Korean spicy fried rice cakes

How to Make Korean Spicy Rice Cakes (Tteokbokki)

Korean spicy rice cakes, or *tteokbokki*, are a beloved street food known for their chewy texture and fiery, sweet sauce. Here’s a simple guide to making them at home.

Ingredients:

200g cylindrical rice cakes (*tteok*), 200g fish cakes (*eomuk*), 1 cabbage (sliced), 2 green onions (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 tbsp gochugaru (chili flakes), 2 tbsp sugar, 4 cups water or anchovy broth, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and sesame oil for finishing.

Steps:

1. Prep: Soak rice cakes in warm water for 10 minutes to soften. Slice fish cakes and cabbage.

2. Make Sauce: In a pot, mix gochujang, gochugaru, garlic, sugar, soy sauce, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until fragrant.

3. Cook: Add rice cakes and fish cakes to the sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cakes become chewy.

4. Add Vegetables: Toss in cabbage and green onions; cook for 3–5 more minutes until cabbage wilts.

5. Finish: Drizzle with sesame oil, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.

Tips: For extra umami, add a dash of vinegar or a spoonful of ramen seasoning. Customize with boiled eggs, cheese, or seafood! Enjoy this comforting, spicy-sweet dish that’s perfect for sharing.