How to Make Tteokbokki at Home — A Spicy, Sweet Korean Street Food Classic

Published on July 7, 2025

Craving that chewy, spicy snack you’ve seen in all your favorite K-dramas? Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods, and the good news is — you can make it right in your own kitchen!

🥢 What Is Tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki (떡볶이) is a popular Korean street food made from garaetteok (cylindrical rice cakes) simmered in a spicy, sweet gochujang sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and totally addictive.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 pound Korean rice cakes (garaetteok)
  • 3 oz fish cakes (sliced)
  • 2 green onions (chopped)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs (optional)
  • 3 cups water or anchovy broth
  • 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Soak the rice cakes in warm water for 10 minutes if they’re refrigerated.
  2. In a pan, mix water (or anchovy broth), gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic. Bring to a boil.
  3. Add rice cakes and cook on medium heat for about 8–10 minutes until they soften.
  4. Add fish cakes and green onions, simmer for another 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  5. Garnish with sesame seeds or add hard-boiled eggs if desired.

💡 Tips

  • If you prefer it less spicy, reduce gochugaru or use more sugar.
  • Add mozzarella cheese on top for a fun fusion twist!

📸 Inspired by K-Dramas

Ever notice your favorite K-drama leads sharing tteokbokki in cozy street stalls? That moment of spicy-sweet indulgence can now be yours, wherever you are in the world!

Have you tried making tteokbokki before? Share your experience or tag us on Instagram with #KCULTUREexplorer!

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