Delicious Korean Tteokbokki (Ddokbokki) Recipe from a Local Artisan

Korean tteokbokki is a spicy and savory dish made from soft rice cakes, garlic, onion, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sugar, water or broth, nori seaweed, green onion, and sesame oil, typically cooked in a saucepan or wok until the rice cakes are fully cooked and coated in the spicy sauce, and then garnished with additional green onion and sesame seeds before serving.

Ingredients

1 pound of soft rice cakes (tteok)

1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste)

1 tablespoon of soy sauce

1 tablespoon of sugar

2 cups of water or broth (chicken or anchovy)

1 sheet of nori seaweed, cut into small pieces

1 green onion, chopped

2 tablespoons of sesame oil

Instructions to help you make the perfect Tteokbokki (Ddokbokki)

1. Soak the Rice Cakes

Before you start cooking, it's important to soak the rice cakes in warm water to soften them. This will help to prevent them from becoming tough and chewy during cooking. Place the rice cakes in a large bowl and cover with warm water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, drain the water and set the rice cakes aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics

In a large saucepan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 sliced onion to the pan and cook until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic and onion from burning.

3. Make the Sauce

In the same saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir to combine and then add 2 cups of water or broth (chicken or anchovy). Stir the mixture again to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

4. Add the Rice Cakes

Once the sauce has come to a boil, add the soaked and drained rice cakes to the saucepan. Stir gently to coat the rice cakes with the sauce. Cook the rice cakes for about 5-7 minutes or until they are fully cooked and slightly chewy. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the rice cakes from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

5. Add the Final Ingredients

Once the rice cakes are cooked, add 1 sheet of nori seaweed cut into small pieces and 1 chopped green onion to the saucepan. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the seaweed is slightly softened.

6. Finish and Serve

Remove the saucepan from heat and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Serve the Tteokbokki hot, garnished with additional chopped green onion and sesame seeds, if desired.

With these detailed instructions, you should be able to make a delicious and authentic Tteokbokki that is sure to impress. Enjoy!

Can you make tteokbokki abroad?

You can make Tteokbokki abroad. While some of the ingredients for Tteokbokki may not be easily available in every country, many of the ingredients can be found in Korean or Asian grocery stores or online. With the right ingredients, you can make a delicious Tteokbokki dish in your own kitchen, no matter where you are located. Additionally, you can experiment with substituting certain ingredients, such as using a different type of chili paste if gochujang is not available, to create your own unique version of Tteokbokki.

Instructions on how to get Tteokbokki ingredients abroad

Korean or Asian Grocery Stores

Look for a local Korean or Asian grocery store in your area. Many of these stores carry a wide range of Asian ingredients, including Tteokbokki ingredients such as soft rice cakes, gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil. If you can't find a physical store near you, try searching for online retailers that specialize in Asian ingredients.

Online Retailers

Online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, or websites that specialize in Asian ingredients can be a great source for Tteokbokki ingredients. Simply search for "Tteokbokki ingredients" or the specific ingredients you need (e.g. gochujang, soft rice cakes, etc.) and place an order. Some online retailers may offer international shipping, so you can get the ingredients you need no matter where you are located.

Substitute Ingredients

If you are unable to find certain ingredients such as gochujang or soft rice cakes, you can experiment with substituting them with similar ingredients. For example, you can use another type of chili paste such as sriracha, or try making your own soft rice cakes using glutinous rice flour and water.

With these options in mind, you should be able to find the ingredients you need to make Tteokbokki abroad. Don't be afraid to experiment and get creative with the ingredients you have available!

Some tips to keep in mind to make delicious Tteokbokki

Quality of ingredients

Tteokbokki relies heavily on the quality of the ingredients used. Be sure to use high-quality gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil, as these are the main flavors in the sauce. Try to use the best quality ingredients you can find, as this will greatly enhance the flavor of the dish.

Properly cook the sauce

When making the sauce for Tteokbokki, be sure to cook it until it has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. This is key to ensuring that the sauce coats the rice cakes evenly and that the flavors are well-balanced. Start by mixing the gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and water together in a saucepan and heating it over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil.

Soft rice cakes

Soft rice cakes are the traditional choice for Tteokbokki, as they have a chewy texture that holds up well in the sauce. If you can't find soft rice cakes at your local store, you can substitute with another type of rice cake or try making your own using glutinous rice flour and water. To make your own, mix the flour and water together to form a dough, then shape the dough into small cakes and steam until fully cooked.

Adjust spiciness

The spiciness level of Tteokbokki can be adjusted to your liking by adding more or less gochujang to the sauce. Keep in mind that gochujang is quite spicy, so start with a small amount and taste the sauce as you go to avoid making it too spicy. If you prefer a milder Tteokbokki, you can use less gochujang or dilute it with water or another liquid.

Garnishing

Tteokbokki can be garnished with a variety of ingredients, including green onions, sesame seeds, nori seaweed, and boiled eggs. Choose your favorite garnishes and add them to the dish just before serving for added flavor and texture. The green onions add a fresh and crisp flavor, while the sesame seeds add a nutty crunch. Nori seaweed and boiled eggs are also popular garnishes that can be added to Tteokbokki.

By following these detailed tips, you'll be able to make a delicious and authentic Tteokbokki dish. 

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