Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

  • Total time - 30 minutes
  • Preparation - 10 minutes
  • Cooking time - 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Korea
A rich, red bowl of Tteokbokki with rice cakes and sauce.

For the best flavor, Tteokbokki is cooked in a dashi broth, but if you don't have it, you can also use vegetable broth or water with added seasoning powder. You should soak the rice cakes in warm water before cooking them to soften them and help them absorb the flavor better.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 500 g tteok (rice cakes)
  • 700 ml dashi stock (or water)
  • 100 g fish cakes (optional)
  • 2 pieces boiled eggs, halved (optional)
  • 1 bunch scallions, chopped

For the Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (or corn syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the rice cakes

If using frozen rice cakes, soak them in a bowl of warm water for 15 minutes to soften. If they are fresh, you can skip this step. After soaking, drain them thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the sauce

In a small bowl, mix the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Create a smooth paste.

Step 3: Cooking

In a deep pot, heat the dashi stock (or water) and add the prepared sauce. Stir well to dissolve the sauce completely. Bring it to a boil.

Step 4: Add the ingredients

Add the rice cakes and fish cakes (if using) to the boiling sauce. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes are tender.

Step 5: Finish and serve

Add the chopped scallions. You can also add the boiled eggs if desired. Serve immediately, best garnished with sesame seeds and extra scallions.