Gochujang Tteokbokki

The History of Tteokbokki

Gochujang Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean dish with a rich history that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. Traditional Tteokbokki was once a royal court dish, enjoyed by the elite with a soy-based sauce. However, the advent of Gochujang transformed it into a spicy, street food sensation beloved by people across South Korea.

Ingredients

• Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) - 3 tablespoons
• Rice Cake (Tteok) - 500 grams
• Fish Cake - 200 grams
• Green Onion - 2 stalks
• Garlic, minced - 3 cloves
• Soy Sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Sesame Oil - 1 tablespoon
• Water - 2 cups
• Sesame Seeds - for garnish
• Optional: boiled Eggs

Preparation

Preparing the Rice Cakes

If the rice cakes are hard or refrigerated, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes until they soften. Most Korean grocery stores sell rice cakes that are already cut into cylinders or slices suitable for tteokbokki.

Chopping Ingredients

Slice the fish cakes into strips and cut the green onions into 2-inch pieces. Mince the garlic.

Cooking Process

1. Create the Sauce

   In a large pan or wok, mix the gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar together with 2 cups of water. Stir the ingredients until you form a smooth sauce.

2. Simmer the Sauce

   Place the pan on medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer while stirring occasionally.

3. Add Rice Cakes and Fish Cakes

   Add the soaked rice cakes and fish cakes to the sauce. Stir to ensure they are evenly coated. Allow them to cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

4. Finish with Aromatics and Oils

   Once the rice cakes are soft and chewy, add the garlic and green onions. Stir them into the mixture and drizzle with sesame oil for added flavor.

5. Garnish and Serve

   Turn off the heat and let the mixture rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for garnish. If desired, you can also add slices of boiled eggs for added richness and texture.

Enjoying Your Gochujang Tteokbokki

Serve the Gochujang Tteokbokki hot and enjoy it immediately for the best taste and texture. Pair it with other Korean side dishes like kimchi or pickled radish for a complete and balanced meal. The sweet, spicy, and savory notes of the sauce combined with the chewiness of the rice cakes make this dish irresistibly delicious. For a more leisurely meal, you can set your cooking timer to moderate the pace of your preparation and enjoy the cooking process itself.