Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most beloved street foods, known for its chewy rice cakes coated in a bold, spicy gochujang sauce. This easy homemade Tteokbokki recipe brings authentic Korean flavors right into your kitchen using simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a comforting, addictive dish perfect for weeknight cravings or fun snack-style meals.
Key Takeaways
• Classic Korean street food made at home easily
• Chewy rice cakes in a spicy, savory sauce
• Ready in about 20 minutes
• Beginner-friendly stovetop recipe
• Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or quick meal
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tteokbokki recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor with minimal effort. The sauce balances spicy, sweet, and savory notes while the rice cakes stay perfectly chewy and satisfying. It’s quick enough for busy evenings yet impressive enough to serve guests. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Ingredients
1 pound Korean rice cakes (tteok), fresh or frozen
3 cups water or anchovy broth
4 ounces Korean fish cakes, sliced into strips
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
2 boiled eggs (optional but traditional)
Equipment
Large skillet or shallow pan
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the rice cakes
If using frozen rice cakes, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes until softened. Drain before cooking. - Make the sauce base
Add water or anchovy broth to a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic until fully dissolved. - Add rice cakes
Add the rice cakes to the pan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Cook until tender
Simmer for 7–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice cakes become soft and chewy and the sauce begins to thicken. - Add fish cakes
Add sliced fish cakes and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until heated through and coated in sauce. - Finish the dish
Add green onions and sesame oil. Stir gently and cook for 1 more minute until the sauce becomes glossy and thick. - Garnish and serve
Top with sesame seeds and optional boiled eggs. Serve hot while the sauce is rich and bubbling.
Tips & Variations
For milder spice, reduce gochugaru or add a splash of cream or mozzarella cheese.
For extra richness, add ramen noodles during the last few minutes of cooking.
Use vegetable broth instead of anchovy broth for a pescatarian-friendly option.
Keep stirring during cooking to prevent rice cakes from sticking together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tteokbokki hot in a shallow bowl as a snack, appetizer, or quick dinner. Pair with Korean fried chicken, kimchi, or a simple cucumber salad for balance. It also works great as a late-night comfort food dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, stirring gently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving too long, as rice cakes can harden.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 420 per serving
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 70g
Fat: 10g
Sodium: 980mg
FAQs
What are Korean rice cakes made of?
They are made from glutinous rice flour, giving them their signature chewy texture.
Is Tteokbokki very spicy?
It can be spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing chili flakes or adding sweetness.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip fish cakes and use vegetable broth.
Why are my rice cakes hard?
They may be dry or undercooked. Soaking frozen rice cakes before cooking helps restore softness.
Can I prepare Tteokbokki ahead of time?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance for quick cooking.
Conclusion
Tteokbokki is the ultimate comfort street food — spicy, chewy, and deeply satisfying. With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this homemade version delivers authentic flavor without complexity. Once you try it, this Korean classic will quickly become a regular craving-worthy favorite.