Delicious and Authentic Korean Tteok Sanjeok Recipe

Ingredients

  • 300g of beef sirloin
  • 200g of tteok (rice cakes)
  • 1 large carrot
  • 1 large green bell pepper
  • 2 green onions
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • Wooden skewers

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the beef sirloin into thin slices, about the same size as the rice cakes.
  2. Marinate the beef slices with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Peel the carrot and cut it into thin slices. Cut the green bell pepper and green onions into similar sizes as the carrot slices.
  4. Soak the rice cakes in warm water for about 15 minutes.
  5. Beat the eggs in a bowl and add a pinch of salt. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, add some of the beaten eggs and spread into a thin layer. When the egg is fully cooked, transfer it to a cutting board. Repeat this process until all the egg is cooked. Cut the cooked egg into thin slices.
  6. Arrange the ingredients on the skewers in the following order: beef, carrot, rice cake, green onion, green pepper, and egg. Repeat until all the ingredients are used up.
  7. Heat a large pan with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the skewers and cook until all sides are nicely browned and the beef is cooked through.
  8. Serve the Tteok Sanjeok hot, with more soy sauce on the side for dipping.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife - Essential for slicing the beef, vegetables, and rice cakes.
  • Skewers - Used to assemble and cook the Tteok Sanjeok.
  • Non-stick pan - Used to cook the beaten eggs for slicing.
  • Large pan - Used to cook the Tteok Sanjeok skewers.
  • Bowl - Used for marinating the beef and beating the eggs.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure the ingredients for marinating the beef.
  • Spatula - Used for flipping and turning the Tteok Sanjeok skewers while cooking.
  • Tongs - Used for handling the hot skewers during cooking.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different meat option.
  • Add different vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or onion to the skewers.
  • Try using different types of rice cakes, such as sweet potato or mugwort rice cakes.
  • Experiment with different marinades or dipping sauces, such as teriyaki sauce or spicy gochujang sauce.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh, and use a vegetable-based marinade.
  • Add a spicy kick by sprinkling some red pepper flakes or adding hot sauce to the marinade.
  • Grill the skewers instead of pan-frying them for a smoky flavor.
  • Wrap the skewers with bacon or thinly sliced pork belly for added richness.
  • Serve the Tteok Sanjeok with a side of steamed rice or a salad for a complete meal.

Recipe overview

Overview

Tteok Sanjeok is a delicious and flavorful skewered dish originating from Korea. This dish brings together a variety of ingredients like beef, rice cakes, eggs, and assorted vegetables on a skewer. It's similar to a kebab and is known for its beautiful presentation and balanced combination of flavors. The key to this dish is the marinated beef and the alternation of colorful vegetables with the white rice cakes, creating a visually appealing and deliciously satisfying dish.

Preparing Tteok Sanjeok involves marinating the beef, preparing the vegetables and rice cakes, and arranging them on skewers before pan frying. Despite the steps, it's a straightforward process and the outcome is worth the effort. This dish is perfect for special occasions or if you just want to enjoy a unique and hearty meal. Expect a wonderful harmony of tastes and textures in every bite.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use other types of meat such as chicken or pork instead of beef sirloin.
  2. Can I use pre-packaged rice cakes? Yes, you can use pre-packaged rice cakes. Just make sure to soak them in warm water before using in the recipe.
  3. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! You can add or substitute other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or onion according to your preference.
  4. Can I grill the skewers instead of pan-frying them? Yes, grilling the skewers is another delicious option. Just make sure to preheat the grill and cook the skewers until the beef is cooked through.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the beef and using tofu or tempeh as a substitute. Adjust the marination and cooking time accordingly.
  6. Can I make the marinade in advance? Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to mix it well before using.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skewers - Wooden or metal skewers are needed to assemble the Tteok Sanjeok.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for slicing the beef, vegetables, and cooked egg.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is essential for cutting the ingredients into thin slices.
  • Bowl - A bowl is required for marinating the beef and beating the eggs.
  • Non-stick pan - A non-stick pan is needed to cook the beaten eggs.
  • Large pan - A large pan is used to cook the Tteok Sanjeok skewers.

Origin stories

Tteok Sanjeok is a traditional Korean food typically prepared for special occasions and holidays. The word Sanjeok refers to skewered dishes in Korean cuisine and Tteok means rice cake. This colorful and healthy dish dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392), where it was a popular royal court cuisine due to its festive appearance. What's fascinating is that the sequence of ingredients on the skewer is not random, but rather arranged according to yin and yang philosophy and the five elements theory, to achieve balance and harmony in the dish. Just like in life, it's all about balance and harmony in Korean cuisine too.

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.