Welcome back to Chelsea's K-Food Recipes! Today, we’re making one of the most iconic Korean street foods, Tteokbokki (떡볶이, Ddeokbokki). This spicy, savory dish of chewy rice cakes is a favorite snack across Korea, known for its addictive flavor and comforting heat. Ready to recreate this classic at home? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) Korean rice cakes (tteok, 떡)
- 4-5 fish cakes (optional, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 cups water
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar (or adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 boiled eggs (optional, peeled)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice Cakes
- If using refrigerated or frozen rice cakes, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften. Drain before cooking.
- Fresh rice cakes can be used directly without soaking.
2. Make the Spicy Sauce
- In a medium pot, combine 3 cups of water, gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir the ingredients together until the gochujang is fully dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Cook the Rice Cakes and Fish Cakes
- Add the softened rice cakes and fish cakes to the pot with the sauce.
- Stir occasionally, making sure the rice cakes don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Let the rice cakes simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until they become soft and chewy. The sauce should thicken during this time.
4. Add Green Onions and Boiled Eggs
- Add the chopped green onions and boiled eggs into the pot.
- Continue to simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
5. Finish with Sesame Oil and Serve
- Drizzle sesame oil over the top of the tteokbokki for extra flavor.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Tteokbokki:
- Adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochujang and gochugaru based on your taste preference.
- Add additional ingredients like ramen noodles, cheese, or cabbage for variations of the dish.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit more water to achieve your desired consistency.
Tteokbokki is best served hot and fresh, enjoyed with family or friends as a snack or a hearty meal. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a longtime fan, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Thank you for visiting Chelsea's K-Food Recipes, and stay tuned for more delicious Korean dishes!