Tteokbokki: Korean Spicy Rice Cakes

Name: Tteokbokki: Korean Spicy Rice Cakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 450 g tteok (Korean rice cakes) (fresh or soaked if frozen); 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sugar; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 1/2 cups water; 2 green onions (sliced); 1 tsp sesame seeds

35 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Enjoy a fiery and flavourful Korean street food with this tteokbokki recipe, perfect for spice enthusiasts and fans of Korean cuisine.

Prep

15 min

Cook

20 min

Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food that combines chewy rice cakes with a spicy and sweet sauce, creating a dish that is both comforting and exhilarating. Originating from Korea, tteokbokki has become a staple for those who love spicy foods and crave the unique texture of rice cakes. This version of tteokbokki ensures a perfect balance of heat and sweetness by using gochujang, a Korean red chili paste, paired with soy sauce, sugar, and garlic. It's an ideal recipe for anyone looking to explore Korean cuisine or spice up their meal routine with something new and exciting.

Instructions

Prepare the rice cakes

If using frozen rice cakes, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain before use.

Pro tip: This step ensures that the rice cakes cook evenly and have a soft texture.

Mix the sauce

In a bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and water. Stir until the mixture is smooth.

Pro tip: Adjust the amount of gochujang to taste if you prefer a milder or spicier sauce.

Cook the rice cakes

In a deep skillet over medium heat, pour the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer.

Add rice cakes

Add the rice cakes to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the rice cakes are tender and the sauce thickens.

Pro tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Garnish

Once the rice cakes are cooked, remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Pro tip: Garnishing adds a fresh flavour and a bit of crunch to the dish.

Serve

Serve immediately while hot, optionally with steamed rice or other side dishes.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Ensure rice cakes are fresh or properly soaked for best texture.
Adjust gochujang to control the spice level.
Use a deep skillet for even cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tteokbokki made of?

Tteokbokki is made from tteok (Korean rice cakes) cooked in a spicy sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic.

How many calories are in tteokbokki?

A typical serving of tteokbokki contains about 320 calories.

How do you store leftover tteokbokki?

Store leftover tteokbokki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.

Can you make tteokbokki less spicy?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of gochujang or add more sugar to make tteokbokki less spicy.

What can I serve with tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki can be served with steamed rice, kimchi, or other Korean side dishes like japchae or kimchi pancakes.

Is tteokbokki gluten-free?

Traditional tteokbokki is not gluten-free due to soy sauce. Use gluten-free soy sauce and check rice cakes for gluten-free certification.

What is the texture of tteokbokki rice cakes?

Tteokbokki rice cakes have a chewy and soft texture, ideal when cooked properly in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Tteokbokki is best enjoyed fresh and hot, right off the stove. Pair it with a bowl of steamed rice to balance the heat or serve it alongside other Korean dishes like kimchi pancakes or japchae for a complete meal. You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Leftover tteokbokki can be reheated gently on the stove, adding a splash of water to restore its saucy consistency.

Nutrition per serving

320

Calories

Protein

Fat

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