Chewy Tteokbokki Surprise

Introduction to Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food that has found its way into the hearts (and stomachs) of many across the world. This cozy and comforting dish primarily consists of rice cakes in a spicy, sweet, and savory sauce. Tteokbokki means stir-fried or simmered rice cakes in Korean, and its simplicity belies its complex flavors.

A Brief History

Tteokbokki has its origins in royal Korean cuisine, where it was once known as "Gungjung Tteokbokki," a dish of stir-fried rice cakes with soy sauce and other ingredients. Over time, it evolved into a popular street food, especially from the 1950s, when the spicy gochujang-based version emerged.

Ingredients for Chewy Tteokbokki Surprise

Gather these ingredients to make the perfect tteokbokki surprise:

• Rice cakes (tteok) - 500g
• Fish cakes - 200g
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste) - 2 tablespoons
• Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Green onions - 2, chopped
• Boiled eggs - 2, peeled
• Cabbage - 1 cup, chopped
• Water - 2 cups

Preparation Steps

Let's prepare our ingredients:

Preparing the Rice Cakes

Soak the rice cakes in warm water for about 20 minutes until they slightly soften. This will ensure they achieve the desired chewy texture when cooked. You can set a cooking timer to manage the soaking time effectively.

Handling Other Ingredients

While the rice cakes are soaking, prepare the fish cakes by slicing them into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and chop the green onions and cabbage.

Cooking Process

It's time to bring everything together:

Making the Sauce

In a large pan, mix together the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar. Add the minced garlic and water, stirring until you have a smooth sauce.

Cooking Everything Together

• Add the soaked rice cakes to the sauce and cook over medium heat.
• Stir occasionally as the rice cakes absorb the sauce and become soft and chewy, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Set a cooking timer to ensure perfect timing.
• Add the fish cakes and cabbage, continuing to stir the mixture until everything is well-coated and heated through.
• Gently add the boiled eggs into the pan.

Garnishing and Serving

Once the tteokbokki is ready:

• Transfer it onto a large serving plate or enjoy it straight from the pan in true street food fashion.
• Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for freshness and color.
• Serve immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, and chewy!

How to Enjoy Chewy Tteokbokki Surprise

Tteokbokki is best enjoyed with friends and family as a shared meal. Pair it with a cup of iced sweet tea or a cool Korean beverage. You can also complement this dish with a side of crisp kimchi to balance the flavors. Dive in with chopsticks or forks, and savor each bite of this chewy delight!