Easy Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cakes)

Tteokbokki, a beloved Korean street food, features chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy, sweet, and savory gochujang-based sauce. This dish is a staple in Korean cuisine, known for its comforting flavors and satisfying texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level and add your favorite proteins or vegetables.
• Comfort Food: The combination of chewy rice cakes and flavorful sauce is incredibly satisfying.
• Authentic Flavor: Captures the essence of traditional Korean street food.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Korean rice cakes (tteok)
• Korean fish cakes (eomuk), sliced
• Korean soup stock (dried kelp and dried anchovy stock)
• Onion, thinly sliced
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• Sugar
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
• Sesame oil
• Roasted sesame seeds
• Green onion, finely chopped

Directions

1. Prepare Rice Cakes: Soak the rice cakes in warm water for 10 minutes to soften. If using fresh rice cakes, this step can be skipped.
2. Make Soup Stock: In a shallow pot, bring the Korean soup stock to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, mix gochujang, sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and gochugaru until well combined.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the sauce mixture to the boiling soup stock, stirring to dissolve. Add the soaked rice cakes, fish cakes, and sliced onion to the pot.
5. Cook: Boil for 3 to 5 minutes until the rice cakes are fully cooked. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 2 to 4 minutes to thicken the sauce and deepen the flavor.
6. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle sesame oil over the dish, sprinkle with roasted sesame seeds, and garnish with chopped green onion. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Tteokbokki: Add shredded mozzarella cheese on top before serving for a creamy twist.
• Rabokki: Include instant ramen noodles for a heartier meal.
• Vegetarian: Omit fish cakes and use vegetable stock instead of anchovy stock.
• Seafood: Incorporate shrimp or squid for added protein.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Stir until heated through.

FAQs

What is tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean dish made with chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy and sweet gochujang-based sauce, often accompanied by fish cakes and vegetables.

Can I use frozen rice cakes?

Yes, but it’s recommended to soak them in warm water for at least 10 minutes before cooking to soften and prevent splitting.

How spicy is tteokbokki?

The spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of gochujang and gochugaru used in the recipe.

Can I make tteokbokki without fish cakes?

Absolutely. You can omit fish cakes or substitute them with other proteins like tofu or seafood.

What can I serve with tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki pairs well with boiled eggs, fried dumplings (mandu), or a side of kimchi.

Is tteokbokki gluten-free?

Traditional rice cakes are gluten-free, but ensure that the gochujang and soy sauce used are also gluten-free if needed.

Can I make the dish less spicy?

Yes, reduce the amount of gochujang and gochugaru to lower the heat level.

How do I prevent the rice cakes from becoming too soft?

Avoid overcooking and ensure not to soak them for too long before cooking.

Can I add vegetables to tteokbokki?

Certainly. Common additions include cabbage, carrots, and green onions.

Is it possible to make tteokbokki ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it ahead and reheat, though the texture of the rice cakes may change slightly.

Conclusion

Easy Tteokbokki is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Korean street food into your kitchen. Its combination of chewy rice cakes and a flavorful, spicy-sweet sauce makes it a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe is sure to please.

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