Korean fried fish is more than just crispy fillets—it’s a masterpiece of flavors, textures, and sauces that make every bite worth savoring.
From spicy gochujang glazes to cheesy, crunchy coatings, these recipes prove that fried fish can be anything but boring.
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, spicy, or ultra-crispy, I’ve got you covered. Get your frying pan ready because these 19 Korean fried fish recipes are about to change the game!
1. Soy-Garlic Fried Fish
Sweet, savory, and oh-so-addictive, this soy-garlic fried fish is what crispy dreams are made of.
The fish is fried to golden perfection, then coated in a sticky, garlicky soy glaze that clings to every crunchy bite.
A sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions adds extra texture and flavor. Serve it over steaming rice,
or just eat it straight from the pan—I won’t judge. Either way, your taste buds are in for a serious treat.
2. Gochujang Fried Fish
Brace yourself for bold flavors and a serious kick of heat! This fried fish gets a crispy golden crust before being drenched in a fiery gochujang sauce.
The smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet glaze makes each bite irresistible. A little honey balances out the heat, while a squeeze of fresh lime brightens it up.
If you love Korean spicy chicken, this is its fishy (but just as delicious) cousin.
3. Korean Fried Fish Cutlets (Dongtae Jeon)
Simple but oh-so-satisfying, these lightly battered and pan-fried fish fillets are a staple in Korean home cooking.
They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and best enjoyed with a soy-based dipping sauce.
Think of them as the fishy equivalent of Korean pancakes—easy to make, even easier to eat. Pair them with steamed rice and kimchi for the full banchan experience.
4. Sesame-Crusted Fried Fish
If you love an extra crunch, this one’s for you. Instead of regular breadcrumbs, this fried fish is coated in a thick layer of sesame seeds before hitting the pan.
The result? A nutty, crunchy exterior that pairs beautifully with the flaky fish inside. A light soy dipping sauce with a splash of rice vinegar ties everything together. Warning: once you try this, regular fried fish might never be enough.
5. Korean Beer-Battered Fried Fish
Crispy, airy, and packed with flavor—beer batter is a game changer. The secret to this ultra-light and crunchy coating? Cold, fizzy beer mixed with a little rice flour.
The carbonation makes the batter puff up beautifully, while a dash of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) adds a hint of warmth. Pair it with an ice-cold beer, and you’ve got a perfect match.
6. Mozzarella-Stuffed Korean Fried Fish
Why just eat fried fish when you can stuff it with cheese? These crispy fillets hide a melty, stretchy mozzarella surprise in every bite.
The contrast between the crunchy crust and gooey cheese is a chef’s kiss. Dip them in a spicy gochujang mayo, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner. Warning: the cheese pull is highly Instagrammable.
7. Creamy Mayo Fried Fish
Crunchy fish meets creamy, spicy, slightly sweet mayo sauce in this addictively good recipe. The fried fish stays crispy even under a generous drizzle of sauce, making each bite a perfect balance of textures.
Think spicy mayo-covered sushi rolls but in fried fish form.
A little squeeze of lemon makes everything pop. Serve it with shredded cabbage for that classic Korean street food vibe.
8. Cheese-Crusted Fried Fish
Because crispy fried fish and cheese are two of the greatest things ever, this recipe combines them into one epic dish.
The fillets are coated in a Parmesan and cheddar crust that turns golden brown and crunchy as it fries.
The cheese melts slightly, giving it a deep, toasty flavor.
Add a little honey drizzle if you want to get fancy—it’s a surprisingly delicious combo!
9. Honey Butter Fried Fish
Who knew crispy fish could be buttery and sweet at the same time?
This fried fish is smothered in a rich honey butter glaze that melts into the crunchy crust, creating the perfect balance of salty and sweet.
A dash of cayenne adds a tiny kick, making it even more addictive. If you love honey butter chicken, just wait until you try this fish version.
10. Korean Sweet Chili Fried Fish
This one is all about that sticky-sweet glaze. A perfect mix of garlic, honey, soy sauce, and Korean chili paste creates a sauce that coats the crispy fish beautifully.
It’s got heat, sweetness, and umami in every bite. Pro tip: let the fish sit in the sauce for just a minute before serving—the crust soaks up all the flavor without losing its crunch.
11. Korean BBQ Fried Fish
BBQ sauce isn’t just for ribs! This smoky, slightly sweet Korean BBQ sauce clings to every crispy bite of fried fish. A hint of gochujang gives it an irresistible depth of flavor.
Serve it with a side of pickled radish to balance out the richness. If you love Korean BBQ, this is the perfect way to get those flavors in a new, crispy form.
12. Korean Fried Fish Nuggets
Bite-sized, crispy, and perfect for dipping—these nuggets are dangerously addictive.
They’re double-fried for extra crunch and seasoned with a mix of garlic, gochugaru, and a little brown sugar. Serve them with a creamy gochujang dipping sauce for a next-level snack. Kids and adults alike will devour these in seconds.
13. Korean Fried Fish Tenders
Golden, crispy, and packed with flavor, these fish tenders are the ultimate comfort food.
They’re coated in a seasoned flour mixture with a hint of garlic and gochugaru for that signature Korean kick.
The double-fry method ensures an extra crispy crust that stays crunchy even after dipping. Speaking of dips, a side of spicy Korean mayo or soy-garlic sauce takes these tenders to the next level.
Serve them up with a side of pickled radish, and watch them disappear in minutes!
14. Korean Fried Fish Skewers
Why settle for ordinary fried fish when you can have it on a stick? These Korean-style fish skewers are lightly battered, deep-fried, and brushed with a sweet-and-spicy glaze.
The skewers make them easy to eat, making them a hit for parties or quick meals. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions adds extra flavor and crunch.
Pair with a cold drink, and you’ve got a perfect snack that feels like Korean street food at home!
15. Kimchi Fried Fish
Kimchi lovers, this one’s for you! This recipe takes crispy fried fish and infuses it with the bold, tangy flavors of fermented Korean cabbage.
Finely chopped kimchi is mixed into the batter, giving each bite a punch of spice and umami.
The result is a crispy, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and a handful of green onions for an extra layer of deliciousness.
16. Korean Cornflake-Crusted Fried Fish
For the ultimate crunch, ditch the breadcrumbs and go for cornflakes! This coating gives the fish an extra crispy, golden-brown crust with a slightly sweet undertone.
A quick dip in a spicy honey glaze makes it even more irresistible.
The contrast between the crispy exterior and the flaky fish inside is pure magic.
Serve with a side of kimchi slaw for a fun twist on a classic fried dish.
17. Rice Flour Korean Fried Fish
Looking for a lighter, crunchier batter? Rice flour is the secret ingredient! It creates a delicate,
airy crust that stays crispy even after dipping into sauces. A touch of cornstarch helps achieve that signature crunch without feeling heavy.
The result is a golden, crispy fillet that pairs beautifully with spicy soy-garlic sauce.
If you prefer a gluten-free option that still delivers on texture, this one’s a winner.
18. Air-Fried Korean Fried Fish
Crispy fried fish without the guilt? Yes, please! This air-fried version keeps all the crunch while cutting back on oil, making it a healthier alternative.
A light coating of Korean spices, rice flour, and cornstarch ensures the perfect texture. The trick is to spray the fish with a little oil before air-frying for that golden finish.
Serve with a side of tangy gochujang dipping sauce, and you won’t even miss deep-frying.
19. Gluten-Free Korean Fried Fish
No gluten? No problem! This recipe swaps out traditional flour for a mix of rice flour and cornstarch, creating a crispy, golden crust that rivals any classic version.
The batter stays light and crunchy, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
A simple soy-vinegar dipping sauce adds a tangy kick to balance out the richness.
Whether you have gluten sensitivities or just want to try something new, this dish is proof that gluten-free can still be deliciously crispy.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—19 ridiculously good Korean fried fish recipes that’ll have you frying up a storm.
Whether you’re into spicy, cheesy, sweet, or extra crispy, there’s something here for you. So grab your favorite fish, heat up that oil, and get ready for some serious crunch!