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Cheesy Tteokbokki with Spicy Korean Rice Cakes

Cheesy Tteokbokki with Spicy Korean Rice Cakes

Cheesy Tteokbokki with Spicy Korean Rice Cakes is a delicious and comforting Korean street food dish that perfectly balances bold, spicy flavors with gooey, melted cheese. Featuring soft, chewy rice cakes simmered in a rich gochujang-based sauce and topped with melty mozzarella, this recipe is easy to make, customizable in spice level, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 300g Korean rice cakes (tteok), soft and chewy
  • 100g fish cakes, sliced
  • 150g shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for variation)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup water or broth (vegetable or fish broth)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Optional Ingredients for Variations

  • Fresh chili peppers or Korean chili flakes (for extra spice)
  • Boiled eggs, shredded chicken, or tofu (for added protein)
  • Chopped cabbage, carrots, or mushrooms (for veggie boost)
  • Sesame oil, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice Cakes: Soak the rice cakes in warm water if they are frozen or refrigerated to soften them. Fresh rice cakes can be used immediately without soaking.
  2. Make the Spicy Sauce: In a pan over medium heat, combine gochujang, sugar, minced garlic, and water or broth. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens into a rich and smooth consistency that will coat the rice cakes.
  3. Simmer Rice Cakes and Fish Cakes: Add the softened rice cakes and sliced fish cakes into the sauce. Simmer together for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice cakes become soft but still chewy and the sauce thickens nicely.
  4. Add the Cheese: Lower the heat and generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan with a lid and let the cheese melt creating a gooey, luscious topping.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Optionally, drizzle with sesame oil before serving. Serve hot and enjoy this spicy, cheesy comfort food.

Notes

  • Use fresh rice cakes if possible for optimal chewy texture; soak frozen ones thoroughly if using.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
  • Cover the pan when melting cheese to ensure even and quick melting.
  • Avoid overcooking rice cakes to maintain their chewy texture without becoming mushy.
  • Adding garlic and green onions early enhances the depth and complexity of the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tteokbokki, Korean rice cakes, spicy Korean food, cheesy tteokbokki, Korean street food, gochujang recipe, comfort food