If you’ve ever wandered through the buzzing streets of Seoul, chances are you’ve caught a whiff of spicy, sweet, and savory aromas drifting from bubbling street carts. One of the biggest stars of Korean street food culture is tteokbokki, a dish so beloved that it’s become a staple across Korean homes, school cafeterias, and night markets. Today, we’re bringing that Korean street-style tteokbokki experience right into your kitchen—with a rich homemade tteokbokki sauce recipe, perfectly chewy rice cakes, and an optional cheesy twist for those who can't resist cheese tteokbokki. Whether you’re new to Korean food or a seasoned kimchi connoisseur, this is a cozy, craveable dish worth mastering.
Korean Street-Style Tteokbokki
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Snack
Cuisine Korean
Medium to large saucepan or shallow skillet A wide surface area helps the sauce reduce and coat the rice cakes properly.
Fine mesh strainer For making anchovy broth, unless using pre-made broth.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula For stirring the sauce gently as it thickens.
Measuring spoons and cups Precision helps balance the sweet, spicy, and umami flavors.
Serving bowls A shallow bowl works great to highlight the thick sauce and chunky textures.
For the Tteokbokki
- 1 lb Korean rice cakes tteok – Fresh or frozen. Soak frozen ones in warm water for 10–15 minutes before use.
- 4 cups anchovy-kelp broth – Made with 6–8 dried anchovies guts removed and a small piece of dried kelp (kombu), simmered in water for 15 minutes. Chicken broth can be a shortcut if needed.
- 1 sheet eomuk Korean fish cake – Sliced into bite-size pieces.
- 2 scallions – Cut into 2-inch segments.
- 2 boiled eggs – Optional but highly traditional.
For the Tteokbokki Sauce
- 3 tablespoons gochujang Korean red chili paste – The base of the spice.
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru Korean chili flakes – Optional for more heat.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Adds depth and umami.
- 1 tablespoon sugar – Balances the spice.
- 1 tablespoon honey or corn syrup – For a glossy sticky finish.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella – For tteokbokki cheese lovers.
- 1 pack of instant ramen noodles – Add for a decadent ramen and tteokbokki fusion dish.
- ½ cup sliced cabbage – For texture and volume.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds – For garnish.
- Chopped parsley or green onion – For freshness.
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by preparing the anchovy-kelp broth, the unsung hero of any authentic korean tteokbokki recipe. Combine 4 cups of water with dried anchovies and a piece of dried kelp. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Strain out solids. This broth forms the base of your tteokbokki sauce recipe and is what gives the dish its rich umami undertone.
Step 2: Soften the Rice Cakes
If your rice cakes are frozen or refrigerated, soak them in warm water for about 10–15 minutes to rehydrate and soften them. Drain and set aside. If you're wondering how to make tteokbokki soft and chewy, this step is key.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, honey, garlic, sesame oil, and gochugaru (if using). This is your homemade tteokbokki sauce. Taste it—it should be spicy, sweet, and a little funky. This is also where you could adjust for non spicy tteokbokki by reducing or skipping the chili flakes.
Step 4: Simmer the Dish
In your saucepan, add the broth and bring it to a light boil. Add your sauce mixture and stir well to dissolve. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Good Stuff
Add the soaked rice cakes, fish cake slices, and scallions to the pot. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes turn tender and slightly glossy—about 8–10 minutes.
Step 6: Cheese It (Optional)
Once the sauce is thick and the rice cakes are soft, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. Cover the pot with a lid for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts. This turns your classic dish into cheese tteokbokki, a fusion favorite among Korean teens and foodies alike.
Step 7: Add Boiled Eggs and Garnish
Add your halved boiled eggs and give everything a gentle mix. Finish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion. Serve hot for that korean tteokbokki aesthetic.
Pairings
Tteokbokki is rich, bold, and satisfying, but that doesn’t mean it can’t play nice with others. Here are some of the best things to serve alongside your Korean comfort dish:
- Kimchi Pancakes (Kimchi Jeon): The tangy, crispy flavors cut beautifully through the gooey richness of the tteokbokki.
- Simple Onigiri: Yes, this onigiri recipe may be Japanese, but its mildness makes it a perfect contrast to the spiciness of tteokbokki. Try it with a bit of pickled radish.
- Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim): Light, crunchy, and spicy-sweet. A refreshing way to balance the meal.
- Soju or Makgeolli: If you're leaning into an evening of korean dishes, a light Korean drink can set the mood just right.
- Steamed Dumplings (Mandu): These make a great appetizer or side. Bonus points if they’re pan-fried for a crispy texture.
FAQs
1. What type of rice cakes should I use?
Stick to the cylindrical tteok (rice cakes) made for tteokbokki. These are usually labeled as “garae-tteok” or just “tteokbokki rice cakes” in Asian markets. Avoid sliced rice cakes unless you're going for a different dish entirely.
2. Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely. For a non spicy tteokbokki, reduce or skip the gochugaru and use less gochujang. You can add a splash of soy sauce and sugar to round out the flavor.
3. Is it okay to use chicken or beef broth instead of anchovy broth?
Yes, but it changes the flavor. Anchovy broth provides an oceanic umami that is characteristic of traditional korean food. If you're in a pinch, use a light chicken broth.
4. What proteins can I add to tteokbokki?
Fish cakes are the traditional choice, but you can also add thin-sliced beef, shrimp, or tofu. If you're into ramen and tteokbokki, toss in a soft-boiled egg for bonus protein.
5. Can I store and reheat tteokbokki?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth. Cheese lovers: add fresh mozzarella when reheating to revive that tteokbokki cheese magic.
