Tteokbokki Recipe (Korean Spicy Rice Cakes)

Ingredients:

For the Main Dish:

• Rice cakes (tteok): 300g (fresh or frozen)
• Fish cakes (eomuk): 100g (optional, sliced into bite-sized pieces)
• Cabbage: 1 cup, chopped into small pieces
• Carrot: 1 small, julienned or sliced thinly (optional)
• Scallions (green onions): 2, chopped into 2-inch pieces
• Hard-boiled eggs: 2 (optional)
• Water: 2-3 cups (adjust for desired sauce consistency)

For the Sauce:

• Gochujang (Korean red chili paste): 2-3 tablespoons
• Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes): 1 tablespoon (adjust for spice level)
• Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon (or more for a sweeter taste)
• Minced garlic: 2 teaspoons
• Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
• Corn syrup or honey: 1 tablespoon (optional, for gloss and sweetness)

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For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon
• Chopped scallions: 1 tablespoon

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• If using frozen rice cakes, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
• Slice the fish cakes, cabbage, carrot, and scallions into the desired sizes.
• Boil eggs (if using) and peel them.

2. Make the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, mix the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and corn syrup (if using). Stir until well combined.

3. Cook the Base:

• In a large pan or pot, add 2-3 cups of water and bring it to a gentle boil.
• Add the prepared sauce mixture and stir to dissolve completely.

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4. Simmer the Ingredients:

• Add the rice cakes and fish cakes to the sauce. Let them simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• After 5-7 minutes, add the cabbage, carrot, and hard-boiled eggs. Continue simmering until the rice cakes become soft and chewy (about 10-15 minutes total).

5. Finish and Garnish:

• Add the scallions during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking for a fresh crunch.
• Adjust seasoning with more sugar, soy sauce, or water as needed for your taste and preferred sauce thickness.

6. Serve:

• Transfer the tteokbokki to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

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Tips:

1. Customize Ingredients: You can add instant ramen, cheese, or seafood (like shrimp or mussels) to elevate the dish.
2. Sauce Consistency: For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) if necessary.
3. Serving Suggestion: Pair with pickled radish (danmuji) to balance the spice.

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