Tteokbokki Recipe – Easy, Spicy Korean Rice Cakes at Home

June 16, 2025 admin@gmail.com

Introduction

Looking for something spicy, comforting, and packed with flavor? This Tteokbokki recipe is your answer. A beloved Korean street food, Tteokbokki features chewy rice cakes simmered in a bold gochujang-based sauce. Whether you’re exploring Korean cuisine for the first time or already a fan of K-dramas and kimchi, this dish is a must-try. Best of all, it’s simple enough to make at home—even on a busy weeknight.

What Makes This Tteokbokki Recipe Special?

Tteokbokki (pronounced tuh-koh-bok-kee) is a traditional Korean dish made with tteok—soft, chewy rice cakes—and simmered in a spicy, sweet, and savory sauce. You’ll often find it at street stalls across South Korea. Students and adults both love it! While the base ingredients stay the same, the dish welcomes endless customizations. That’s why Tteokbokki recipes have gone global.

Tteokbokki Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

To recreate this authentic Tteokbokki recipe, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) Korean rice cakes (tteok)
3 cups water or anchovy broth
1–2 boiled eggs (optional)
1 sheet fish cake (optional, sliced)
1 green onion, chopped
1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust to taste)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp minced garlic

If anchovy broth isn’t available, you can use plain water or chicken broth instead.

Step-by-Step Tteokbokki Recipe Guide

1. Soften the Rice Cakes

If your rice cakes are cold or frozen, soak them in warm water for 15–20 minutes. This helps soften them and reduces cooking time.

2. Make the Sauce Base

Bring 3 cups of broth to a gentle boil in a wide pan. Add gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic. Stir everything until the sauce looks smooth and starts simmering.

3. Add the Rice Cakes

Now, gently place the soaked rice cakes and fish cake slices into the pan. Stir well to coat them with the sauce.

4. Simmer Until Thick

Let the mixture simmer on medium heat for 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. The sauce thickens as it cooks and clings nicely to the rice cakes.

5. Add Eggs and Onion

Add the boiled eggs and green onions a few minutes before removing the pan from heat. Let them warm up fully.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve your Tteokbokki recipe hot. This dish tastes best fresh!

Tteokbokki Cooking Tips

Use fresh or refrigerated rice cakes for quicker cooking and better texture.
Reduce gochugaru or add honey to lower spice levels.
Let the sauce simmer patiently; it deepens flavor.
Stir often to avoid sticking.
Taste as you cook and adjust flavors as needed.

Popular Tteokbokki Recipe Variations

Want to switch it up? Try these ideas:

Cheese Tteokbokki – Add shredded mozzarella on top before serving.
Rabokki – Mix in instant ramen noodles for a heartier version.
Creamy Tteokbokki – Add a splash of milk or cream for a richer sauce.
Vegetarian Tteokbokki – Replace fish cakes with tofu or veggies.