up, adding more oil to the pan as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Busan Clumpies are best savored hot and fresh. You can enjoy them as a standalone meal or pair them with a side of kimchi for an authentic Korean experience. For a more substantial meal, serve the clumpies with a bowl of rice and fresh vegetables. Don't forget the dipping sauce - a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a dash of red pepper flakes adds an extra level of flavor to these delicious cakes.