Step 1

First, prepare your ingredients. Using pre-cleaned frozen squid and shrimp meat will make the cooking process much more convenient.

Step 2

Let’s make the delicious seasoning sauce! In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp oligodang, 1 Tbsp guk-ganjang, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 3

Rinse the tteokbokki rice cakes under cold water to remove any surface dust or impurities.

Step 4

After rinsing, drain the rice cakes thoroughly in a colander. Excess water can cause splattering during cooking and prevent the sauce from adhering properly.

Step 5

In a pot, add an appropriate amount of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the frozen shrimp meat and blanch for about 10 seconds. Overcooking can make the shrimp tough. Immediately remove the shrimp and drain them in a colander.

Step 6

In the same water used for blanching the shrimp, add the cleaned squid and blanch for approximately 10 seconds as well. Like the shrimp, avoid overcooking the squid to maintain its tender texture.

Step 7

Cut the blanched squid into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Try not to cut them too small, as they will shrink slightly when cooked.

Step 8

Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the rice cakes and stir continuously to prevent them from sticking together. Fry them for about 3-5 minutes until they are slightly golden and chewy on the outside. This step helps the rice cakes absorb the sauce better. Be careful not to burn them!

Step 9

Turn off the stove temporarily. Add the prepared seasoning sauce over the rice cakes and mix gently to coat them evenly. It’s crucial to mix while the heat is off to prevent the sauce from burning.

Step 10

Now, add the shrimp and squid to the pan. Turn the heat to high. Stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, coating the rice cakes and seafood with the sauce. Since the seafood is already blanched, it’s almost cooked. This quick stir-fry ensures the seafood remains fresh and tender.

Step 11

Taste a piece of rice cake to check the seasoning. If it needs more saltiness, add 1 Tbsp of soy sauce at this point to balance the flavors. Mix well after adding the soy sauce.

Step 12

Finally, sprinkle 1 Tbsp of sugar over the tteokbokki and give it a final stir. This creates a nice glaze, and your delicious seafood tteokbokki, with its perfect blend of chewy rice cakes and plump seafood, is ready!

Step 13