Introduction to the Dish Tteokbokki, a vibrant and spicy dish of chewy rice cakes in a savory, sweet, and spicy sauce, is a staple in Korean street food culture. It’s beloved for its simplicity, bold flavors, and comforting texture. Tteokbokki is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, a meal, or a late-night treat.
Ingredients List
- 500g of garaetteok (cylinder-shaped rice cakes)
- 4 cups of water
- 1/3 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1-2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), adjust to taste
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup fish cakes, sliced (optional)
- Boiled eggs (optional)
Required Cooking Tools
- Large pan or wok
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Soak the Rice Cakes: If the rice cakes are refrigerated or hardened, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large pan, mix water, gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic to create the sauce. Stir well and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the Rice Cakes: Add the soaked rice cakes and sliced onion to the sauce. Stir gently and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until the rice cakes become soft and the sauce thickens.
- Add Additional Ingredients: If using fish cakes and boiled eggs, add them to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of gochujang and gochugaru.
- For a non-spicy version, use soy sauce-based sauce instead of chili paste.
- Tteokbokki can be customized with various add-ins like ramen noodles, cheese, or vegetables.
Nutritional Information Tteokbokki is a high-carb dish, with the rice cakes providing the bulk of the calories. The dish can be balanced with vegetables or protein-rich add-ins like fish cakes or boiled eggs.
Cultural Background and History Originally a non-spicy stir-fried dish during the Joseon Dynasty, Tteokbokki evolved into its current spicy form in the mid-20th century and quickly became a popular street food in Korea.
Serving Suggestions Tteokbokki is best enjoyed fresh off the stove, often accompanied by other Korean street foods like fried mandu (dumplings) or sundae (Korean blood sausage). It’s a perfect dish for those who love spicy and bold flavors.
Tteokbokki is more than just a dish; it’s a cultural icon, representing the vibrant and dynamic nature of Korean street cuisine. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Korea.
