Chewy and Sweet & Spicy Joraengi Tteokbokki
The Ultimate Sweet and Spicy Tteokbokki Recipe Made with Special Joraengi Tteok!
Tteokbokki, hailed as Korea’s national snack! This version uses cute, ball-shaped ‘Joraengi’ tteok for a delightful chewy texture. Its irresistibly sweet and spicy flavor will have you reaching for more. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!
Main Ingredients- Joraengi Tteok (ball-shaped rice cakes) 210g: These unique tteok offer a wonderfully chewy bite. If using frozen ones, be sure to soak them in cold water beforehand.
- Flat Fish Cake 1 sheet: Adds a savory depth and delightful texture to the dish.
- Green Onion 1 stalk: Provides a fresh, aromatic counterpoint to the spicy sauce.
Sauce Ingredients- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 Tbsp: The heart of the tteokbokki’s spicy flavor.
- Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp: For umami and a glossy finish.
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 1 Tbsp: Adds extra heat and vibrant color. Adjust to your spice preference.
- Minced Garlic 2 Tbsp: Brings a pungent aroma that elevates the overall taste.
- Sugar 3 Tbsp: Balances the spiciness and adds sweetness. Feel free to adjust the sweetness level.
- Water 2 cups: The base liquid that allows the tteok and sauce to meld beautifully as it simmers.
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 Tbsp: The heart of the tteokbokki’s spicy flavor.
- Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp: For umami and a glossy finish.
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 1 Tbsp: Adds extra heat and vibrant color. Adjust to your spice preference.
- Minced Garlic 2 Tbsp: Brings a pungent aroma that elevates the overall taste.
- Sugar 3 Tbsp: Balances the spiciness and adds sweetness. Feel free to adjust the sweetness level.
- Water 2 cups: The base liquid that allows the tteok and sauce to meld beautifully as it simmers.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, to ensure the Joraengi tteok are perfectly chewy, soak them thoroughly in cold water. If you’re using freshly made tteok, you can use them immediately. However, if they’ve been frozen, take them out the night before or at least an hour in advance and soak them in cold water. This prevents the tteok from becoming hard and helps them absorb the sauce better.
Step 2
Next, prepare the other key ingredients: the flat fish cake and green onion. Slice the fish cake into bite-sized pieces, similar in size to the tteok for a balanced chew. Slice the green onion diagonally; this helps it absorb more of the flavorful sauce.
Step 3
In a wide pot or deep pan, combine all the sauce ingredients: gochujang, soy sauce, gochugaru, minced garlic, and sugar. Mixing the sauce beforehand makes the cooking process smoother and more convenient.
Step 4
Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the sauce mixture to a rolling boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning. Once the sauce starts to boil vigorously, the delicious base for your tteokbokki is ready.
Step 5
As soon as the sauce is boiling well, add the soaked Joraengi tteok first. Let them simmer in the sauce, allowing them to soften and absorb the flavors. Cook until the tteok are tender.
Step 6
Once the Joraengi tteok are cooked through and begin to float to the surface, it’s time to add the sliced fish cake. Adding the fish cake later prevents it from becoming overly soft and maintains a pleasant texture.
Step 7
Gently stir everything together to combine the tteok and fish cake. Then, add the prepared green onions. Adding the green onions at this stage enhances the overall aroma and flavor of the dish.
Step 8
Continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, just until the green onions soften slightly and all the ingredients are well integrated. Be careful not to overcook the tteok, which could make them mushy. Cook until your desired sauce consistency is reached, then turn off the heat. Your delicious Joraengi tteokbokki is ready!
Step 9
Behold your finished Joraengi Tteokbokki, radiating a tempting sweet and spicy aroma! The delightful chewiness of the Joraengi tteok, combined with the tender fish cake and crisp green onions, creates a truly satisfying dish. You can enjoy it by picking up the pieces with chopsticks or scoop up the rich sauce with a spoon like a soupy tteokbokki. Enjoy this unique twist on tteokbokki made with special Joraengi tteok! ★★★