Introduction:

If you're a fan of Korean cuisine, you've probably heard of tteokbokki—a deliciously spicy, chewy, and savory street food made with rice cakes, fish cakes, and a rich gochujang-based sauce. This iconic dish is beloved across Korea and has gained global popularity for its addictive flavor and comforting texture. The good news? You don’t need to travel to Seoul to enjoy it. With this easy tteokbokki recipe, you can make it right in your own kitchen.

What Is Tteokbokki?

In Korean, Tteokbokki (떡볶이) literally stands for "stir-fried rice cake".Traditionally, it features soft, cylindrical rice cakes called tteok, simmered in a spicy and slightly sweet sauce made with gochujang (Korean red chili paste), soy sauce, sugar, and other flavorful ingredients. Common additions include eomuk (fish cakes), boiled eggs, scallions, and sometimes cheese or ramen noodles.

Tteokbokki is a staple of Korean street food culture and is often enjoyed as a quick snack, light meal, or comfort food on a rainy day.

Ingredients for Classic Tteokbokki

Here’s what you’ll need for a basic yet authentic tteokbokki recipe:

Main Ingredients:

1 pound (450g) Korean rice cakes (tteok)
3–4 pieces of Korean fish cake, sliced
2–3 taza de agua (o anchovy broth para incrementar la profundidad)
1 boiled egg (optional)
2–3 scallions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
1 tablespoon gochugaru (flancos de chile koreano), opcional for un mayor nivel de calor
1.5 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic

Tip: You can find most of these ingredients at Asian or Korean grocery stores, or online.

Step-by-Step Tteokbokki Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Rice Cakes

En caso de utilizar tteok refrigerado o congelado, soak them in agua caliente durante 15–20 minutos para que se solidicen.Fresh rice cakes can be used as-is.

Step 2: Make the Broth

In a wide, shallow pan, bring 2–3 cups of water (or anchovy broth) to a gentle boil. Anchovy broth adds a traditional, umami-rich depth to the flavor, but plain water works fine too.

Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients

Incorpora gochujang, gochugaru (si se utiliza), agave, salsa de soya y minced garlic.Mix well until the sauce is evenly dissolved into the broth.

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Step 4: Add Rice Cakes and Fish Cake

Insert the rice cakes and sliced fish cake in the sauce que está simmering.. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 10–15 minutes over medium heat until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes become soft and chewy.

Step 5: Finish with Garnish

Add chopped scallions and sliced boiled egg (if using). Simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Variations of Tteokbokki

One of the best things about this tteokbokki recipe is how customizable it is:

Cheese Tteokbokki: Add shredded mozzarella on top before serving or stir in slices while the dish is still hot.
Rabokki: Add a block of instant ramen noodles during the last few minutes of cooking.
Seafood Tteokbokki: Include shrimp, squid, or mussels for a hearty, seafood-infused twist.
Vegetarian Tteokbokki: Skip the fish cakes and anchovy broth. Add mushrooms, tofu, or greens instead.

Serving Suggestions

Tteokbokki is best enjoyed hot and fresh, served straight from the pan. It's a great snack to share with friends or as part of a Korean-style meal alongside kimbap, kimchi, or mandu (dumplings).

You can also pair it with a glass of soju or a cold Korean beer if you're going for a full-on street food experience at home!

Final Thoughts

This tteokbokki recipe brings the bold, spicy flavors of Korea into your own kitchen in a simple and satisfying way. Whether you're a beginner in Korean cooking or just craving a comforting bowl of chewy rice cakes, this recipe is easy to follow and endlessly adaptable.

Try it once, and you'll see why tteokbokki has earned a permanent place in the hearts (and bellies) of food lovers around the world.