Authentic Korean Ddeokbokki: Spicy Rice Cakes Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of rice cakes
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1/2 medium sized onion (sliced)
  • 2 green onions (cut into 2 inch long pieces)
  • 2 boiled eggs
  • 3 fish cakes (cut into triangle shapes)
  • 1/2 cup of Korean hot pepper paste (gochujang)
  • 1 tablespoon of hot pepper flakes (gochugaru)
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the rice cakes in a bowl of warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften them.
  2. While the rice cakes are soaking, prepare the sauce by mixing the hot pepper paste, hot pepper flakes, sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl.
  3. In a pan, add two cups of water and bring it to a boil.
  4. Once the water is boiling, add the sliced onion and the sauce mixture, stirring until well combined.
  5. Drain the rice cakes and add them to the pan, stirring gently.
  6. Add the fish cakes and boiled eggs to the pan, ensuring everything is well coated with the sauce.
  7. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the rice cakes are soft and chewy.
  8. Stir in the green onions and cook for another minute.
  9. Remove from heat and serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Pan - A medium-sized pan for cooking the ddeokbokki.
  • Bowl - A bowl for soaking the rice cakes.
  • Whisk - A whisk or spoon for mixing the sauce ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the onion and cutting the fish cakes.
  • Spatula - A spatula for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups for accurately measuring the ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Add vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
  • Include different types of protein like sliced beef, chicken, or tofu.
  • Experiment with different levels of spiciness by adjusting the amount of hot pepper paste and hot pepper flakes.
  • Try adding cheese on top of the ddeokbokki for a cheesy twist.
  • Create a seafood version by adding shrimp, squid, or mussels.
  • Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of water and omitting the fish cakes and boiled eggs.
  • Add a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
  • For a fusion twist, add some soy sauce and sesame oil to make it more like a Korean stir-fry.
  • Add a teaspoon of vinegar for a tangy flavor.
  • Make it healthier by using whole wheat rice cakes instead of the traditional ones.

Recipe overview

Ddeokbokki, also known as Korean Spicy Rice Cakes, is a popular Korean dish that's both comforting and tantalizingly spicy. This recipe yields a dish with a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and savory flavors, heightened by the delightful chewiness of the rice cakes. While traditionally enjoyed as a street food, it's also a satisfying main dish for any meal at home. In this recipe, you'll first prepare and soak the rice cakes, and while they're soaking, you'll make the fiery gochujang-based sauce. The sauce features a blend of Korean hot pepper paste and flakes, sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. You'll then bring water and onions to a boil, add the sauce, and then add the softened rice cakes. The addition of fish cakes and boiled eggs offers a welcome balance to the spicy kick. After simmering the mixture until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes become soft and chewy, you'll stir in green onions for an added touch of freshness. Enjoy the burst of flavors in this traditional Korean favorite!

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen rice cakes for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use frozen rice cakes for this recipe. Just thaw them before soaking them in warm water.
  2. Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
    Absolutely! You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot pepper paste and hot pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
  3. Can I substitute the fish cakes with other ingredients?
    Yes, you can substitute the fish cakes with other protein options such as tofu, chicken, or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  4. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
    Definitely! You can add vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
    Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by omitting the fish cakes and using vegetable broth instead of water. Ensure that the hot pepper paste and other ingredients you use are vegan-friendly.
  6. How do I store leftovers?
    If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pot - A large pot to boil water and cook the rice cakes.
  • Pan - A frying pan or skillet to cook the sauce and ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon - To stir and mix the ingredients in the pan.
  • Bowl - A bowl to soak the rice cakes and to mix the sauce.
  • Knife - A knife to slice the onion and cut the green onions.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Tongs - To handle and serve the rice cakes, fish cakes, and boiled eggs.
  • Serving Plates or Bowls - To serve the Ddeokbokki.

Origin stories

Originating from the royal court of Joseon Dynasty in Korea, Ddeokbokki was initially a stir-fried dish featuring garaetteok (cylindrical rice cakes), beef, soy sauce, and scallions. It was a dish of the nobles and the aristocrats, savored during grand banquets and festive occasions. However, it wasn't until the post-Korean War era that Ddeokbokki transformed into the spicy, street food version beloved by many today. The credit for this transformation goes to Ma Bok Lim who, in a moment of culinary inspiration, added gochujang (hot pepper paste) to her dish of rice cakes. The result was a resounding success, leading to the establishment of the first Ddeokbokki snack bar in Sindang-dong, a district in Seoul. Today, the neighborhood is known as the Ddeokbokki capital with a whole street, Sindangdong Ddeokbokki Town, dedicated to various stalls serving this fiery delicacy.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.