Korean cuisine has taken the world by storm, and one of the most beloved dishes is Tteokbokki. This spicy, sweet, and savory dish has a unique flavor profile that makes it a favorite among food lovers. But what if you prefer something a bit milder or want to add an extra twist to this classic dish? In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious and easy Tteokbokki recipe, including variations with ramen and a non-spicy version. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this delightful Korean street food!

What is Tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki, also known as spicy rice cakes, is a popular Korean street food made from chewy rice cakes (tteok) cooked in a spicy red chili sauce. It’s a comfort food that’s enjoyed by people of all ages and can be found in street food stalls, restaurants, and even home kitchens.

Traditionally, Tteokbokki is made with gochujang (Korean red chili paste), fish cakes, boiled eggs, and green onions. However, there are many variations to suit different taste preferences, including non-spicy versions and those incorporating additional ingredients like ramen noodles.

Ingredients for Tteokbokki

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need:

Basic Tteokbokki Ingredients:

• 1 pound of Korean rice cakes (tteok)
• 3 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) – optional for extra spice
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of fish cakes, sliced
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Optional Additions:

• 1 pack of instant ramen noodles
• 1/2 cup of sliced cabbage
• 1/2 cup of sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup of mushrooms

How to Make Basic Tteokbokki

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cakes

Start by soaking the rice cakes in warm water for about 10 minutes. This helps to soften them and ensures they cook evenly. If you’re using frozen rice cakes, be sure to thaw them first.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a large pan, combine the water, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Stir well to dissolve the gochujang and create a smooth sauce. If you like your Tteokbokki extra spicy, you can add gochugaru at this stage.

Step 3: Cook the Tteokbokki

Add the soaked rice cakes to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rice cakes are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 4: Add the Extras

Once the rice cakes are cooked, add the fish cakes, boiled eggs, and green onions to the pan. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Finish by drizzling sesame oil over the top and garnishing with sesame seeds.

Variations of Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki Recipe with Ramen

If you’re a fan of noodles, you’ll love this variation that incorporates instant ramen into the dish. The chewy rice cakes combined with the slurp-worthy ramen noodles make for a satisfying and hearty meal.

Ingredients:

• Follow the basic Tteokbokki ingredients
• 1 pack of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the basic Tteokbokki as described above.
2. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the instant ramen noodles to the pan.
3. Cook until the noodles are tender and fully incorporated into the dish.
4. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired.

Tteokbokki Recipe Not Spicy

For those who prefer a milder version of Tteokbokki, you can easily adjust the recipe to create a non-spicy version that’s just as delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of Korean rice cakes (tteok)
• 3 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of fish cakes, sliced
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Soak the rice cakes in warm water for about 10 minutes.
2. In a large pan, combine the water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Stir well to create a smooth sauce.
3. Add the soaked rice cakes to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rice cakes are tender and the sauce has thickened.
4. Add the fish cakes, boiled eggs, and green onions to the pan. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Finish by drizzling sesame oil over the top and garnishing with sesame seeds.

Tips for Perfect Tteokbokki

Choose the Right Rice Cakes

Korean rice cakes come in different shapes and sizes. For Tteokbokki, you’ll want to use cylindrical rice cakes, which are chewy and perfect for soaking up the sauce. You can find them at Korean grocery stores or online.

Adjust the Spice Level

Tteokbokki is traditionally spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your liking. If you prefer a milder version, reduce or omit the gochugaru and gochujang. You can also add more sugar to balance out the heat.

Add Veggies

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the dish. Cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms are great additions that add texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Tteokbokki is a versatile and delicious Korean dish that you can easily make at home. Whether you stick to the traditional spicy version, add ramen noodles for a twist, or opt for a non-spicy variation, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a taste of Korea in your own kitchen!