Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food known for its spicy, slightly sweet sauce and chewy rice cakes. This dish combines soft rice cake logs, fish cakes, and vegetables, all simmered in a vibrant red chili sauce. It’s a beloved snack or meal in Korea, famous for its addictive taste and comforting warmth. Here’s how you can make Tteokbokki at home to enjoy the flavors of Korean street food.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cylindrical rice cakes (tteokbokki tteok)
- 4 cups of water
- 2 sheets of fish cakes, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 scallions, cut into 2-inch lengths
- 1/4 cabbage, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Boiled eggs
- Sesame seeds
- Seaweed flakes (gim)
Directions:
- Soak the Rice Cakes: If the rice cakes are refrigerated or hardened, soak them in warm water for about 20 minutes to soften.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Adjust the level of gochugaru based on your preferred spice level.
- Cook the Tteokbokki: In a large skillet or wok, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice cakes and boil for about 2 minutes, or until they start to become soft.
- Add Vegetables and Sauce: Add the sliced onion, chopped cabbage, and the prepared sauce to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the rice cakes and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Fish Cakes and Scallions: Add the fish cakes and scallions to the skillet. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the rice cakes are fully soft and chewy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the Tteokbokki hot, garnished with boiled eggs, sesame seeds, and seaweed flakes if desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 8g
Prep and Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (including soaking time for rice cakes)
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 2-4 people
Tteokbokki is a must-try for fans of Korean cuisine, offering a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. It’s a comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something warm and hearty. Enjoy this classic Korean street food at home with family and friends!
