If you’ve ever wondered how a simple dish can transport you straight to the bustling streets of Seoul, then let me introduce you to Korean spicy rice cakes, or tteokbokki. Just the thought of those chewy rice cakes simmering in a rich, spicy sauce is enough to make my mouth water! I stumbled upon this recipe while chatting with a friend who is a culinary lover, and now it’s become a staple in my kitchen.
Perfect for those nights when fast food just doesn’t cut it, tteokbokki brings warmth and flavor to your table in just 25 minutes. The heat from gochujang combined with the creaminess of melted mozzarella creates a delightful contrast that is truly addictive. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish promises to please every palate.
So, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into the world of Korean flavors together—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why are Korean Spicy Rice Cakes a Must-Try?
Irresistible flavor: The rich blend of gochujang and gochugaru creates a perfect harmony of spice and sweetness that dances on your taste buds.
Quick & easy: With just 25 minutes from prep to table, tteokbokki is a hassle-free solution for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting and homemade.
Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite proteins or vegetables—this dish invites creativity and suits every taste preference!
Crowd pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
For more delicious Korean recipes to elevate your dinner experience, check out our various Korean-inspired dishes that are just as simple and satisfying!
Korean Spicy Rice Cakes Ingredients
For the Sauce
• Dashi stock – 2 1/2 cups create a flavorful base; you can substitute with 1 tbsp hondashi powder plus hot water for convenience.
• Gochujang – 1/3 cup adds that signature spicy kick and depth of flavor to your tteokbokki.
• Gochugaru – 1 tbsp provides a smoky heat that perfectly complements the dish.
• Korean soy sauce – 2 tbsp infuses umami, making every bite irresistible.
• Sugar or honey – 1 tbsp balances the spice with a hint of sweetness.
• MSG – 1/4 tsp enhances the overall savory flavor (optional).
For the Main Ingredients
• Tteok – 1 pound of cylindrical rice cakes is the star of this dish, bringing that chewy texture we adore!
• Fish cakes – 1/2 lb cut into triangles (or a mix of fish balls) contribute a delightful protein element.
• Scallions – 2, with whites and greens separated, add freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
For Topping
• Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup delivers a creamy, melty layer that ties everything together beautifully.
Now that you have your Korean spicy rice cakes ingredients ready, let’s get cooking and dive into those mouthwatering flavors!
How to Make Korean Spicy Rice Cakes
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Simmer: In a large wide oven-safe pan over high heat, add the rice cakes along with 2 cups of the dashi stock. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until tender and slightly soft.
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Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and MSG. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of hot stock, stirring until everything is well combined and dissolved—this is where the magic begins!
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Combine: Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked tteokbokki and mix everything together, ensuring the rice cakes are well-coated and soaked in that delicious sauce.
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Add Fish Cakes: Toss in the scallion whites and fish cakes to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium, then let it simmer for 10-15 minutes—watch as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, making your kitchen smell heavenly!
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Cheese it Up: Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top and place the pan under the broiler for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. Finish with the scallion greens for that fresh pop!
Optional: Serve with extra gochujang on the side for those who like an extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Korean Spicy Rice Cakes
Fridge: Store leftover tteokbokki in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to regain its gooey texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Korean spicy rice cakes in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a little water if needed, until warm. Enjoy the same delicious flavors as fresh!
Room Temperature: Ideally, avoid leaving tteokbokki out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure freshness and safety.
What to Serve with Korean Spicy Rice Cakes?
Transform your meal into a delightful feast with these complementary sides and drinks that enhance the experience of Korean spicy rice cakes.
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Crispy Tempura: The light, crunchy texture adds a wonderful contrast to the chewy rice cakes, making each bite a new adventure. The delicate flavors in tempura also balance the spice beautifully.
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Kimchi: This classic fermented side introduces tangy notes and probiotics, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal. Its crunchiness and spiciness bring a refreshing element that pairs perfectly with tteokbokki.
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Steamed Bok Choy: Tender and nutrient-packed, bok choy provides a fresh and mild flavor that complements the rich sauce of the rice cakes, lightening up the meal.
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Korean Fried Chicken: Crispy and juicy, this dish is a beloved match for tteokbokki. The savory crunch of fried chicken alongside the spicy rice cakes creates a feast that’s hard to resist.
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Spicy Pickled Radish: A popular side in Korean cuisine, these bright, tangy slices offer a refreshing bite that cuts through the richness of the tteokbokki, bringing balance to your plate.
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Sweet Potato Fries: The creamy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes brings a delightful contrast to the spicy sauce. Plus, the added crunch is just what you need for pizza night!
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Makgeolli (Korean Rice Wine): This traditional alcoholic beverage pairs wonderfully with savory dishes, balancing the heat from the tteokbokki with its mild sweetness.
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Mochi Ice Cream: End your meal on a sweet note with this chewy treat filled with ice cream, providing a delightful texture and soothing sweetness after the spice of tteokbokki.
Expert Tips for Korean Spicy Rice Cakes
• Right Texture: For the best tteokbokki, make sure the rice cakes are completely tender but still chewy. Overcooking can lead to mushiness.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of hot dashi stock to loosen it. Balance is key to a mouthwatering dish of Korean spicy rice cakes.
• Chill the Cheese: Use room temperature mozzarella to ensure it melts evenly without clumping when you broil it on top.
• Mix & Match: Don’t hesitate to add vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms to enhance flavor. Just remember to adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Control the Heat: Adjust the level of gochujang to suit your spice tolerance. You can always start with less and add more later for a tailored kick!
Korean Spicy Rice Cakes Variations
Feel free to get creative with your tteokbokki and explore these fun variations to suit your taste!
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Vegetarian: Substitute fish cakes with tofu or mushrooms for a delicious meat-free option. They soak up the sauce beautifully!
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Spicy Twist: Add extra gochugaru or sprinkle in some sliced jalapeños for a fiery kick. This is perfect for those who crave bold flavors.
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Creamy Addition: Swap mozzarella for creamy feta or goat cheese to give a tangy twist to the dish. It’s an unexpected delight that complements the spice!
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Veggie Boost: Toss in vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition. Not only do they add color, but they also enhance the dish’s overall texture.
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Seafood Delight: Try adding shrimp or squid in place of fish cakes for a fresh and oceanic flare. Their tender texture will add another layer of flavor to the dish.
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Savory Layer: Mix in cooked bacon or sausage to give the tteokbokki a savory, smoky note. This variation appeals to meat lovers.
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No-MSG Option: Skip the MSG and enhance the umami with a splash of Worcestershire sauce. It’ll still be delicious without the additives!
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Sweet Kick: Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup on top just before serving for a contrasting sweet touch—it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead Options
These Korean spicy rice cakes are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade food on busy nights! You can prepare the sauce (combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and MSG with hot dashi stock) up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate in an airtight container. Additionally, the tteok can be soaked in dashi and kept overnight, making it tender and ready for cooking. On the day of serving, combine the prepped sauce with the rice cakes, simmer with fish cakes and scallions, and finish by broiling with mozzarella cheese until bubbly. This way, you’ll savor all the delightful flavors of tteokbokki with minimal effort!
Korean Spicy Rice Cakes Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right tteok (rice cakes)?
Absolutely! For the best texture, look for chewy cylindrical rice cakes specifically labeled for tteokbokki. They should feel firm and slightly sticky, without any dark spots, which can indicate they are past their prime. If fresh rice cakes aren’t available, you can use frozen ones—just soak them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes before cooking.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
To store leftover tteokbokki, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of water over medium heat, which helps restore that lovely gooey texture.
Can I freeze Korean spicy rice cakes?
Certainly! To freeze, portion the tteokbokki into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to 1 month. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a bit of water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
That’s an easy fix! If you find the sauce thickening too much while cooking, just add a splash of hot dashi stock or water to adjust the consistency. This will help keep that perfect, glossy finish that makes tteokbokki so irresistible!
Are there any dietary concerns I should consider?
Very! If you or your guests have allergies, be cautious with the ingredients. The gochujang contains fermented soy, which can be a potential allergen. Additionally, ensure the fish cakes are made from safe ingredients if someone has dietary restrictions. If you need a vegetarian option, just skip the fish cakes and add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
How long can I leave tteokbokki at room temperature?
It’s best to avoid leaving tteokbokki at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Always store leftovers promptly, so you can enjoy this delicious dish without worries!
Korean Spicy Rice Cakes Recipe FAQs
Spicy Korean Rice Cakes: Irresistible Comfort Food Made Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large wide oven-safe pan over high heat, add the rice cakes along with 2 cups of the dashi stock. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until tender and slightly soft.
- In a small bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and MSG. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of hot stock, stirring until everything is well combined and dissolved.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked tteokbokki and mix everything together, ensuring the rice cakes are well-coated and soaked in that delicious sauce.
- Toss in the scallion whites and fish cakes to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium, then let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top and place the pan under the broiler for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.