Tteokbokki Recipe – South Korea's Spicy Delight

Name: Tteokbokki
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3-5 servings
Cuisine: South-Korea
Ingredients: cloves garlic; dried anchovies heads; fish cakes cut into bite sized pieces; g cylindrical rice cakes tteok; gochugaru korean red chili flakes; gochujang korean red chili paste; green onion; guts removed; hard egg; onion thinly; piece about inches dried kelp dashima; sesame oil; sesame seeds; soy sauce; sugar; water

Tteokbokki is a beloved South Korean street food made from chewy rice cakes, often served in a spicy and savory sauce. This dish holds cultural significance, frequently enjoyed as a snack or meal at food stalls and markets throughout South Korea. It's especially popular during the cold months, bringing warmth and comfort to those who indulge.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~320 kcal / serving

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) cylindrical rice cakes (tteok)
4 cups water
1 piece (about 4 inches) dried kelp (dashima)
4 dried anchovies, heads and guts removed
3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 green onion, chopped
1/2 cup fish cakes, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 hard-boiled egg, peeled (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, combine the water, dried kelp, and dried anchovies. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Remove the kelp and anchovies from the pot and discard them, leaving the broth.

Cook the Rice Cakes

Add the rice cakes to the broth and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften.

Add the Seasonings

Stir in the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Mix well until the sauce is evenly distributed.

Add the Vegetables and Fish Cakes

Add the thinly sliced onion, chopped green onion, and fish cakes to the pot.

Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes are fully cooked and chewy.

Add the Egg (Optional)

If using, add the hard-boiled egg to the pot and let it heat through for a few minutes.

Finish the Dish

Stir in the sesame oil and mix well.

Garnish with sesame seeds.

Serve

Serve the tteokbokki hot, directly from the pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food made from chewy rice cakes stir-fried in a spicy sauce, often enjoyed as a quick snack.

Where does Tteokbokki come from?

Tteokbokki originated in South Korea and has become a staple in Korean cuisine, particularly in bustling street food markets.

What are the main ingredients in Tteokbokki?

Key ingredients include cylindrical rice cakes (tteok), gochujang (Korean red chili paste), gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), soy sauce, and sugar.

How long does Tteokbokki take to make?

Tteokbokki takes approximately 35-45 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki is often served with fish cakes, boiled eggs, or a side of pickled radish for added flavor.

Tteokbokki