Nostalgic Delight: Crispy & Chewy Tteokkochi (Air Fryer Recipe)
#NostalgicSnack #GaraetteokRecipe #TteokkochiMaking #TteokkochiSauce #OldSchoolSnack #EasyRecipe
Remember the delicious tteokkochi sold near schools and at street food stalls? These chewy rice cakes, fried to a perfect crisp and coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, are a taste of childhood for many. While they might be harder to find these days, you can easily recreate this beloved snack at home with just a few ingredients! This recipe utilizes an air fryer, making it incredibly simple and mess-free. You can achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior without deep frying. I found that adapting a gochujang-based sauce with the addition of ketchup creates a wonderfully balanced flavor profile, reminiscent of the treats we used to love. Get ready to bring back those sweet memories with this easy air fryer tteokkochi!
Ingredients- 4 strands of Garaetteok (Korean short-grain rice cakes, approx. 300-400g)
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine for cooking)
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the delicious sauce for our tteokkochi. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of corn syrup, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of mirin. Whisk everything together with a spoon or whisk until smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps. Taste the sauce and feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the rice cakes. Cut the garaetteok into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm in length. Using an air fryer is a fantastic shortcut because it allows you to achieve a crispy texture without deep frying. Lightly brush the inside of your air fryer basket with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, or coat the rice cakes lightly with oil using a brush. Place the cut rice cakes in the air fryer and cook at 180°C (350°F) for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and slightly crisp. Flipping them halfway through will ensure even crisping.
Step 3
Once the rice cakes are beautifully golden and crisp from the air fryer, carefully remove them and let them cool slightly. Thread the slightly cooled rice cakes onto skewers. It’s best to let them cool a little before skewering to prevent them from breaking apart.
Step 4
It’s time to generously coat the skewered rice cakes with the prepared sauce. Using a pastry brush will help you apply the sauce evenly and thoroughly onto every surface of the tteok. Don’t be shy with the sauce – applying a generous amount will make your tteokkochi even more flavorful and delicious!
Step 5
And there you have it – your nostalgic tteokkochi is complete! Thanks to the air fryer, the exterior is wonderfully crisp, while the inside remains delightfully chewy. The sauce is perfectly balanced, not too sweet, and bursting with flavor. This homemade version is just as good, if not better, than the ones we used to buy. It’s the perfect snack for a craving or a delightful treat for the kids!
