Tteokbokki Recipe

The Tteokbokki recipe is a popular Korean street food made from chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy, savory sauce. Loved by many for its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this dish is a staple in Korean cuisine and is enjoyed by people all around the world. Whether you’re new to Korean food or a seasoned fan, tteokbokki is a must-try dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

A Brief History of Tteokbokki:

Tteokbokki has a long history in Korea, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). Originally, it was a royal court dish known as “Gungjung Tteokbokki,” which was a savory and non-spicy version made with soy sauce and various vegetables. Over time, the recipe evolved, and in the 1950s, the spicy version we know today became popular. The modern tteokbokki, made with gochujang (Korean red chili paste), gained immense popularity as a street food in the 1970s and remains a beloved comfort food in Korea.

Tteokbokki Recipe

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Tteokbokki has a long history in Korea, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). Originally, it was a royal court dish known as "Gungjung Tteokbokki," which was a savory and non-spicy version made with soy sauce and various vegetables.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Korean

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb (450g) Korean rice cakes (tteok)
• 3 cups water
• 1 sheet dried kelp (about 4x4 inches)
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup fish cakes, sliced
• 1/2 cup green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 boiled egg (optional)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

 

• Prepare the Rice Cakes: If using refrigerated or frozen rice cakes, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them. Drain and set aside.
• Make the Broth: In a large pot, add 3 cups of water and the dried kelp. Bring to a boil, then remove the kelp after 5 minutes. This will create a simple broth base for your tteokbokki.
• Add the Seasonings: To the broth, add gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine and dissolve the gochujang completely.
• Cook the Rice Cakes: Add the softened rice cakes to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Add Vegetables and Fish Cakes: Add the sliced onions and fish cakes to the pot. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
• Finish with Green Onions: Add the green onions and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Serve: Transfer the tteokbokki to a serving plate. If desired, add a boiled egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
• Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade tteokbokki!

Video

Keyword Tteokbokki Recipe

Similar Recipes:

– Sundubu Jjigae: A spicy Korean tofu stew that is comforting and flavorful.
– Japchae: Korean glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and a savory-sweet sauce.
– Kimchi Fried Rice: A quick and easy dish made with leftover rice and kimchi.
– Bulgogi: Korean marinated beef that is sweet, savory, and perfect for grilling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tteokbokki Recipe:

1. What is tteokbokki made of?

Tteokbokki is made of Korean rice cakes (tteok) simmered in a spicy sauce made from gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar.

2. Is the tteokbokki recipe very spicy?

Tteokbokki is typically quite spicy, but you can adjust the level of heat by reducing the amount of gochujang and gochugaru used in the recipe.

3. Can I add other ingredients to tteokbokki?

Yes, you can customize tteokbokki by adding ingredients like boiled eggs, cheese, vegetables, or seafood.

4. Where can I buy rice cakes for tteokbokki?

Korean rice cakes can be found at Asian grocery stores or online.

5. How do I store leftover tteokbokki?

Store leftover tteokbokki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan with a bit of water to loosen the sauce.

6. Can I make tteokbokki vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the fish cakes and using vegetable broth instead of the kelp broth.

7. What is the difference between gochujang and gochugaru?

Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste, while gochugaru is Korean red chili flakes. Both add heat to the dish, but gochujang also adds a bit of sweetness and umami.

8. Can I use other types of rice cakes for tteokbokki?

While traditional Korean rice cakes are preferred, you can experiment with other types of rice cakes, though the texture and taste may vary.

9. How can I make tteokbokki less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a sugar substitute to make it less sweet.

10. What can I serve with tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki pairs well with banchan (Korean side dishes), steamed rice, or as part of a larger Korean meal.

Conclusion:

Tteokbokki is a delightful Korean dish that is both flavorful and comforting. Its unique combination of chewy rice cakes and spicy sauce makes it a favorite among many. By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy this iconic street food right at home. Give it a try and experience the taste of Korea!

YouTube Video Credits:
Maangchi