Seoul Tteokbokki
Introduction
Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean dish renowned for its spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. It has become a staple street food in South Korea and is gaining popularity worldwide. Traditionally made with rice cakes, gochujang (Korean red chili paste), and various seasonings, Tteokbokki originates from the royal court of the Joseon Dynasty and has evolved into a popular comfort food.
Ingredients
- Rice cakes - 500g
- Fish cakes - 200g
- Gochujang - 3 tablespoons
- Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) - 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Sugar - 1 tablespoon
- Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
- Green onions - 2, chopped
- Water - 2 cups
- Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
- Boiled eggs - 2, peeled
- Sesame seeds - for garnish
Preparation
Preparing the Rice Cakes
Before you begin, soak the rice cakes in water if they are hard or frozen. This helps to soften them for the cooking process. Usually, soaking them for about 20 to 30 minutes should be sufficient.
Prepping Other Ingredients
While the rice cakes are soaking, slice the fish cakes into bite-sized pieces. Prepare the sauce by mixing gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar in a bowl. Mince the garlic and chop the green onions, setting aside for later use.
Cooking Process
Cooking Time
You can set a cooking timer for about 15 to 20 minutes for the entire cooking process once everything is prepared.
Step-by-Step Cooking
- In a large pan, heat 2 cups of water over medium-high heat. Add the prepared sauce to the water and stir until the gochujang is completely dissolved.
- Add the soaked rice cakes and let them boil in the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After about 5 minutes, add the sliced fish cakes and minced garlic to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer until the rice cakes become soft and chewy, typically taking around 10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning by adding more sugar or gochugaru to taste.
- Once the sauce thickens to your liking, add the green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil.
- Gently place the boiled eggs into the pan, allowing them to heat through and absorb some of the flavors.
- Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Enjoying Your Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pot. It can be served as a main dish or as a delicious side. Pair it with kimchi for an authentic Korean culinary experience. Feel free to adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of gochugaru and gochujang to your taste. This dish is not only perfect for a cozy night in but is also a fantastic party dish that will impress your guests with its vibrant flavors and colors. Enjoy!