Korean street food is famous worldwide, and tteokbokki (떡볶이) is one dish you simply can’t miss!
These chewy rice cakes soaked in a rich, spicy-sweet sauce make for a delicious comfort meal. Whether you’ve had tteokbokki before or are trying it for the first time, this step-by-step guide will help you make an authentic version at home.
I remember the first time I tried tteokbokki—it was love at first bite! The combination of chewy rice cakes, gochujang (Korean red chili paste), and a slightly sweet, savory sauce was something I had never tasted before. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you’re going to love this recipe!
Let’s get started.
Ingredients You'll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups tteok (Korean rice cakes) – fresh or frozen
- 3 cups water or anchovy broth (for better flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (optional for extra spice)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 boiled egg (optional)
- ½ cup fish cakes, sliced (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For Anchovy Broth (Optional but Recommended!):
- 5 dried anchovies
- 1 piece dried kelp (about 5 cm)
- 3 cups water
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Rice Cakes
If you’re using fresh rice cakes, skip this step.
For frozen tteok, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes until they soften. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
For the best flavor, use anchovy broth instead of plain water. Here’s how:
- Add dried anchovies and kelp to 3 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the broth and discard the anchovies and kelp.
Step 3: Make the Tteokbokki Sauce
- Pour the broth (or water) into a deep pan and bring it to a boil
- .Add gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and gochugaru. Stir well until the gochujang is completely dissolved.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to develop its rich flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Rice Cakes & Fish Cakes
- Add the softened rice cakes and fish cakes into the sauce.
- Stir everything together and let it simmer on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the rice cakes turn soft and chewy.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve!
- Once the sauce thickens, turn off the heat.
- Add chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- If you like, add a boiled egg for a traditional touch.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
EXTRA TIPS FOR BEST TTEOKBOKKI!!
✅ Adjust spice level – Add more or less gochujang depending on your taste.
✅ Want it cheesy? – Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt!
✅ Try different broths – Chicken or vegetable broth works too.
✅ Make it a full meal – Add ramen noodles, dumplings, or seafood!
What If You Don’t Have Tteok? Make It From Scratch!
Don’t worry if you can’t find Korean rice cakes (tteok)—you can easily make them at home with just two ingredients!
Homemade Tteok (Rice Cakes) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice flour
- ½ cup hot water
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Mix the rice flour, salt, and hot water in a bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap and steam for 15-20 minutes.
- Knead the steamed dough until it becomes soft and smooth.
- Shape into long cylinders and cut into small pieces.
- Let them cool, and they’re ready to use in tteokbokki!
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