Origin and Region: Tteokbokki, also known as spicy rice cakes, is a popular Korean street food dish that originated in South Korea. It is especially beloved among Koreans but has gained popularity worldwide due to its deliciously spicy and chewy nature.
Introduction:
Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean dish made with chewy rice cakes (tteok) cooked in a spicy and savory sauce. It’s a popular street food in South Korea and is often enjoyed as a snack or light meal. Tteokbokki is known for its addictive spicy flavor and comforting chewy texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) cylinder-shaped rice cakes (tteok)
- 2 cups water
- 4 dried shiitake mushrooms (optional)
- 4 cups water (for soaking mushrooms, if using)
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili powder)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Optional toppings: fish cakes, hard-boiled eggs, cabbage, cheese, etc.
Optional Toppings:
- Roasted seaweed flakes (gim)
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Hard-boiled eggs, halved
- Fish cakes, sliced
Tips:
- Use fresh or refrigerated rice cakes for the best texture. If using frozen rice cakes, thaw them before cooking.
- Adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochugaru and gochujang.
- Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for about 30 minutes before slicing them thinly and adding them to the dish for extra flavor.
- Customize your tteokbokki by adding your favorite toppings such as fish cakes, hard-boiled eggs, or vegetables.
Instructions:
- If using dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them in 4 cups of warm water for about 30 minutes. Once softened, thinly slice the mushrooms.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped white parts of green onions, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the soaked shiitake mushrooms (if using) and stir-fry for another minute.
- Add 2 cups of water, gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Add the rice cakes to the simmering sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes or until the rice cakes are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Once the rice cakes are cooked and the sauce has thickened, stir in the chopped green parts of the onions and sesame oil. Cook for another minute.
- Serve the tteokbokki hot, garnished with optional toppings such as roasted seaweed flakes, sesame seeds, chopped green onions, hard-boiled eggs, or fish cakes.
Description:
Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food dish known for its addictive spicy flavor and chewy rice cakes. The chewy texture of the rice cakes combined with the spicy and savory sauce creates a satisfying dish that is both comforting and delicious. Tteokbokki is a popular snack enjoyed by people of all ages in South Korea and has gained popularity around the world for its unique and addictive flavor.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, without optional toppings)
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 5g
Conclusion and Recommendation:
Tteokbokki is a must-try dish for anyone who loves spicy and flavorful food. Whether enjoyed as a snack or light meal, its chewy texture and bold flavors are sure to leave you craving for more. Customize your tteokbokki with your favorite toppings and enjoy this delicious Korean street food classic at home!