Ultimate Tteokbokki Recipe: How to Make Korea’s Favorite Street Food at Home

Introduction

Tteokbokki is a wonderful dish to try if you enjoy flavors that are spicy, savory, and sweet all in one. This renowned Korean street food is prepared with soft and chewy rice cakes, Korean red chili paste (gochujang), and a bold, flavor-packed sauce. Even if you’re unfamiliar with Korean cuisine, don’t worry: in this article, we will share an authentic yet easy-to-follow tteokbokki recipe.

What Is Tteokbokki?

The word “stir-fried rice cakes” literally translates to Tteokbokki (떡볶이). The dish consists of stir-fried rice cakes and is reopolonean of Korea's famous comfort foods which can be commonly found in food stalls, school canteens and Korean restaurants. Traditionally, thick cylindrical garae-tteok was the go to base, but rice cakes over time have evolved to include toppings such as boiled eggs, fish cakes, scallions, ramen, and most uniquely cheese.

Every addictive piece of tteokbokki is covered in sweet and spicy tteokbokki sauce giving them a mouth watering flavor while retaining the simple base of thick cylindrical rice.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Gather these ingredients before you start cooking to ensure you execute an authentic tteokbokki recipe

• Main Ingredients:

• Refridgerated or frozen, Korean rice cakes (tteok) 1 pound (450g)

• 3–4 slices of eomuk (Korean fish cakes)

• 3 cups anchovy broth or water (for richer flavor)

• 2 scallions - chopped

• Optional: 1 boiled egg

• Optional for broth: 1 sheet dried kelp

• For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 cloves minced garlic

Step-by-Step Tteokbokki Recipe

1.Soften the Rice Cakes

Soak refrigerated or frozen tteok in warm water for 10–15 minutes. Fresh Tteokbokki can be used as is.

2.Make the Broth

Pour water into a medium dish & add an item of raw kelp. Heat the pot until gently boiling. After 5 minutes, remove the kelp. This is optional, but it can improve taste. For a more traditional flavor, use anchovy broth.

3.Mix the Sauce

Gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic should be added into the same pot. The result ought to be rich and fragrant after combining these components.

4.Add the Main Ingredients

Add the freshly sliced fish cakes and rice cakes into the pot. Stir occasionally for around 10-15 minutes on medium heat.The sauce will thicken and glaze the rice cakes in a lovely way during this time.

Last-Minute Details

Add chopped scallions and simmer for the last 2 minutes. For the boiled eggs, place them in the pot with the other ingredients to warm through.

Tips for Perfect tteokbokki recipe

• When it comes to rice cakes, always go for fresh. If using frozen, don't forget to soak them first to prevent breaking.

• Control the spiciness of the dish by reducing or skipping gochugaru. Add sugar for a sweeter version.

• Add rabokki for an even heartier meal with ramen noodles.

Topped over sliced feta cheese for a smooth fusion finish.

Suggestions for Serving

It's hot and fresh Tteokbokki, served up steaming in a bowl, that truly delights the taste buds. But it should be enjoyed with spoons and metal chopsticks. Pair it with pickled radish, kimchi, or even a quick Korean side salad. It is a perfect complement to fried dumplings (mandu) and soondae (Korean blood sausage) for complete street food indulgence.

Tteokbokki Variations to Try

• Tired of eating the same foods everyday? Here are some popular tteokbokki variations you can try if feeling extra bold and adventurous:

• Cheese Tteokbokki: Simply top it off with shredded cheese and let it melt on the warm tteokbokki.

• Cream Tteokbokki: For a milder and a creamier version, swap water for milk or cream.

• Seafood Tteokbokki: For a taste of the sea add shrimp, squid or mussels.

• Rose Tteokbokki: A fashionable twist on the original recipe, add cream with gochujang for that extra spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking to try out Korean cooking at home, this tteokbokki recipe is perfect for you. It's super fast, tasty, and is simple to tweak to your individual preferences. 

Regardless if you’re looking for a spicy treat or a warm, comforting dish, tteokbokki never disappoints.

See more Blog: Click Here