Gireum Tteokbokki: Savory & Spicy Korean Fried Rice Cakes
Homemade Gireum Tteokbokki, Inspired by Tongin Market
Craving a simple yet satisfying snack? I made Gireum Tteokbokki, featuring chewy rice cakes coated in a delicious savory and spicy sauce. It’s a popular Korean street food that’s surprisingly easy to make at home and offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Main Ingredients- 500g Tteokbokki rice cakes (soft wheat cakes or rice cakes)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil (for frying the rice cakes)
- 1 Tbsp butter (for added richness and flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your 500g of tteokbokki rice cakes. If the rice cakes are hard, soak them in cool water for about 20 minutes until they become soft and pliable. If they are already soft, you can use them directly.
Step 2
While the rice cakes are soaking, let’s make the delicious sauce! In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochujang, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 2 Tbsp mirin. Stir everything together until well combined to create the sauce.
Step 3
Once the rice cakes are softened, blanch them in boiling water for just about 3 minutes. It’s important not to overcook them; you want them to be just tender and slightly chewy, not mushy.
Step 4
After blanching, quickly rinse the rice cakes under cold running water to stop the cooking and cool them down. Drain them thoroughly in a colander, ensuring excess water is removed. This prevents sticking when frying. Now, heat a pan over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp cooking oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Let the butter melt.
Step 5
Once the butter and oil are hot, add the prepared rice cakes to the pan. Stir-fry them over medium heat until they become lightly golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. Frying them until they get a little crispy adds a wonderful texture.
Step 6
When the rice cakes are nicely browned, pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Toss the rice cakes with the sauce quickly, stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce evenly coats the cakes. Finally, drizzle in 2 Tbsp of sesame oil for a fragrant finish. Your delicious Gireum Tteokbokki is now ready to enjoy!
