Authentic Korean Tteokjip Recipe - Experience the Flavors of Korea at Home

Ingredients

  • 1 kilogram of Korean rice cakes (tteok)
  • 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
  • 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
  • 200 grams of pork belly, sliced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean red chili powder)
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the Korean rice cakes in water for 15 minutes, then drain.
  2. Heat the cooking oil and sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the pork belly to the pan and cook until it's browned and crispy.
  4. Add the onion, garlic, and green onions to the pan. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
  5. Add the soy sauce, gochujang, gochugaru, and sugar to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for a minute until the spices are fragrant.
  6. Add the drained rice cakes and water to the pan. Stir well to combine and ensure that the rice cakes are covered in the sauce.
  7. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the rice cakes are soft and chewy and the sauce has thickened.
  8. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - A large pan will be needed to cook the ingredients and stir fry the rice cakes.
  • Spatula - A spatula will be useful for flipping and stirring the ingredients in the pan.
  • Knife - A knife will be needed to slice the pork belly, onions, garlic, and green onions.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board will provide a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons will be needed to accurately measure the cooking oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, gochujang, gochugaru, and sugar.
  • Cooking spoon - A cooking spoon will be useful for stirring the ingredients and sauce in the pan.
  • Cover or lid - A cover or lid for the pan will help to trap heat and steam the rice cakes.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the pork belly with tofu or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Spicy Variation: Increase the amount of gochujang and gochugaru for an extra spicy kick.
  • Seafood Twist: Add seafood such as shrimp, squid, or mussels to the dish to create a seafood tteokjip.
  • Cheese Tteokjip: Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the cooked rice cakes and melt it under broiler for a cheesy twist.
  • Veggie Delight: Include a variety of vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini to add more color and flavor to the dish.
  • Sesame Flavor: Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan and sprinkle them over the finished dish for an additional nutty taste.
  • Kimchi Fusion: Incorporate kimchi into the recipe for a tangy and spicy twist on traditional tteokjip.
  • Sweet and Savory: Add a splash of honey or maple syrup to the sauce mixture for a hint of sweetness in the dish.
  • Extra Garlic: Increase the amount of minced garlic for garlic lovers who enjoy a strong garlic flavor.

Recipe overview

Tteokjip is a hearty and flavorful Korean dish that's sure to impress at any dinner table. This dish centers around tteok, or Korean rice cakes, that are stir-fried with pork belly and a delicious mix of traditional Korean ingredients. The result is a balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that make this dish irresistible. In this recipe, you'll learn how to prepare Tteokjip from scratch. You'll start by soaking the tteok to make them soft and chewy. Then, you'll create a rich sauce using ingredients like gochujang (Korean red chili paste), gochugaru (Korean chili powder), and soy sauce. The dish is completed with crispy pork belly and aromatic vegetables, all simmered together until perfectly tender. With a total cooking time of about 30 minutes, this dish is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. It's perfect for those weeknight dinners when you're craving something warm and comforting. Enjoy your homemade Tteokjip with a side of kimchi for a complete Korean dining experience.

Common questions

  1. How long do I need to soak the rice cakes? Soak the Korean rice cakes in water for 15 minutes.
  2. Can I use a different type of oil instead of cooking oil? Yes, you can use any cooking oil of your choice.
  3. Can I omit the pork belly or substitute it with something else? Yes, you can omit the pork belly or substitute it with chicken, beef, or tofu.
  4. What if I don't have gochujang or gochugaru? Gochujang and gochugaru are key ingredients in this recipe, but you can substitute them with other chili pastes or powders for a different flavor.
  5. How can I make it spicier? If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of gochujang or gochugaru according to your taste.
  6. How long should I simmer the rice cakes? Simmer the rice cakes for about 10 minutes, or until they are soft and chewy, and the sauce has thickened.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - A large pan with high sides is necessary for cooking the ingredients and simmering the rice cakes in the sauce.
  • Spatula - A spatula is useful for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
  • Knife - A knife is needed for slicing the pork belly, onion, garlic, and green onions.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and slicing the ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are helpful for accurately measuring the cooking oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, gochujang, gochugaru, and sugar.

Origin stories

Tteokjip, as the dish is affectionately called, belongs to the rich culinary tradition of Korea. The heart of the dish, tteok, refers to a variety of rice cake that has been central to Korean cuisine since antiquity. The making and sharing of tteok was traditionally significant, symbolizing prosperity and the warmth of community. The sophisticated flavors of Tteokjip, however, reveal a relatively modern development, reflecting Korea's vibrant food culture that embraces change and innovation while remaining deeply rooted in tradition. Every chewy bite of Tteokjip is a taste of history, a nod to the communal spirit of yesteryears, and a celebration of the ever-evolving Korean palate. This humble dish showcases the essence of Korean cuisine – a balance of textures and flavors – sweet, savory, spicy, and umami, all harmoniously fused together. And remember, as with all Korean meals, it's best enjoyed when shared.

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.