Korean
Tteokbokki
A popular Korean street food made from chewy rice cakes and fish cakes simmered in a sweet and spicy chili sauce.
Watch it made딜라이트 · 23:23
Ingredients
- Korean rice cakes (Garaetteok)300g
- Korean fish cakes2 sheets
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste)3 tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)1 tbsp
- Sugar2 tbsp
- Soy sauce1 tbsp
- Green onion1 stalk
- Water or Anchovy broth2 cups
Method
- Soak the rice cakes in warm water for 10 minutes if they are hard.
- Combine water, gochujang, gochugaru, sugar, and soy sauce in a pan and bring to a boil.
- Add the rice cakes and fish cakes to the boiling sauce.
- Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes are soft.
- Add green onions and boil for one more minute before serving.
Common questions
Can I substitute the Korean fish cakes or make this vegetarian?
Yes. For a vegetarian version, skip the fish cakes and use mushrooms, tofu, or sliced cabbage for extra body. If you want a similar savory note, use vegetable broth and add a little more soy sauce or a pinch of salt.
How long should I cook tteokbokki so the rice cakes are soft but not mushy?
After adding the rice cakes, simmer about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on their size and freshness. Fresh or soaked rice cakes soften faster. Stir often enough to prevent sticking, but not so much that the rice cakes break apart.
What are the most common mistakes when making tteokbokki?
Using too much liquid, undercooking the sauce, or not soaking hard rice cakes are the biggest issues. Also avoid high heat after adding the rice cakes, which can make the sauce scorch before the rice cakes soften evenly.
How do I store leftover tteokbokki and reheat it without ruining the texture?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth, stirring until loosened. Rice cakes firm up in the fridge, so eat them as soon as possible.
What should I serve with tteokbokki to make it a full meal?
Serve it with boiled eggs, kimchi, and a simple cucumber salad to balance the heat. For a heartier meal, add ramen noodles, dumplings, or extra fish cakes. A cold drink helps offset the spicy, sweet sauce.