Spicy and Sweet Tomato Sauce Tteokbokki
A Special Tteokbokki Recipe Made with Tomato Sauce
I tried making a unique tteokbokki using the tomato sauce I had prepared at home. When you crave tteokbokki but not the spiciness, adding tomato sauce instead of gochujang creates a delightful twist. It has a flavor profile that’s reminiscent of gochujang pasta yet distinctly tteokbokki – an unusual combination that I finished completely! Because it’s not too spicy or overpowering, it’s highly recommended for children who can’t handle spicy food.
Main Ingredients
- 180g Guk tteok (rice cake for soup, about 1.5 cups)
- 2 sheets of square fish cakes
- 1/4 onion or a handful of your preferred vegetables (e.g., carrots, bell peppers)
- 300ml water (about 1.5 cups)
Special Tomato Sauce
- 2-3 Tbsp store-bought tomato sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (adds a touch of sweetness and depth)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- Pinch of black pepper (for enhanced flavor)
- Pinch of dried parsley (for garnish)
- 2-3 Tbsp store-bought tomato sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (adds a touch of sweetness and depth)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- Pinch of black pepper (for enhanced flavor)
- Pinch of dried parsley (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The key to delicious tteokbokki starts with the rice cakes! Prepare 180g of guk tteok. If the rice cakes are stuck together, soak them in cold water for about 10 to 15 minutes to soften them. This allows the sauce to penetrate better, making them even more flavorful. Drain them right before cooking.
Step 2
Cut the 2 sheets of square fish cakes into bite-sized pieces, either lengthwise or into convenient shapes for eating. Briefly blanching them in boiling water can remove any impurities for a cleaner taste.
Step 3
Prepare your vegetables to add sweetness and texture. Chop 1/4 onion or any leftover vegetables you have (like carrots or bell peppers) into your desired size, about a handful. You can chop them large or small, depending on your preference.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce! In a bowl, combine 2-3 tablespoons of store-bought tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1/2 tablespoon of gochujang, and 1/2 tablespoon of sugar. Mix thoroughly. Feel free to adjust the amount of gochujang or sugar to create your own perfect balance. Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance the aroma.
Step 5
Before you start cooking, pour 300ml of fresh water into a pot. This is the right amount of liquid for the rice cakes, fish cakes, and vegetables to cook harmoniously.
Step 6
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the prepared fish cakes and the drained rice cakes. It’s best to cook over medium heat rather than high heat to prevent the rice cakes from becoming mushy and to maintain their chewy texture. Simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 7
Once the rice cakes and fish cakes are partially cooked, add the special tomato sauce you prepared into the pot! Stir well to ensure the sauce coats everything evenly. Continue to cook over medium heat. It’s important to let the rice cakes absorb the delicious sauce.
Step 8
Finally, add the prepared vegetables and let everything simmer gently over low heat until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded. Be careful not to cook over high heat, as it might burn. The sauce will thicken slightly, allowing the ingredients to soak up the tasty seasoning.
Step 9
Transfer the deliciously simmered tomato sauce tteokbokki to a serving plate. Sprinkle with dried parsley if desired for a beautiful presentation. This Tomato Sauce Tteokbokki is ready to be enjoyed – you won’t be able to stop after the first bite!
