Authentic Korean Tteokbokki (떡볶기) Recipe

Tteokbokki (떡볶기), or Korean spicy rice cakes, is a beloved street food in Korea known for its chewy rice cakes smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce. This dish is easy to make and offers a delightful balance of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. Here’s how you can make this classic Korean dish at home.

 

Tteokbokki (떡볶기)

Ingredients:

• 400g Korean rice cakes (tteok : 떡)
• 200g fish cakes (eomuk : 어묵)), sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups water or anchovy broth
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs (optional)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste : 고추장)
• 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes : 고추가루)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp corn syrup or honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp sesame oil

 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice Cakes (tteok : 떡):
   If using refrigerated or frozen rice cakes (냉동떡), soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to soften them. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine the gochujang (고추장), gochugaru (고추가루), soy sauce (간장), sugar (설탕), corn syrup (or honey), minced garlic, and sesame oil. Mix well until the ingredients form a smooth sauce.
3. Cook the Tteokbokki (떡볶기):
   In a large pan or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly translucent.
4. Simmer the Broth:
   Add 4 cups of water or anchovy broth to the pan and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, stir in the prepared sauce. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. Add the Rice Cakes (tteok : 떡) and Fish Cakes (eomuk : 어묵):
   Carefully add the softened rice cakes and fish cakes into the sauce. Stir well to ensure they are fully coated in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice cakes become soft and chewy.
6. Add Green Onions and Eggs:
   Once the rice cakes are cooked to your desired texture, add the chopped green onions and hard-boiled eggs (if using). Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the green onions are slightly wilted.
7. Serve:
   Transfer the tteokbokki to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your spicy, savory, and slightly sweet tteokbokki as a snack or a meal!

 

Tips for Perfect Tteokbokki:

• Adjusting Spice Level:
  If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of gochugaru or gochujang. For more heat, add extra chili flakes.
• Adding Vegetables:
  Feel free to add vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or mushrooms to your tteokbokki for additional texture and flavor.
• Substitutes:
  If you can’t find fish cakes, you can substitute them with tofu or leave them out entirely. The dish will still be delicious!
• Broth Options:
  Using anchovy broth instead of water adds a richer flavor to the dish. You can make anchovy broth by boiling dried anchovies and kelp in water for 10-15 minutes.

 

This tteokbokki recipe (떡볶기 요리) is perfect for anyone looking to experience an authentic taste of Korea. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you're enjoying it as a quick snack or a full meal, tteokbokki is sure to bring a little bit of Korean street food culture to your home.