Spicy Korean Rice Cake

Tteokbokki is a bold and flavorful Korean street food classic made with chewy rice cakes simmered in a rich, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. Enhanced with cabbage, scallions, and fish cakes, this comforting dish is both hearty and irresistibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tteokbokki combines a unique chewy texture with layers of deep umami and heat. It’s quick to make, packed with bold Korean flavors, and perfect for anyone who enjoys spicy comfort food. Whether served as a snack, side, or main dish, it’s a memorable addition to any meal.

Ingredients

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

• Korean rice cakes (tteok), soaked if refrigerated
• water
• kombu (dried kelp, optional for broth)
• gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
• soy sauce
• sugar
• minced garlic
• green cabbage, chopped
• scallions, sliced
• Korean fish cakes, sliced
• Optional: boiled egg, sesame seeds, toasted nori for garnish

Directions

1. In a large pan, bring the water and kombu to a gentle boil. After 5 minutes, remove and discard the kombu.
2. Stir in the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic to form a smooth, spicy broth.
3. Add the soaked rice cakes and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
4. Once the rice cakes are tender and the sauce begins to thicken, add the chopped cabbage, scallions, and sliced fish cakes.
5. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the sauce to become glossy and thick.
6. Serve hot, garnished with a boiled egg, sesame seeds, or strips of toasted nori if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 3 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 390 kcal

Variations

• Cheese Tteokbokki: Add shredded mozzarella or a cheese slice on top just before serving.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the fish cakes and use vegetable broth in place of kombu.
• Extra Protein: Include boiled eggs or sliced tofu for added substance.
• Sweet and Spicy: Adjust the sugar and gochujang ratio to balance heat and sweetness to your liking.
• Seafood Twist: Add shrimp or squid for a seafood variation of this classic dish.

Storage/Reheating

Tteokbokki is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and warm over medium heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving for extended periods, as the rice cakes may become overly soft or tough.

FAQs

What are Korean rice cakes made of?

Korean rice cakes (tteok) are made from glutinous rice flour and have a chewy, dense texture ideal for absorbing bold sauces.

Can I use frozen rice cakes?

Yes, just soak them in warm water for 10–15 minutes before cooking to soften.

Is tteokbokki very spicy?

It has a moderate heat level due to gochujang and gochugaru. You can adjust the spice to taste by modifying the amounts.

What is gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented red chili paste that provides both heat and a complex, savory-sweet flavor.

Are fish cakes necessary?

They are traditional and add umami, but you can omit them or replace with tofu for a vegetarian version.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that your gochujang and rice cakes are certified gluten-free.

What should I serve with tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki pairs well with kimchi, pickled radish, or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce mixture can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Let the dish simmer uncovered a bit longer or mash a few rice cakes directly in the pan to release more starch.

Is tteokbokki kid-friendly?

With reduced spice and a sweeter sauce, tteokbokki can be adapted for younger palates.

Conclusion

Tteokbokki is a classic Korean dish that’s comforting, bold, and wonderfully textured. Whether you’re craving spicy street food or exploring Korean cuisine at home, this recipe delivers an authentic experience with minimal effort. It’s a standout dish perfect for sharing—or savoring all to yourself.

Cha

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