Authentic Korean Tteokbokki: Spicy Rice Cake Stew

Ingredients

2 cups of tteokbokki tteok (rice cakes)
1 cup of fish cakes, sliced into small pieces
2 cups of water
1/3 cup of gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
2 green onions, sliced
3 boiled eggs, optional
1 teaspoon of sesame seeds, for garnish

Steps and instructions

Soak the tteokbokki tteok (rice cakes) in water for about 15 minutes, then drain.
In a large pan, add water, gochujang (Korean red chili paste), sugar, and soy sauce. Stir well until the sauce is smooth.
Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, add the soaked and drained rice cakes. Stir gently until the cakes are coated with the sauce.
Add the fish cakes to the pan. Stir gently again, making sure the fish cakes are covered with the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rice cakes become soft and the sauce thickens.
Add the sliced green onions and boiled eggs, if using, to the pan. Stir well to combine.
Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Turn off the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds on top as garnish before serving.

Tools for making

Large pan - Used to cook the tteokbokki and sauce.
Stirring spoon - Used to mix the ingredients and stir the tteokbokki while cooking.
Knife - Used to slice the fish cakes and green onions.
Cutting board - Provides a surface for safe and efficient slicing.
Measuring cups - Used to accurately measure the ingredients, such as the rice cakes and water.
Saucepan - Used to soak the rice cakes before cooking.
Strainer - Used to drain the soaked rice cakes.
Serving bowl - Used to serve the cooked tteokbokki.
Sesame seed grinder - Optional, used to freshly grind sesame seeds for garnish.

Recipe variations

Use different types of rice cakes, such as cylindrical or flat-shaped ones.
Add sliced vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or onions for extra texture and flavor.
Include other protein options like sliced beef, chicken, or tofu.
Experiment with different levels of spiciness by adjusting the amount of gochujang.
Add a splash of sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
Try using different types of fish cakes, such as shrimp or squid.
Make it vegetarian-friendly by using vegetable broth instead of water and omitting the fish cakes.
Add additional seasonings like garlic, ginger, or Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) for more depth of flavor.
Garnish with chopped cilantro or roasted seaweed for an extra touch of freshness.

Recipe overview

Tteokbokki is a popular and comforting Korean dish enjoyed by people of all ages. This recipe will guide you on how to create this savory and slightly spicy delicacy at home with ease. The main ingredients are tteok (Korean rice cakes) and fish cakes, simmered in a deliciously rich gochujang-based sauce. Optional additions of boiled eggs and a sprinkle of sesame seeds add extra layers of flavor and texture. The process involves boiling and simmering, making it a relatively simple dish to create. Expect a hearty, warming dish that's perfect for sharing or as a satisfying meal of its own. Enjoy the process of making Tteokbokki and indulge in the flavors of Korean cuisine.

Common questions

Can I use other types of rice cakes instead of tteokbokki tteok? Yes, you can use other types of rice cakes, such as sliced rice cakes or cylindrical rice cakes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as different rice cakes may require different cooking times.
Can I make this recipe less spicy? If you prefer less spiciness, you can reduce the amount of gochujang (Korean red chili paste) or use a milder variety of gochujang. Alternatively, you can add a bit more sugar to balance out the spice.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick? If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, you can add a little bit of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Can I add other vegetables? Certainly! You can add various vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or onions to enhance the flavor and texture. Simply slice them thinly and add them to the pan along with the rice cakes and fish cakes.
How long can I store the leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pan - A large pan is needed to cook and simmer the tteokbokki with the sauce and other ingredients.
Stirring spoon - A stirring spoon is necessary to mix and coat the rice cakes and fish cakes with the sauce.
Knife - A knife is required for slicing the green onions and fish cakes into smaller pieces.
Serving bowls - Serving bowls are needed to serve the cooked tteokbokki.
Chopsticks - Chopsticks are commonly used for eating tteokbokki.
Sesame seed grinder - A sesame seed grinder can be used to freshly grind sesame seeds for garnishing tteokbokki.

Origin stories

Tteokbokki hails from the royal courts of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, where it was known as gungjung tteokbokki. This original version was a savory stir-fried dish with soy sauce, not the spicy one we know and love today. The transformation to the popular spicy version occurred after the Korean War, with the introduction of gochujang, or red chili paste. Street vendors began selling this fiery adaptation, which quickly became a beloved comfort food across the nation. Now, you'd be hard-pressed to find a street corner in Korea without the tempting aroma of spicy tteokbokki wafting from a food stall. The dish has even transcended borders, earning a devoted following worldwide. Its journey from the royal court to the streets is a testament to its universal appeal and adaptability.

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.