How to Make the Perfect Tteokbokki Spicy Rice Cakes
Korean · Easy · 25 min · 2 servings
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food featuring chewy cylinder rice cakes simmered in a fiery, sweet, and savory gochujang sauce. It is one of the most iconic Korean comfort foods, enjoyed by people of all ages across Korea.
Why this recipe works
This Tteokbokki Spicy Rice Cakes recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 410 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 300 g Korean cylinder rice cakes
- 2 tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cups anchovy or vegetable broth
- 100 g sliced Korean fish cakes
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce Base
In a wide pan or skillet, combine the broth, gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar over medium heat. Stir well until the gochujang is fully dissolved and the sauce begins to simmer.
Step 2: Add the Rice Cakes
Add the rice cakes to the simmering sauce in a single layer. If the rice cakes are stuck together, separate them gently before adding. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add Fish Cakes
Fold in the sliced fish cakes and continue to simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce will thicken and coat the rice cakes as it reduces. Stir frequently during this step.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Transfer the tteokbokki to a bowl and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot as it is best enjoyed fresh from the pan.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fish cakes → Boiled eggs or tofu cubes are great alternatives for a vegetarian version
- gochujang → A mix of tomato paste and chili flakes can approximate the flavor if gochujang is unavailable
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using rice cakes straight from the freezer without thawing causes uneven cooking and hard centers
- Letting the sauce reduce too much makes it overly thick and causes the rice cakes to stick to the pan
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 410 calories, 12g protein, 72g carbs, 8g fat, 2g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →