Authentic Tteokbokki Recipe
Prep time: 25mins | 2 Servings
If you’ve ever walked through the bustling streets of Seoul, you’ve likely smelled something spicy, sweet, and utterly irresistible — Tteokbokki (Korean spicy rice cakes). This beloved Korean street food is a national favorite, known for its chewy rice cakes coated in a rich gochujang (Korean chili paste) sauce. The best part? You can easily recreate this tteokbokki recipe right at home with a few simple ingredients!
What Is Tteokbokki?
Tteokbokki (떡볶이) literally means “stir-fried rice cakes.” It’s a comforting Korean dish made with garaetteok, cylindrical rice cakes simmered in a spicy, slightly sweet sauce made primarily from gochujang.
Originally enjoyed as a royal court dish called gungjung tteokbokki (non-spicy soy sauce version), it evolved into the modern red version we know today — a fiery and flavorful comfort food you’ll find everywhere from Seoul’s street stalls to Korean restaurants worldwide.
Ingredients
1 pound (450 g) Korean rice cakes (tteok) – fresh or frozen
2 cups water or anchovy broth (for extra depth of flavor)
3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes, optional for extra spice)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 small onion, sliced
2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 boiled egg (optional, for topping)
1 small sheet fish cake, sliced (optional but authentic)
Directions
1. Prepare the Rice Cakes
If you’re using frozen rice cakes, soak them in warm water for about 10–15 minutes to soften. This helps them absorb the sauce better and achieve that signature chewy texture.
2. Make the Broth
In a large pan or pot, add 2 cups of water or anchovy broth. Anchovy broth gives the tteokbokki a savory, umami depth similar to street-style versions.
3. Create the Sauce
Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and gochugaru (if using). Mix well until the sauce is smooth and starts to simmer.
4. Add the Ingredients
Add the rice cakes, fish cakes, and onion slices to the pan. Let everything simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the rice cakes don’t stick to the bottom.
5. Thicken and Serve
As the sauce reduces, it will thicken into a glossy coating that clings beautifully to the rice cakes. Stir in the green onions during the last minute of cooking.
Plate the tteokbokki, top with boiled eggs, and sprinkle some sesame seeds or sliced scallions for garnish.
Why You’ll Love This Tteokbokki Recipe
This tteokbokki recipe is:
Quick and beginner-friendly
Customizable to your spice tolerance
Perfect for sharing with family and friends
Bursting with authentic Korean flavors
From weeknight dinners to weekend cravings, this comforting dish never disappoints.
Popular Tteokbokki Variations
Korean home cooks love to put their own spin on tteokbokki recipes. Here are some delicious ideas you can try next:
Cheese Tteokbokki: Add mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top before serving for a creamy, indulgent version.
Rabokki: Combine tteokbokki and ramyeon noodles for the ultimate comfort food fusion.
Seafood Tteokbokki: Add shrimp, squid, or mussels for a seafood-infused sauce.
Gungjung Tteokbokki: Skip the chili paste and use soy sauce, beef, and vegetables for a traditional non-spicy alternative.
Nutrition Facts
*Per serving (1 bowl)
- Calories310 kcal
- Protein7 g
- Carbohydrates56 g
- Fat7 g
- Saturated Fat1 g
- Cholesterol0 mg
- Sodium880 mg
- Fiber3 g
- Sugar10 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is Tteokbokki spicy?
Traditional tteokbokki is moderately spicy due to the gochujang and gochugaru. However, you can easily control the heat by reducing the chili paste or using a mild variety.
Q2. Can I make tteokbokki ahead of time?
Yes, but it tastes best fresh. If you must store it, refrigerate for up to 2 days and reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Q3. Where can I buy Korean rice cakes and gochujang?
You can find them at Asian or Korean grocery stores, or order online from trusted sites like H Mart or Amazon.
Q4. Can I make vegan tteokbokki?
Absolutely! Just skip the fish cakes and use vegetable broth instead of anchovy broth. The sauce itself is naturally vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply comforting about tteokbokki — the chewy rice cakes, the rich spicy sauce, and the harmony of flavors that balance heat and sweetness perfectly. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll see why it’s one of Korea’s most iconic dishes.
So grab your ingredients and give this tteokbokki recipe a try tonight. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it with your friends or on social media — tag us and show off your delicious creation!
Pingback: Cheesy Garlic Tortilla Bread