How to Make Authentic Tteokbokki (떡볶이) at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tteokbokki (떡볶이), a beloved Korean street food, features chewy rice cakes enveloped in a delectable sauce that's both sweet and spicy. 🌶️🍯 Perfect for a quick meal or a comforting snack, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds with every bite!

Follow our easy recipe to recreate this iconic dish at home. 

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 3 cups dashi, unsalted chicken stock, or water
• 450g Korean rice cakes
• 100g cocktail sausages
• Green onion and sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1-2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chilli powder), or adjust to desired heat level
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp honey or rice syrup
• 3 tbsp Gochujang (Korean red chilli paste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Defrost the Rice Cakes: If your rice cakes are frozen, defrost them in warm water for 10 minutes before cooking.
3. Cook the Base: Add the stock to a large pan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Add the rice cakes and sauce, then stir to combine.
4. Simmer: Cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce is reduced.
5. Add the Sausages: Add the cocktail sausages and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Tteokbokki:

• Stock Selection: Using anchovy stock or dashi deepens the flavours, but unsalted chicken stock can be a good substitute.
• Serving: Serve immediately, as the rice cakes will harden as the dish cools down.
• Freshness: Tteokbokki is best enjoyed fresh for the ultimate chewy texture and robust flavour.
• Customization: Experiment with different proteins or vegetables to make it your own!

Enjoy crafting and savouring this iconic Korean comfort food. Share your delicious results with us on social media by tagging @helloasia.co.za! 🥢