Cheesy Tteokbokki Skewers with Honey
Homemade Korean Rice Cake (Tteok) Delight – Inspired by Sulbing’s Cheesy Rice Cakes
Transform leftover hard rice cakes into a delightful sweet and savory treat, reminiscent of the popular Korean dessert cafe ‘Sulbing’! These cheesy rice cake skewers feature perfectly grilled tteok, melted cheddar cheese, a drizzle of sweet honey, and a sprinkle of crunchy nuts. It’s an easy yet impressive snack or dessert that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients- 2 Korean rice cakes (tteok) (leftover firm ones are perfect!)
- 1/2 slice cheddar cheese
- A handful of your favorite nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, peanuts)
For Sweetness & Flavor- 1-2 Tbsp honey (adjust to your taste)
- 1-2 Tbsp honey (adjust to your taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare a pan for grilling the rice cakes. Lightly grease the pan with a very small amount of oil, then use a paper towel to spread a thin, even layer of oil across the entire surface. This prevents the tteok from sticking and ensures they grill to a uniform golden brown without burning. Now, place the rice cakes onto the heated pan and grill them until the exterior is lightly golden. Avoid overcooking, as they can become tough; the key is to achieve a light crispness on the outside while keeping the inside chewy.
Step 2
As you grill the rice cakes in the pan, gently turn them to ensure all sides become evenly golden brown. This process will revive the chewy texture characteristic of freshly cooked tteok.
Step 3
Before the grilled rice cakes cool down, insert skewers into the center of each piece. This makes them easier to handle and eat once the cheese and honey are added, resulting in a cleaner and more appealing presentation. They’ll be easy for both children and adults to hold.
Step 4
Now, place half a slice of cheddar cheese, cut into a suitable size, on top of each rice cake skewer. Microwave for about 1 minute until the cheese is nicely melted and gooey. The melted cheese will create a wonderful harmony with the warm rice cake. Adjust the microwaving time slightly based on your microwave’s power.
Step 5
While the cheesy rice cakes are in the microwave, prepare your nuts for garnish. Toasting them beforehand will enhance their nutty flavor and crispy texture. Feel free to use a variety like almonds, walnuts, or pecans, depending on your preference.
Step 6
Here are the cheesy rice cakes, fresh from the microwave after 1 minute! Notice how the cheddar cheese has melted beautifully and smells so savory. At this stage, you can simply dip them in honey or condensed milk for a delightful treat. The combination of chewy tteok, savory cheese, and sweet honey makes for an irresistible snack.
Step 7
For an extra touch of elegance, I’ve sprinkled some grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of parsley over the melted cheese for color. I’ve also artfully arranged the prepared nuts around the skewers to complete the presentation. With these simple steps, you can create a visually appealing and delicious cheesy rice cake dessert right in your own kitchen, rivaling any cafe!
