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🍜 Ultimate Authentic Tteokbokki Recipe: Spicy Korean Rice Cakes

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Ultimate Authentic Tteokbokki Recipe | Spicy Korean Rice Cakes


🍜 Ultimate Authentic Tteokbokki Recipe

⏱ Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🕒 Total: 35 min
🍽️ Servings: 2-3

🎥 Video Tutorial: Non-Spicy Creamy Version

Alternative creamy version using accessible ingredients (Portuguese audio)

🛒 Ingredients

Spicy Sauce:

  • 2 cups anchovy stock
  • 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Main Ingredients:

  • 400g Korean rice cakes (fresh or frozen)
  • 120g Korean fish cakes, sliced
  • 2 boiled eggs (optional)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Spicy Korean tteokbokki in bowl with chopsticks

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Rice Cakes

If using frozen rice cakes, soak in warm water for 15-20 minutes to soften. Skip this step for fresh rice cakes.

2. Make the Signature Sauce

  1. In a medium pot, combine stock, gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic
  2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat
  3. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened

3. Cook the Tteokbokki

  1. Add drained rice cakes and fish cakes to sauce
  2. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally
  3. Sauce should thicken and coat the rice cakes

4. Finish and Serve

  • Remove from heat
  • Stir in sesame oil
  • Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds
  • Add boiled eggs if using
Pro Tip: For extra creaminess, top with mozzarella cheese and broil for 2 minutes!

🌶️ Popular Variations

Variation Key Ingredients Flavor Profile
Rose Tteokbokki Heavy cream Creamy, mild spice
Jjajang Tteokbokki Black bean paste Rich, savory
Cheese Tteokbokki Mozzarella cheese Gooey, indulgent

❓ Tteokbokki FAQs

Can I make tteokbokki without fish cakes?

Yes! Simply omit them or substitute with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

How can I make it less spicy?

Reduce gochujang by half and add 1 tbsp honey or sugar to balance the heat.

Where can I buy rice cakes?

Find them in Asian grocery stores' freezer section, labeled "tteok" or "garaetteok".

Can I use other proteins?

Absolutely! Try adding shrimp, thinly sliced beef, or chicken.

How long do leftovers last?

Store in airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat with splash of water to refresh sauce.

💡 Expert Tips

  • Rice cake texture: Soak frozen cakes properly - too little = hard, too long = mushy
  • Sauce consistency: Simmer until it coats the back of a spoon
  • Customize heat: Start with less gochujang, add more to taste
  • Presentation: Garnish with sesame seeds and nori strips
  • For beginners: Try the non-spicy creamy version in the video above