Authentic Korean Tteokgalbi: A Step-by-step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 1lb (450g) of ground beef
  • 1/2 cup of glutinous rice powder
  • 1/2 cup of minced onion
  • 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onion
  • 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup of soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 1/4 cup of honey
  • 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef and glutinous rice powder.
  2. Add the minced onion, green onion, and minced garlic to the mixture and mix well.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, honey, sesame oil, and ground black pepper to make the sauce.
  4. Pour the sauce into the beef mixture and mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  5. Shape the mixture into small patties, about the size of a palm.
  6. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the patties until they are browned on both sides and cooked through.
  7. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the patties before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large bowl - Needed to mix the ground beef and other ingredients.
  • Pan - Used to cook the Tteokgalbi patties.
  • Spatula - Essential for flipping and handling the patties while cooking.
  • Mixing spoon - Used to combine the ingredients and make the sauce.
  • Measuring cups - Necessary to accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Knife - Required to mince the onion, chop the green onion, and toast sesame seeds.
  • Cutting board - Used as a surface to chop and prepare the vegetables.

Recipe variations

  • Use ground pork or ground chicken instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
  • Replace the glutinous rice powder with breadcrumbs for a lighter texture.
  • Add grated carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture for added vegetables.
  • Try using different seasonings such as gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) or gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) to add a spicy kick.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
  • Make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground meat with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils.
  • Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Recipe overview

Tteokgalbi is a delicious and hearty Korean dish that features a perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors. Made from ground beef that's been marinated in a rich, soy-based sauce, these patties are then cooked to perfection and garnished with toasted sesame seeds. This recipe is perfect for those who want to try Korean cuisine at home. Here, we'll walk you through each step of the process, from preparing the marinade to cooking the patties. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and pickled vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the process of making Tteokgalbi and the delightful flavors that await!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground pork, chicken, or turkey for this recipe.
  2. Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice powder? No, glutinous rice powder is necessary to achieve the desired texture and binding of the tteokgalbi. Regular rice will not yield the same results.
  3. Can I grill the tteokgalbi instead of pan-frying? Yes, you can grill the tteokgalbi over medium heat until cooked through, flipping them occasionally.
  4. How can I store leftover tteokgalbi? Once cooked, you can store the leftover tteokgalbi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
  5. Can I freeze uncooked tteokgalbi? Yes, you can shape the uncooked tteokgalbi into patties and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ground beef and other ingredients.
  • Pan - A cooking pan for cooking the Tteokgalbi patties.
  • Spatula - A utensil for flipping and turning the patties while cooking.
  • Plate - A plate for serving the cooked Tteokgalbi.
  • Toasted Sesame Seeds - Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds over the cooked patties adds flavor and garnish.

Origin stories

Tteokgalbi, a delectable Korean dish, has an interesting tale of origin that speaks to its royal roots. It was first crafted in the realm of King Sejo during the Joseon dynasty, particularly for the king who found great delight in galbi, but had difficulty eating it due to his aging teeth. The innovative solution was to mince the meat off the rib bones, thus giving birth to Tteokgalbi. The name Tteokgalbi, meaning 'rib rice cake', was derived from the method used to prepare the meat, which involved mincing and molding it in a similar way to rice cakes or 'tteok'. This dish, originally a royal delicacy, is now enjoyed widely across Korea and beyond, bringing a taste of regal cuisine to everyday tables.

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.