Tteokbokki (spicy rice cake)

tteokbokki_(spicy_rice_cake)

Korean cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and one of the most popular street foods in Korea is tteokbokki. Tteokbokki is a dish made from rice cakes that are cooked in a spicy sauce. It is usually served in a small bowl, and eaten with chopsticks.

The dish originated in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), where it was known as garaetteok. The rice cakes were originally used in a variety of dishes, but over time they became the main ingredient in tteokbokki. Today, tteokbokki is a staple food in Korea, and you can find it at almost every street vendor.

The basic recipe for tteokbokki consists of rice cakes, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and water. The ingredients are simmered together until the rice cakes are soft and the sauce is thick and spicy. Additional ingredients can be added to the dish, such as fish cakes, boiled eggs, and scallions.

When preparing tteokbokki, it is important to choose the right rice cakes. The rice cakes should be cylindrical in shape, and have a slightly chewy texture. The rice cakes can be bought at most Asian grocery stores, and should be soaked in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will soften the rice cakes and make them easier to cook.

To make the sauce for tteokbokki, you will need to combine gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and water in a pot. The amount of gochujang used will determine the spice level of the dish. If you prefer your tteokbokki to be less spicy, you can reduce the amount of gochujang used.

Once the sauce is simmering, add the rice cakes to the pot. Stir the rice cakes so that they are coated in the sauce, and add any additional ingredients that you would like to include. Allow the dish to simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the rice cakes are soft and the sauce has thickened.

When serving tteokbokki, it is important to have plenty of napkins on hand. The dish can be messy to eat, especially if you are not used to using chopsticks. However, the slightly sweet and spicy flavors of tteokbokki make it a delicious and addictive dish that is worth the mess.

In conclusion, tteokbokki is a dish that has become synonymous with Korea’s street food culture. It is a dish that is loved by both locals and tourists, and is enjoyed at all times of the day. With its bold and spicy flavors, tteokbokki is a great way to introduce yourself to Korean cuisine.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of cylinder-shaped rice cakes
  • 4 cups of water
  • 4 ounces of fish cakes
  • 4 ounces of cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
  • 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Soak the rice cakes in cold water for about 30 minutes.
  2. Slice the fish cakes into thin strips.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the garlic and onion to the skillet, and stir-fry until the onion becomes translucent.
  5. Add the cabbage and fish cakes to the skillet, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add the water, gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir until everything is mixed together.
  7. Drain the rice cakes and add them to the skillet.
  8. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice cakes are tender and the sauce has thickened.
  9. Stir in the chopped green onion and serve hot. Enjoy!