Tteokbokki Recipe - Korean Spicy Rice Cake Stir Fry
Are you craving a delicious and spicy Korean dish? Look no further than Tteokbokki, a traditional street food that features chewy rice cakes cooked in a flavorful sauce. This dish is not only popular among Koreans but has also gained popularity worldwide due to its unique taste and texture.
The Recipe
Let’s dive into the Tteokbokki recipe and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish:
### Ingredients:
- 2 cups of Korean rice cakes (Tteok)
- 1 cup of fish cake slices
- 1 cup of cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of scallions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of sesame seeds
- 1 cup of water
Instructions:
- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Next, add the rice cakes and water to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the fish cake slices, cabbage, and scallions. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the rice cakes are tender.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Mix well.
How to Prepare:
Tteokbokki is a relatively simple dish to prepare. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Korean rice cakes can be found in Asian grocery stores or online. Slice the cabbage, chop the scallions, and mince the garlic.
In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add the gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar to create the spicy and savory sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Add the rice cakes and water to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the rice cakes to soak up the delicious flavors of the sauce and soften.
Next, add the fish cake slices, cabbage, and scallions to the pan. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the rice cakes are tender and the vegetables are lightly cooked. Make sure to mix everything well to evenly distribute the sauce.
To add the final touches, drizzle sesame oil over the dish and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. These ingredients enhance the overall taste and aroma of Tteokbokki.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Tteokbokki may vary, but you can generally expect it to take around 20-30 minutes from start to finish. This includes gathering the ingredients, chopping and slicing the vegetables, and cooking the dish.
Servings:
This Tteokbokki recipe serves approximately 2-3 people, making it a perfect meal for a small gathering or family dinner.
Nutrition Facts:
While Tteokbokki is undeniably delicious and satisfying, it is important to be aware of its nutritional content. This dish is relatively high in carbohydrates due to the rice cakes, but it also provides essential nutrients from the vegetables and fish cakes. The exact nutrition facts may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
Tips:
Here are a few tips to enhance your Tteokbokki experience:
- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more gochujang or even some red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add your own twist.
- Tteokbokki is traditionally served as a street food, but you can enjoy it as a main course alongside steamed rice or as a side dish with other Korean dishes.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make Tteokbokki without fish cakes?
A: Yes, you can omit the fish cakes or substitute them with tofu or your preferred protein source.
Q: Can I freeze Tteokbokki?
A: It is not recommended to freeze Tteokbokki as the rice cakes may become soggy when thawed.
Q: Is Tteokbokki gluten-free?
A: Most traditional Tteokbokki recipes are not gluten-free due to the use of soy sauce and gochujang, which may contain wheat. However, you can find gluten-free alternatives for these ingredients in specialty stores.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Tteokbokki with its chewy rice cakes, spicy sauce, and vibrant vegetables. This recipe allows you to experience the authentic taste of Korean cuisine in the comfort of your own home. So why wait? Gather the ingredients and start cooking your own Tteokbokki today!