Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

The Soul Food of Korea: Chewy, Spicy, and Sweet!

Introduction If there is one street food that represents Korea, it is undoubtedly Tteokbokki. Walk down any street in Seoul, and you will find people enjoying this spicy, chewy, and addictive dish at street stalls (Pojangmacha). The soft rice cakes coated in a rich Gochujang (red chili paste) sauce create a flavor explosion that you will never forget. It's the ultimate Korean comfort food!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Texture Heaven: The rice cakes (Garaetteok) are incredibly chewy and soft.
• Sweet & Spicy: The sauce is the perfect balance of heat from Gochugaru and sweetness.
• Quick & Easy: You can make authentic Korean street food in less than 20 minutes!

Ingredients

• Main:

  • 300g Korean Rice Cakes (Tteokbokki-tteok) - Tip: Soak in water for 10 mins if frozen.
  • 2 sheets Korean Fish Cakes (Eomuk), cut into triangles
  • 2 Green Onions (Scallions), chopped
  • 3 cups Water (or Anchovy broth for deeper flavor)

• The Golden Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste)
  • 1 tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Red Chili Flakes) - Add more for extra spicy!
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Sugar (or Corn Syrup)
  • 1 tbsp Minced Garlic

Instructions

1. Prep the Rice Cakes: Rinse the rice cakes. If they are hard or frozen, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them.
2. Make the Broth & Sauce: Pour 3 cups of water (or broth) into a large pan. Add the Gochujang, Gochugaru, Soy Sauce, Sugar, and Garlic. Stir well until the sauce dissolves and bring it to a boil.
3. Add the Rice Cakes: Once the sauce is boiling, add the rice cakes. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally so the rice cakes don't stick to the bottom of the pan.
4. Add Fish Cakes & Veggies: Add the fish cakes and green onions. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes are fully cooked (soft and chewy).
5. Final Touch: Taste the sauce! If you want it sweeter, add a little more sugar. Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your homemade K-Street Food!