Introduction
If you wish to add some warm yet appealing textures to your kitchen, this recipe for tteokbokki will introduce you to one of Korea’s iconic street foods. Tteokbokki (떡볶이), pronounced as tuhk-boh-kee, is a cherished Korean meal that consists of soft and chewy rice cakes stewed in a hot and slightly sweet sauce known as gochujang . It is mildly spicy and simple to prepare from the comfort of your home.
In this article, I will be discussing how authentic tteokbokki recipe can be prepared from scratch along with selecting the ingredients, customization options, and some useful tips for the perfect meal.
What is Tteokbokki?
Tteokbokki is a traditional dish from Korea and one of the oldest comfort foods enjoyed by South Koreans. As the years go by, new forms of tteokbokki recipe emerge, like containing an entire ramen which is known as rabokki, seafood, cheese and boiled eggs. Take note that the only essential ingredients needed are rice cakes and Korean red chili paste that make Tteokbokki come to life.
To those that have not had the chance to try it, might mistake it for ordinary rice cakes, but to the locals, tteokbokki is characterized by its bright red color, bold spicy and sweet flavor and of course, its smooth chewy texture.
Essential Ingredients for Tteokbokki
Before starting with the instructions for making tteokbokki, first obtain the following ingredients:
Tteok (Korean rice cakes) – You can find these in Korean grocery stores, either in the refrigerator or freezer section as cylindrical rice cakes.
The dish's distinctively fiery flavor & depth comes from the use of gochujang, or Korean chili paste.
Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) – Optional, adds a kick.
Fish cakes (eomuk) – Contributes to the dish's savory umami.
Soy sauce – Provides additional saltiness as well as umami.
Sugar – Moderates the spiciness with a dash of sugar.
Garlic – Mincing it will aid in releasing fragrant compounds.
Water or Anchovy broth – Serves as the base for the dish; anchovy broth is the traditional choice.
Green onions – Used to add flavor and for garnishing.
Methods for Making It
Step 1: Soak the Rice Cakes
If the rice cakes are frozen or refrigerated, soak them for 10 - 15 minutes in warm water so that they soften before cooking.
Step 2: Make the Broth
In a pot, add either 2 cups of water or anchovy broth - you can use both. Put it on a boil and wait for it to bubble. If you're in a rush, water works, but anchovy broth does offer tteokbokki depth.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Also stir in:
2 tablespoons of gochujang
1 tablespoon of sugar
One teaspoon of sugar
A single spoonful of soy sauce
A teaspoon of garlic mince
One teaspoon of the gochugaru, if desired for adding heat
In step four, add the cod pastries followed by rice pudding.
Put a garnish on it and serve it.
Drain the soaked tteok and add them to the simmering sauce alongside sliced fish cakes. Stir until the rice cakes have softened; this should take around 10–15 minutes. The sauce will become thick and glossy.
Serve hot and enjoy, or add garnishments like chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or shredded mozzarella cheese for a fusion twist.
Tips for the Perfect Tteokbokki
Spice Adjustment: The amount of heat can be lowered by reducing gochugaru or adding a bit more sugar.
Additional Ingredients: Consider adding hard boiled eggs, ramen noodles, cabbage, or even dumplings for a more filling version.
Tteokbokki is best enjoyed fresh, but refrigerated leftovers can be saved and reheated with a bit of water to loosen the sauce.
Why This Tteokbokki Recipe Stands Out
This easy homemade tteokbokki recipe provides the fundamentals, while also being delicious. Unlike many store-bought and instant options available, making this tteokbokki from scratch lets you decide everything right down to the ingredients, spice level, and extras.
Conclusion
If you are a fan of Korean dishes or just looking for something spicy, this tteokbokki recipe will become one of your go-tos. It’s chewy, saucy, and flavorful all at the same time; Korean street food is well-known for its unique and wonderful taste, and now you can enjoy it fresh off your stove.
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