Honey Ginseng Tteokbokki
Introduction
Tteokbokki, a beloved Korean dish, is traditionally made with chewy rice cakes known as tteok and a spicy-sweet red chili sauce. Originating from the royal palaces of the Joseon dynasty, it has become a staple street food, evolving into various unique flavors over the years. Honey Ginseng Tteokbokki is one such modern twist, blending the earthy tones of ginseng with the natural sweetness of honey, providing a harmonious balance between the fiery sauce and soothing roots.
Ingredients
- Rice cakes (tteok) - 500g
- Ginseng root - 20g, thinly sliced
- Honey - 3 tablespoons
- Gochujang (Korean red chili paste) - 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Onion - 1 medium, sliced
- Fish cakes - 200g, sliced
- Leek - 1, chopped
- Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
- Sesame seeds - for garnish
- Water or broth - 2 cups
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Prepping the Ingredients
Start by soaking the rice cakes in warm water for about 30 minutes, which will soften them and reduce cooking time. Thinly slice the ginseng, as it can be tough if not prepared properly. Chop the onion and leek, mince the garlic, and slice the fish cakes. Set all the ingredients aside, ready for cooking.
Cooking Process
Step 1: Creating the Sauce
In a large pan over medium heat, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, and honey. Stir the mixture until it becomes a uniform sauce. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the pan, cooking until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Incorporating the Rice Cakes and Fish Cakes
Add the soaked rice cakes and fish cakes to the pan, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce. Pour in the water or broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Infusing Ginseng and Honey
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the sliced ginseng and leek. Allow the pot to simmer for 10–15 minutes, enabling the ginseng to infuse its earthy flavors into the sauce.
Step 4: Final Touches
Drizzle the dish with sesame oil before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nutty finish.
How to Enjoy
Traditionally, Tteokbokki is enjoyed warm, straight from the pan. Gather your friends or family and serve it in a communal dish, encouraging shared dining and vibrant conversation. Pair this sweet and spicy delight with some cool, refreshing sides like cucumber salad or pickled radishes to balance the intense flavors.
For those looking to experience true Korean culture, enjoy your Honey Ginseng Tteokbokki with a chilled glass of Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine, complementing the meal while enhancing the overall culinary journey.