Spicy Korean Rice Cakes (떡볶이, Tteokbokki, Ddeokbokki)

Chelsea Oct 16, 2024

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 and savory dish made with chewy rice cakes is beloved all across Korea for its addictive flavor and comforting heat. Ready to recreate this classic at home? Let’s get started!

🍲 Ingredients

  • 1 lb (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 (adjust to taste)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 boiled eggs (optional, peeled)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Rice Cakes

  • If refrigerated or frozen, soak rice cakes in warm water for 10–15 minutes to soften, then drain.
  • Fresh rice cakes can be used immediately.

2️⃣ Make the Spicy Sauce

  • In a medium pot, combine water, gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar.
  • Stir until gochujang dissolves.
  • Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

3️⃣ Cook the Rice Cakes & Fish Cakes

  • Add rice cakes and fish cakes to the pot.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Simmer 8–10 minutes until rice cakes are soft and chewy and sauce thickens.

4️⃣ Add Green Onions & Eggs

  • Add chopped green onions and boiled eggs.
  • Simmer 2 more minutes to blend flavors.

5️⃣ Finish & Serve

  • Drizzle sesame oil on top.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds.
  • Serve hot!

💡 Tips for Perfect Tteokbokki

  • Adjust heat by changing the amount of gochujang/gochugaru
  • Try adding ramen noodles, cheese, cabbage, or dumplings
  • If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water
  • Best enjoyed hot and fresh with friends or family ✨

Thank you for visiting Chelsea's K-Food Recipes!

Stay tuned for more delicious Korean dishes. 🇰🇷😋