Korean Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cakes)

Korean Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cakes)

Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most beloved street foods.  These chewy rice cakes are simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce that is slightly sweet, savory, and mildly spicy.  Traditional versions often include fish cakes, but this homemade recipe uses Spam for a hearty twist.  

You can also add boiled eggs or keep it vegetarian if you prefer.

Despite the bright red sauce, the dish is not overly spicy unless you increase the chili flakes or add fresh chilies.

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

1 lb Korean rice cakes (tteok)

1 cup chicken stock

1 tbsp butter

6 oz. Spam, cut into thin strips

2 green onions, cut into 2-inch lengths

Sauce ingredients:

2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)

2 tbsp ketchup

1 tsp sugar

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp chicken powder or bouillon

1 tsp minced garlic

1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)

1/4 cup chicken stock

Garnish:

while downtown 1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp sesame seeds

Extra sliced green onions

Directions:

Cooking the Spam:

Heat a pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.  Add the Spam strips and lightly fry until slightly golden.

Cooking the Rice Cakes:

Pour in 1 cup of chicken stock and bring to a boil. Add the rice cakes and simmer, stirring occasionally, until they soften and most of the liquid has reduced.

Making the Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine the gochujang, ketchup, sugar, soy sauce, chicken powder, minced garlic, chili flakes, and 1/4 cup chicken stock.  Mix well.

Combining Everything:

Pour the sauce into the pan with the rice cakes.  Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.

Finishing the Dish:

Add the butter and green onions.  Continue cooking for another 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice cakes are fully tender and the sauce becomes thick and glossy.

Enhancing the Flavor:

Lower the heat and simmer for an additional 2–4 minutes to deepen the flavor and further thicken the sauce.

Garnishing and Serving:

Drizzle with sesame oil, sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onions, then toss quickly before serving.

 

Serve warm and enjoy!

 

Optional Add-Ins:

Fish cakes

Hard-boiled eggs

Mozzarella cheese

Ramen noodles

Cabbage or onions