Rice Cake Soup (떡국, Tteokguk)

Chelsea Oct 1, 2025

Welcome back to Chelsea's K-Food Recipes! Today, we’re making a traditional Korean dish — Rice Cake Soup (떡국, Tteokguk). This comforting soup is a must-have for Korean New Year (설날, Seollal) and symbolizes starting fresh and gaining another year of age.

Filled with soft, chewy rice cakes in a savory broth, this dish is simple, warm, and absolutely delicious. Let’s begin!

🥣 Ingredients

  • 300g sliced Korean rice cakes (tteok)
  • 200g beef (brisket or stew meat, thinly sliced)
  • 8 cups water or beef broth
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or to taste)
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 green onions, chopped (garnish)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Toasted gim (seaweed), thinly sliced
  • Sesame seeds

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Rice Cakes

  • If using refrigerated or frozen rice cakes, soak in cold water 10–15 minutes then drain.
  • Fresh rice cakes can be used immediately.

2️⃣ Cook the Beef

  • Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add sliced beef and stir-fry 2–3 minutes until browned.

3️⃣ Add Broth & Rice Cakes

  • Pour in 8 cups water or broth.
  • Add rice cakes and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

4️⃣ Season & Simmer

  • Add soy sauce (adjust to taste).
  • Simmer 10–15 minutes until rice cakes become soft and chewy.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5️⃣ Add the Egg

  • Slowly drizzle in beaten eggs while stirring gently to make pretty ribbons.

6️⃣ Garnish & Serve

  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add chopped green onions.
  • Optional: garnish with seaweed strips and sesame seeds.
  • Serve hot — ideally with kimchi!

💡 Tips for Perfect Tteokguk

  • ✅ Rice cakes should be soft yet chewy — adjust simmer time as needed
  • ✅ Beef broth adds richness, but anchovy or veggie broth works too
  • ✅ Seaweed and sesame topping = extra flavor & texture

Rice Cake Soup (Tteokguk) is warm, symbolic, and deeply comforting — perfect for New Year's celebrations or a cozy winter day.

Thanks for joining me on Chelsea’s K-Food Recipes — see you again soon for more delicious Korean dishes! 🇰🇷✨