Tteokbokki Recipe

Name: Tteokbokki Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 400 g Korean rice cakes (tteok); 200 g fish cakes (sliced); 2 cups water; 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes); 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 green onions (chopped); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 boiled eggs (optional)

Tteokbokki, a beloved Korean street food, features chewy rice cakes smothered in a spicy-sweet sauce, often accompanied by fish cakes and vegetables. This dish is not only comforting but also versatile, making it perfect for a snack or a main meal. With its vibrant colors and enticing flavors, tteokbokki is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will bring a taste of Korea right to your kitchen!

Ingredients

400g Korean rice cakes (tteok)
200g fish cakes, sliced
2 cups water
3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 boiled eggs (optional)

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 20 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (approx. 1 cup) contains:
– Calories: 300
– Protein: 10g
– Fat: 5g
– Carbohydrates: 55g
– Fiber: 2g
This nutritional information is for one serving.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Soak the rice cakes in warm water for 10-20 minutes to soften.
In a large pan, combine water, gochujang, gochugaru, sugar, and soy sauce.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the softened rice cakes to the pan and stir well.
Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Add the fish cakes and stir to combine.
Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the sauce is thickened and coats the rice cakes, remove from heat.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
If desired, add boiled eggs for extra flavor.

Alternative Ingredients

If you can’t find Korean rice cakes, you can substitute with thick pasta or even gnocchi. For a vegetarian version, skip the fish cakes and use tofu instead. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of gochujang.

Serving and Pairings

Tteokbokki can be served as a snack or main dish. Pair it with Kimbap (Korean sushi rolls), fried chicken, or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the spiciness.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover tteokbokki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to a pan and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally. Tteokbokki can be frozen, but the texture may change upon reheating.

Cooking Mistakes

Using too much water can dilute the sauce.
Not soaking the rice cakes will result in a chewy texture.
Overcooking can make the rice cakes too soft.
Forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Using low-quality gochujang can affect flavor.

Helpful Tips

Experiment with different vegetables like carrots or cabbage.
Adjust the sweetness by varying sugar amounts.
For extra crunch, add toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Serve with a side of pickled radish for contrast.

FAQs

What is tteokbokki made of?

Tteokbokki is primarily made of Korean rice cakes (tteok), fish cakes, and a spicy sauce made from gochujang, gochugaru, sugar, and soy sauce. It can also include various vegetables and boiled eggs.

Is tteokbokki spicy?

The level of spiciness in tteokbokki can vary based on the amount of gochujang and gochugaru used. You can adjust the heat to your preference by reducing these ingredients.

Can I make tteokbokki vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of tteokbokki by omitting fish cakes and using tofu or additional vegetables instead.

How long does tteokbokki last in the fridge?

Tteokbokki can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I freeze tteokbokki?

While tteokbokki can be frozen, the texture of the rice cakes may become softer upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but freezing is a good option for leftovers.

Conclusion

Tteokbokki is a delicious and versatile dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine to your table. With its chewy rice cakes and spicy sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a snack or a main dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit!