Creamy and Spicy Tteokbokki
A Rich Cream Sauce Tteokbokki That’s Never Greasy
This is the Tteokbokki with cream sauce that was featured as our second YouTube video! We hope you’ll love it! At first glance, the rich cream sauce might seem heavy, but the touch of spiciness from the chili flakes is the perfect finishing touch, creating a wonderfully balanced dish. It’s savory, creamy, and absolutely delicious!
Tteokbokki Ingredients- 600g Rice cakes (tteok)
- 2 strips Bacon
- 2 sheets Fish cakes (eomuk)
- 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced or crushed
- 1/2 Onion
- Cabbage (about the same amount as the onion)
- 1 handful Cauliflower florets
- 1 handful Broccoli florets
- 1 handful Peas
- 10-12 Dried chili flakes (peperoncino)
- 1 Mushroom (e.g., button or shiitake)
- 200ml Milk
- 200ml Heavy cream
- 2 slices Processed cheese
- A pinch of Basil & Thyme (dried or fresh)
Optional Toppings- Grated Parmesan, Grana Padano, or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- Scallions, chopped
- Parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan, Grana Padano, or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- Scallions, chopped
- Parsley, chopped
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Separate the broccoli into florets, aiming for slightly larger than bite-sized pieces. About two small heads’ worth. If you cut them too small, they might break apart while cooking.
Step 2
Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 cm wide. Cutting it too thinly might reduce the chewy texture.
Step 3
Lightly crush the garlic cloves with the side of a knife. Crushing the garlic helps to release more of its aroma during cooking.
Step 4
Slice the onion into thick strips. If you slice it too thinly, it can become mushy quickly when sautéed.
Step 5
Chop the cabbage into large pieces, similar in size to the onion slices. It’s best to keep it slightly chunky for a pleasant crunch.
Step 6
Slice the mushroom (e.g., button or shiitake) into approximately 0.5 cm thick strips after removing the stem.
Step 7
Cut the fish cakes into bite-sized pieces, similar in size to the tteokbokki rice cakes. You can also cut them into various shapes.
Step 8
Heat a wide, deep pan or pot over medium heat. Add a generous amount of olive oil and let it preheat. Ensuring the pan is properly heated is key for sautéing.
Step 9
Add the crushed garlic, bacon, and fish cakes to the preheated pan. Sauté until the bacon is lightly browned and has rendered some of its fat. The bacon will add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 10
Once the bacon is nicely browned, add the sliced onion and cabbage to the pan. Continue to sauté until the vegetables begin to soften slightly. This process will start to bring out the natural sweetness of the onions.
Step 11
You can lightly crack some black pepper over the ingredients while sautéing. This helps to eliminate any unwanted odors and adds another layer of flavor. (Optional)
Step 12
When the onions become translucent, add the sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, and cauliflower. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become too soft.
Step 13
Now, add the dried chili flakes (peperoncino) for a touch of heat and the peas for color. Sauté quickly for about 30 seconds. Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your preference for spice level.
Step 14
Pour in the milk (200ml) and heavy cream (200ml). Add the two slices of processed cheese and stir continuously over medium-low heat until the cheese has completely melted, creating a smooth cream sauce. Stirring well is important to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom.
Step 15
Add the prepared rice cakes (tteok) to the sauce and stir gently to coat them evenly.
Step 16
Cover the pan and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the rice cakes are soft and chewy and the sauce has thickened. Cooking time may vary depending on the type and size of your rice cakes, so check them periodically.
Step 17
Finally, sprinkle in the basil and thyme for a fragrant aroma and give it a gentle stir to combine. (If using dried herbs, add them now. Fresh herbs can be used as a garnish at the end.)
Step 18
Transfer the finished Creamy Tteokbokki to a serving plate, making it look as appetizing as possible.
Step 19
If you desire a more elaborate presentation and flavor, add your chosen toppings.
Step 20
Generously grate some Parmesan, Grana Padano, or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese over the top. This will add a richer, more complex savory flavor.
Step 21
Garnish with chopped scallions. The fresh, mild onion flavor complements the cream sauce and helps cut through any richness.
Step 22
Lastly, sprinkle with chopped parsley. This adds a final touch of freshness and visual appeal, completing the dish.
