Korean Spicy Rice Cake Recipe (Tteokbokki)

Today, we’re diving into one of Korea’s most beloved street foods — Tteokbokki (떡볶이)! If you’ve ever walked through a Korean night market or watched K-dramas, you’ve probably seen this dish in action: soft, chewy rice cakes simmered in a bold, spicy, and slightly sweet gochujang-based sauce. It’s comforting, fiery, and absolutely addictive.

Tteokbokki is all about contrast — the chewiness of the rice cakes against the smooth, flavorful sauce, with just the right kick of heat. It’s a dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a go-to snack in Korean cuisine. So grab your rice cakes and let’s make this spicy, satisfying classic together!

Spicy Korean Rice Cake Tteokbokki Recipe

Serve: 2
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

For the anchovy stock:
4 cups water
8 large dried anchovies, removed heads and guts
5 pieces dried kelp (1 x 2 inches)

For the sauce:
3 tablespoons Korean hot pepper paste (gochujang)
1 tablespoon Korean hot pepper flakes (gochugaru)
1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
1 ½ tablespoons sugar

For the rice cake and others:
1 pound cylinder rice cake
3 cups water, warm water
½ pound fish cake
2 boiled eggs
2 stalks scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces

Spicy Korean Rice Cake Tteokbokki Instructions

1. To prepare the rice cake, in a bowl, place the rice cake and warm water. Soak it for about 15 minutes. Drain.
2. Put the anchovies in a spice bag.
3. To make the anchovy stock, in a pot over medium-low heat, pour in the water. Add the spice bag and dried kelp, bring it to a simmer, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the spice bag and dried kelp.
4. Season the stock with hot pepper paste, hot pepper flakes, soy sauce, and sugar. Mix well. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring it to a boil.
5. Drop in the drained rice cake, stir occasionally, and cook for about 5 minutes until the rice cake is softened.
6. Put in the fish cake, boiled eggs, and scallions, and continue to cook for another 3 minutes until the sauce is thickened. Serve!