Aromatic Homemade Basil Pesto Shrimp Tteokbokki
Exquisite Shrimp Tteokbokki Made with Homegrown Basil
We’ve infused the beloved Italian basil pesto, typically enjoyed with pasta, into a Korean tteokbokki! Experience a unique twist on this classic snack, bursting with the fragrant aroma of fresh basil and the nutty richness of ingredients. Make your day delicious with this exotic tteokbokki!
Ingredients
- 100g rice cakes (tteokbokki type)
- 5-6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 15 large shrimp (tiger shrimp or similar) or 100g shrimp
- Fresh basil leaves (generous amount)
- Nuts (e.g., pine nuts, almonds, walnuts)
- Extra virgin olive oil (1:1 ratio with basil and nuts)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 5g grated Parmesan cheese or other cheese powder (optional)
- 100ml water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the delicious basil pesto from scratch! In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves and your chosen nuts (like pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts). Pour in extra virgin olive oil, matching the volume of the basil and nuts in a 1:1 ratio. Process until you achieve a smooth, creamy pesto. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Step 2
Peel the garlic cloves and slice them thinly into even pieces, about 2-3mm thick. Avoid slicing them too thin to prevent burning and to allow their flavor to develop gently.
Step 3
If using fresh shrimp with shells, prepare them for cooking. Remove the heads, make a slit along the back to devein (using a toothpick if needed), and remove the ‘poop’ from the tail end. Peel the shrimp completely. Rinse the peeled shrimp under cold water and pat them dry.
Step 4
Now, let’s cook the tteokbokki! Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Once the garlic is ready, add the prepared shrimp and cook until they turn pink. To eliminate any fishy odor, add a splash of cooking sake or white wine. When the shrimp are almost cooked, add the rice cakes, the homemade basil pesto, and 100ml of water. Stir everything together to combine. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the rice cakes are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle with Parmesan cheese powder before serving. Enjoy your unique and delicious Basil Pesto Shrimp Tteokbokki!