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.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Tteokbokki, Korean rice cakes, spicy Korean food, cheesy tteokbokki, Korean street food, gochujang recipe, comfort food