Whole Squid Tteokbokki: A Hearty and Spicy Delight
A Whole Squid Tteokbokki: A Special Recipe
Introducing a unique tteokbokki where chewy rice cakes meet a fresh, whole squid. The spicy and sweet sauce enhances the squid’s flavor, creating a special taste that will make you forget ordinary tteokbokki. Easily make this hearty and delicious squid tteokbokki at home, perfect for the whole family to enjoy!
Main Ingredients for Squid Tteokbokki
- 200g Garae-tteok (rice cakes), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 whole squid, cleaned (internal organs removed and washed thoroughly)
- 1 sheet of fish cake (eomuk), cut into large pieces
- 50g cabbage, cut into large pieces
- 1/2 onion, cut into large pieces
- 1/3 stalk of green onion, sliced diagonally
- 1 chili pepper, sliced diagonally
- 2 cups + 1/2 cup Anchovy-Kelp Broth (2.5 cups total, for a deep flavor)
- A little carrot, cut into large pieces
Spicy and Sweet Tteokbokki Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon red chili powder (gochugaru, for spiciness)
- 1 Tablespoon red chili paste (gochujang, for rich umami and color)
- 3 Tablespoons soy sauce (for seasoning and flavor)
- 3 Tablespoons corn syrup or rice syrup (for gloss and sweetness)
- 1 Tablespoon cooking wine or mirin (to remove squid’s fishy smell and enhance flavor)
- A pinch of black pepper (for finishing)
- Measurements are based on a standard Korean rice spoon (bapsul).
- 1 Tablespoon red chili powder (gochugaru, for spiciness)
- 1 Tablespoon red chili paste (gochujang, for rich umami and color)
- 3 Tablespoons soy sauce (for seasoning and flavor)
- 3 Tablespoons corn syrup or rice syrup (for gloss and sweetness)
- 1 Tablespoon cooking wine or mirin (to remove squid’s fishy smell and enhance flavor)
- A pinch of black pepper (for finishing)
- Measurements are based on a standard Korean rice spoon (bapsul).
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the main ingredient for tteokbokki: garae-tteok. Cut the rice cakes into bite-sized pieces and soak them in cold water for a short while to prevent them from sticking together. This will make the tteok chewier and softer.
Step 2
Prepare the vegetables that will add a variety of textures to the tteokbokki. Cut the fish cake into large pieces, and similarly cut the cabbage, onion, and carrot into large pieces. Slice the green onion diagonally for a fresh aroma, and the chili pepper diagonally for spiciness. Also, prepare 2.5 cups of anchovy-kelp broth, which will give the tteokbokki its deep flavor.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the star of today’s tteokbokki: the whole squid. Remove the internal organs from the squid’s body and wash it thoroughly under running water. The squid will be used whole, without cutting it. Using scissors, make cuts along the sides of the squid’s body, about 2-3 cm apart. This technique allows the sauce to penetrate the squid, making it even more flavorful.
Step 4
This is what the squid looks like after being cut along the sides. When added to the tteokbokki and cooked, it will naturally unfurl, making it look more appetizing.
Step 5
Now, let’s start cooking the tteokbokki. In a pot or wide pan, add the prepared 2.5 cups of anchovy-kelp broth and the soaked rice cakes. Cook over medium to low heat for 6-8 minutes, until the rice cakes become soft and pliable. It’s important to cook the tteok until it reaches the right tenderness.
Step 6
Once the rice cakes are sufficiently cooked, add all the seasoning ingredients (red chili powder, red chili paste, soy sauce, corn syrup) except for the black pepper. Stir well to dissolve them in the sauce. Then, add the large-cut fish cake, cabbage, onion, and carrot, and bring to a boil. Let it simmer so the vegetables soften.
Step 7
When the vegetables are partially cooked, add the prepared green onions and chili peppers and simmer together. If you prefer it spicier, you can add more chili peppers or adjust the quantity.
Step 8
Finally, add the carefully prepared whole squid and 1 tablespoon of cooking wine. Simmer for another short while. Be careful not to overcook the squid, as it can become tough; cook for only 1-2 minutes after it changes color and is cooked through. Once the squid is cooked, season with a pinch of black pepper to finish. Serve directly from the pot, and you’ll have a hearty and special tteokbokki masterpiece with a whole squid! This dish is perfect for a satisfying meal or a special occasion. Enjoy your delicious meal!
