Tteokbokki (떡볶이) is one of Korea’s most iconic and beloved street foods. Known for its chewy rice cakes, spicy-sweet sauce, and flavorful add-ins like fish cakes and boiled eggs, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. The best part? You can easily recreate this classic dish at home with a few simple ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own tteokbokki!
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) – optional for extra spice + color
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (or sugar alternative)
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups water or anchovy stock
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pack (about 300g) of tteok (Korean rice cakes)
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1-2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 sheet of fish cake sliced into bite-sized pieces
Optional Toppings:
- Sesame seeds
- Mozzarella cheese
- Boiled eggs (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Rice Cakes
If your rice cakes are frozen or hard, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to soften while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a medium-sized pan or pot, mix the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, corn syrup, and minced garlic with the water or anchovy stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 3: Add the Main Ingredients
Once the sauce is simmering, add the rice cakes, onion slices, and fish cake pieces. Stir gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender
Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice cakes should become soft and chewy, and the sauce should thicken to a luscious consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Finish with Green Onions
Add the green onion pieces during the last 2 minutes of cooking to enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the tteokbokki to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds, melted mozzarella cheese and boiled eggs for an extra indulgent treat. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Tteokbokki:
- Anchovy Stock Base: For an authentic taste, boil a handful of dried anchovies and kelp in water for 10 minutes to create a flavorful stock.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of gochugaru to make the dish milder or spicier based on your preference.
- Add-ins: Customize your tteokbokki by adding ingredients like cabbage, mushrooms, or instant ramen noodles to make it even more hearty.
Why Make Tteokbokki at Home?
Making tteokbokki at home allows you to enjoy this popular dish with your preferred flavors and ingredients. It’s more affordable than takeout and just as delicious! Plus, cooking it yourself is a fun and rewarding way to connect with Korean cuisine.
Final Thoughts
Tteokbokki is a perfect dish to share with friends or enjoy on your own as a comforting snack or meal. Try this recipe and let me know how it turned out. What’s your favorite tteokbokki add-in? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
