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Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cakes)

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Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food made with chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy, sweet, and savory gochujang-based sauce. This dish is quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors, perfect for a comforting meal or snack!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tteokbokki:

  • 1 lb (450g) Korean rice cakes (tteok, cylindrical)
  • 3 cups water (or anchovy broth for authentic flavor)
  • 1 sheet dried kelp (optional, for extra umami)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • ½ cup fish cakes (sliced, optional)
  • 1 hard-boiled egg (optional, for serving)
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Spicy Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes, adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp sesame oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cakes

  1. If using frozen or hard rice cakes, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain before cooking.

Step 2: Make the Broth

  1. In a large pan or pot, bring water (or anchovy broth) to a simmer. Add dried kelp and cook for 5 minutes, then remove.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, mix gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil into a smooth paste.

Step 4: Cook the Tteokbokki

  1. Add the rice cakes and fish cakes (if using) to the broth.
  2. Stir in the spicy sauce and let simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes become soft and chewy.
  3. Add green onions and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

  1. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced boiled egg (optional).


Notes

  • Milder Version: Reduce gochugaru or add 1 tbsp ketchup for sweetness.
  • Extra Umami: Use anchovy broth instead of water for deeper flavor.
  • Add Protein: Try ramen noodles, cheese, or sausage for variations.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.