Spicy and Sweet: A Traditional Korean Jajangtteokbokki Recipe

Ingredients

200 grams of tteokbokki rice cakes
1 cup of jajangmyeon sauce
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup of onion, diced
1/2 cup of cabbage, chopped
1/2 cup of zucchini, chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs
1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)
2 green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds for garnish

Steps and instructions

Soak the tteokbokki rice cakes in warm water for about 15 minutes.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the pan and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the cabbage and zucchini to the pan and continue to sauté until the vegetables are tender.
Drain the rice cakes and add them to the pan. Stir until they are well coated with oil and vegetables.
Pour the jajangmyeon sauce into the pan and mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes become soft.
If using, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tteokbokki and cover the pan to let the cheese melt.
Once the cheese is melted, top the tteokbokki with the hard-boiled eggs, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Serve the Jajangtteokbokki hot and enjoy!

Tools for making

Pan - A medium-sized pan for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the Jajangtteokbokki.
Wooden spoon - Ideal for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
Knife - Used for mincing the garlic, dicing the onion, and chopping the vegetables.
Cutting board - Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping and prepping ingredients.
Spatula - Helpful for flipping and turning the rice cakes while cooking.
Strainer - Used for draining the soaked rice cakes before adding them to the pan.
Measuring cup - For accurately measuring the jajangmyeon sauce.
Grater - Optional for shredding the mozzarella cheese.
Serving plate or bowl - To present and serve the Jajangtteokbokki.
Sesame seeds grinder - Optional for grinding sesame seeds before garnishing the dish.

Recipe variations

Replace the tteokbokki rice cakes with udon noodles or ramen noodles.
Add your choice of protein such as diced chicken, beef, or seafood.
Include additional vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, gouda, or cream cheese.
For a spicier version, add chili flakes or gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) to the jajangmyeon sauce.
Make it vegan by using a plant-based jajangmyeon sauce and omitting the eggs and cheese.
Try using sweet potato glass noodles instead of rice cakes for a different texture.
Add a tablespoon of black bean paste (chunjang) to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Garnish with chopped peanuts or fried shallots for extra crunch and flavor.
For a healthier option, steam or lightly stir-fry the vegetables instead of sautéing them.

Recipe overview

Bring a touch of Korean cuisine to your kitchen with this simple and delicious Jajangtteokbokki recipe. This hearty dish combines the chewy delightfulness of tteokbokki rice cakes with the rich, savory flavors of jajangmyeon sauce, creating a perfect blend of textures and tastes. This recipe is not just about the taste; it's about the experience of cooking as well. From sautéing fresh vegetables to simmering the sauce until it reaches the perfect consistency, the process is almost as satisfying as the end result. You can even customize the dish by adding melted cheese on top. In about 30 minutes, you'll have a unique dish that's perfect for either a main meal or a snack. Be prepared for a delightful culinary journey to Korea, right from the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!

Common questions

Can I use other types of rice cakes? Yes, you can use different types of rice cakes such as cylindrical or flat-shaped ones if you prefer.
Where can I buy jajangmyeon sauce? Jajangmyeon sauce is available in most Asian grocery stores or you can find it online.
Can I add meat to this recipe? Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, beef, or pork to enhance the flavor and texture.
Is the shredded mozzarella cheese necessary? No, it is an optional ingredient. However, it adds a delicious cheesy element to the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting any meat and using vegetable-based jajangmyeon sauce.
How spicy is this dish? Jajangtteokbokki is not traditionally spicy. However, if you prefer some heat, you can add red pepper flakes or chili paste according to your taste.
What can I serve as a side dish with Jajangtteokbokki? Popular side dishes to enjoy with Jajangtteokbokki include kimchi, pickled radish, or a simple cucumber salad.
Can I reheat leftovers? Yes, you can reheat leftovers in a pan or microwave. However, note that the rice cakes may become softer upon reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pan - A large frying pan or skillet to cook the Jajangtteokbokki.
Wooden Spoon - Useful for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
Strainer - To drain the soaked rice cakes before cooking.
Knife - For mincing garlic, dicing onion, and chopping vegetables.
Cutting Board - To provide a surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
Spatula - Helps with flipping and turning the rice cakes while cooking.
Grater - If using mozzarella cheese, a grater is needed to shred the cheese.
Tongs - Useful for placing and removing the hard-boiled eggs on top of the dish.
Serving Plates/Bowls - To serve the Jajangtteokbokki.
Chopsticks - Traditional utensils for enjoying the dish.

Origin stories

Jajangtteokbokki is a harmonious fusion of two beloved dishes from South Korea: Tteokbokki and Jajangmyeon. Tteokbokki, with its chewy rice cakes and spicy sauce, is a popular street food that can be found in almost every corner of South Korea. On the other hand, Jajangmyeon, a noodle dish topped with a thick sauce made of chunjang (black bean paste), diced pork, and vegetables, traces its roots back to the Chinese migrants in Incheon. By marrying the elements of these two dishes, Jajangtteokbokki comes to life, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It is another testament to the creativity and innovation ingrained in Korean cuisine, always finding ways to reinvent classic dishes and create new food experiences.

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.