Tteokbokki Recipe: How to make Tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food that features chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy, savory broth. This dish is known for its delightful texture and bold flavors, combining the heat of gochujang (Korean chili paste) with the umami of anchovy stock. Tteokbokki is not only a comforting snack but also a versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients like fish cakes, eggs, and vegetables. Whether enjoyed as an after-school treat or a late-night snack, tteokbokki is a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite.

Ingredients

To make a classic tteokbokki, gather the following ingredients:

• Rice Cakes:
  • 1 pound of cylinder-shaped rice cakes (tteok), either store-bought or homemade (increase to 1.25 pounds if omitting fish cakes and hard-boiled eggs).
• For the Anchovy Stock:
  • 4 cups of water
  • 7 large dried anchovies (heads and intestines removed)
  • 6 pieces of dried kelp (about 6 x 8 inches)
• For the Sauce:
  • ⅓ cup hot pepper paste (gochujang)
  • 1 tablespoon Korean hot pepper flakes (gochugaru)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
• Add-ins (optional):
  • 3 green onions (scallions), cut into 3-inch long pieces
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, shelled
  • ½ pound fish cakes, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Anchovy Stock

1. Combine Ingredients: In a shallow pot or pan, add 4 cups of water, 7 dried anchovies, and 6 pieces of dried kelp.
2. Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow it to boil uncovered for about 15 minutes. This will create a flavorful anchovy stock that forms the base of your tteokbokki.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

3. Mix Sauce Ingredients: While the stock is boiling, combine ⅓ cup gochujang, 1 tablespoon gochugaru, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a small bowl. Stir well to create a smooth paste.

Step 3: Cook the Tteokbokki

4. Remove Anchovies and Kelp: After boiling, remove the anchovies and kelp from the pot using a slotted spoon. Discard them.
5. Add Rice Cakes: Add the rice cakes to the pot of anchovy stock.
6. Incorporate Sauce: Add the prepared sauce mixture to the pot along with the green onions and optional fish cakes and hard-boiled eggs.
7. Simmer: Stir gently with a wooden spoon and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer. Keep stirring occasionally until the rice cakes become soft and the sauce thickens, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes. If the rice cakes are still firm, add a little more water as needed and continue cooking until they reach the desired texture.

Step 4: Serve

8. Final Touches: Once the sauce is thick and shiny, remove the pot from the heat.
9. Serving: Serve the tteokbokki hot in bowls. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped green onions.

Serving Suggestions

Tteokbokki can be enjoyed on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal:

• Side Dishes: Pair tteokbokki with Korean side dishes (banchan) like pickled radish (danmuji) or kimchi for a balanced meal.
• Beverages: Serve with a refreshing drink such as iced barley tea (bori cha) or a light beer to complement the spiciness of the dish.
• Garnishes: Top with sesame seeds or additional green onions for extra flavor and presentation.

Nutritional Information

Tteokbokki is a hearty dish that provides a variety of nutrients:

• Carbohydrates: The rice cakes are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy.
• Protein: Adding fish cakes and eggs increases the protein content, making it a more satisfying meal.
• Vitamins: Green onions add vitamins A and C, contributing to overall health.
• Healthy Fats: If you choose to add sesame oil or seeds as a garnish, you’ll introduce healthy fats into the dish.

Health Benefits

• Energy Boost: The carbohydrates from rice cakes offer a quick source of energy, making tteokbokki a great snack for students or anyone needing a pick-me-up.
• Digestive Health: The inclusion of anchovies not only enhances flavor but also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe to include more vegetables or lean proteins, making it adaptable to various dietary needs.

Tips for Success

• Fresh vs. Frozen Rice Cakes: If using fresh rice cakes, they will cook faster. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them and soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking to soften them.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less gochujang and gochugaru, and adjust according to your taste preference.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients like cabbage, mushrooms, or ramen noodles to create your own variations of tteokbokki.

Conclusion

Tteokbokki is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine to your home. With its chewy texture and spicy broth, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for casual meals or gatherings. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, making tteokbokki is a straightforward process that results in a delicious and satisfying dish. Enjoy this classic Korean street food and share it with friends and family for a delightful culinary adventure!