Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the fiery delight that is Korean Tteokbokki! This iconic street food, featuring chewy rice cakes swimming in a rich, spicy gochujang sauce, is a culinary adventure you won't soon forget. The vibrant red hue and irresistible aroma alone are enough to draw you in, promising a flavour explosion that's both sweet, savory, and intensely spicy – a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for more. From humble beginnings as a simple peasant dish, tteokbokki has exploded in popularity, becoming a beloved staple of Korean cuisine and a global phenomenon.
Beyond its deliciousness, tteokbokki offers a fantastic opportunity to explore Korean flavors and cooking techniques. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious beginner, this recipe provides a clear and accessible path to mastering this popular dish. Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create your own batch of addictive spicy Korean rice cakes!
Tools Needed
- Mixer jar
- Pan
Ingredients
- Small rice
- Big rice
- Onion
- Green chillies
- Capsicum
- Oil
- Sugar: a little
- Black pepper
- Schezwan chutney
- Tomato ketchup
- Vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Red chilli flakes
- Salt
- Kashmiri red chilli: optional
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Sesame seeds
- Coriander
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Rice Cakes
- Grind small and big rice in a mixer jar to make a fine powder.
- Prepare the dough for Korean rice cakes using the rice flour, adding hot water gradually until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. Add a little salt to taste.
- Shape the dough into small rice cakes, about 5cm in size.
- Boil the rice cakes in water for 15-20 minutes, ensuring they don't stick together. Transfer to cold water once cooked.
Step 2. Make the Spicy Sauce
- Heat oil in a pan. Add sesame seeds, then onions, garlic, and ginger, followed by capsicum.
- Add Schezwan chutney (adjust amount to your spice preference), tomato ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, salt, sugar, and a little water to create the sauce.
Step 3. Cook the Tteokbokki
- Add the boiled rice cakes to the sauce. Stir gently, ensuring the rice cakes retain their shape.
- Add black pepper powder and red chili flakes. Simmer until well-combined.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Serve the spicy Korean rice cakes garnished with sesame seeds and coriander.
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Tips
- For extra spiciness, add more Kashmiri red chilli.
- Knead the dough well to achieve a soft and pliable texture.
- It is important to cook the rice cakes well so ensure they are boiled for the full 15-20 minutes and do not touch them while boiling.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 60-75g
- Protein: 5-10g
FAQs
1. Where can I buy tteokbokki rice cakes?
You can usually find tteokbokki rice cakes at Asian grocery stores, some well-stocked supermarkets, or online retailers specializing in Korean ingredients. Look for 'garaetteok' or 'tteokbokki tteok'.
2. Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Start with less gochujang paste and add more to taste. You can also add a touch of sugar to balance the spice or use a milder chili paste if desired.
3. What can I serve with tteokbokki?
Tteokbokki is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with kimchi, pickled radish (danmuji), steamed rice, and various other Korean side dishes. It's also great with a side of beer or soju!
Congratulations! You've now successfully made your own batch of delicious and authentic spicy Korean rice cakes. Enjoy the satisfying chewiness of the tteok and the addictive flavor of the gochujang sauce. Share your culinary creation with friends and family – and get ready for rave reviews!