Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food dish that features chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy sauce. Traditionally, tteokbokki is made from scratch using rice flour, but there are now instant versions available that make it quick and easy to enjoy this delicious dish at home.
If you’re craving tteokbokki and don’t have the time or ingredients to make it from scratch, you can try cooking the instant version. All you need is a pack of instant tteokbokki, some water, and a few additional ingredients to enhance the flavor.
To start, boil some water in a pot and add the instant tteokbokki noodles. Let them cook for a few minutes until they become soft and chewy. While the noodles are cooking, you can prepare the sauce.
Most instant tteokbokki packs come with a sauce packet, but you can also make your own by adding gochujang (Korean red chili paste), soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil to the pot. Adjust the amount of each ingredient according to your taste preferences.
Once the noodles are done cooking, drain them and set them aside. In the same pot, pour in the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Then, add the cooked noodles back into the pot and mix them well with the sauce.
To add more flavor and texture, you can also throw in some additional ingredients such as fish cakes, boiled eggs, or vegetables like cabbage or scallions. Let everything cook together for a few more minutes until the flavors meld together.
Once everything is heated through and well combined, your instant tteokbokki is ready to be served. Transfer it to a bowl and garnish with some sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so dig in and enjoy the spicy and chewy goodness of tteokbokki – made quickly and easily with the instant version!
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you can start cooking your tteokbokki instant, it’s important to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Tteokbokki Instant Kit
First, make sure you have your tteokbokki instant kit ready. This usually includes the rice cake sticks, seasoning sauce, and any additional toppings or garnishes. Check the packaging to ensure you have all the required components before starting.
2. Vegetables
Next, prepare your vegetables. Common options to include in tteokbokki instant are cabbage, carrots, onions, and scallions. Wash all the vegetables thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Note: You can customize the vegetables according to your preference and availability. Feel free to add or substitute with other vegetables you enjoy.
3. Protein
If you prefer a protein-rich tteokbokki instant, you can add meat or seafood. Popular choices include sliced beef, chicken, shrimp, or fish cake. Ensure that your protein is cooked and ready to be added to the dish.
4. Boiling Water
Lastly, prepare boiling water. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. This will be used to cook the rice cake sticks and other ingredients together.
With all the ingredients prepared and ready, you’re now all set to start cooking your delicious tteokbokki instant.
Boiling the Water
To cook tteokbokki instant, the first step is to boil the water. Fill a medium-sized pot with water and place it on the stove over high heat. It’s important to use enough water to fully submerge the rice cakes and other ingredients.
While the water is heating up, you can prepare the other ingredients. Tteokbokki instant usually comes with a flavor packet, rice cakes, and sometimes additional vegetables or toppings. Open the packet and set everything aside.
Adding the Rice Cakes
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the rice cakes to the pot. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, as the rice cakes will expand during cooking. Stir gently to ensure that all the rice cakes are submerged in the boiling water.
Cook the rice cakes for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft and tender. Keep an eye on the pot and stir occasionally to prevent the rice cakes from sticking to the bottom.
Adding the Flavor Packet
After the rice cakes are cooked, it’s time to add the flavor packet. Open the packet and pour the contents into the pot. Use a spatula or spoon to mix the flavoring into the water and coat the rice cakes evenly.
Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Once the tteokbokki is ready, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed hot or warm, and is often served as a popular Korean street food snack. Bon appétit!
Adding the Tteokbokki Instant
Once you have prepared the sauce, it’s time to add the tteokbokki instant to the pot. Start by heating a little bit of oil in a pan over medium heat.
Step 1: Add the tteokbokki instant to the pan and stir it around for a few seconds to coat it with the oil. This will help prevent the rice cakes from sticking together.
Step 2: Pour in the sauce that you prepared earlier. Make sure the sauce fully covers the tteokbokki instant. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add some gochujang or red pepper flakes at this point.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and let the tteokbokki instant simmer in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that the rice cakes cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a little bit of sugar or honey. If you want it to be saltier, you can add more soy sauce.
Step 5: Once the tteokbokki instant is soft and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and serve hot. You can garnish it with some sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your homemade tteokbokki instant! It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that you can enjoy as a snack or a main course.
Mixing the Sauce
Once you have prepared the rice cakes and gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to mix the sauce for your tteokbokki instant. The sauce is what gives this dish its distinct and flavorful taste.
Ingredients for the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice syrup or corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup water
To make the sauce, start by combining the gochujang, sugar, soy sauce, rice syrup or corn syrup, minced garlic, sesame oil, and sesame seeds in a bowl. Mix them well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Next, add the water gradually to the mixture while stirring continuously. This will help thin out the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
Once the sauce is well mixed, set it aside and move on to the next step of cooking your tteokbokki instant.
Simmering the Tteokbokki
Once the water in the pot is boiling, it’s time to add the tteokbokki sauce. Open the sauce packet and carefully pour it into the pot. Use a spoon or spatula to stir the sauce into the boiling water, making sure it is evenly distributed.
Next, add the rice cakes to the pot. Gently place them into the simmering sauce, making sure they are fully submerged. The rice cakes will absorb the flavors of the sauce as they cook, becoming soft and chewy.
If you like additional ingredients in your tteokbokki, now is the time to add them. Popular additions include fish cakes, sliced vegetables, and boiled eggs. Simply toss them into the pot and let them cook alongside the rice cakes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the tteokbokki simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rice cakes are tender. Give it an occasional stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
During the simmering process, the sauce will thicken and develop a rich, spicy flavor. The rice cakes will also absorb the sauce, resulting in a deliciously flavored dish.
Adjusting the Spiciness
If you prefer your tteokbokki to be spicier, you can add some gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) or gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) to the simmering sauce. Start with a small amount and taste the sauce before adding more, as the spiciness can vary depending on the brand and personal preference.
Serving the Tteokbokki
Once the rice cakes are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, it’s time to serve the tteokbokki. Transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tteokbokki is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve it as a main dish or a snack, and savor the delicious flavors and textures of this popular Korean street food.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your tteokbokki instant is cooked and ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious Korean dish. Here are some tips on how to serve and fully enjoy your tteokbokki:
- Transfer the cooked tteokbokki into a serving bowl or plate.
- Garnish the tteokbokki with some sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add an extra touch of flavor and freshness.
- For some added heat and spiciness, drizzle some gochujang sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the tteokbokki.
- Serve the tteokbokki with some side dishes such as kimchi or pickled radish to complement the flavors.
- Pair your tteokbokki with a refreshing drink like a cold glass of Korean sikhye or a fizzy soda.
- Use chopsticks to pick up the tteok (rice cakes) and chewy fish cakes, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.
Remember, tteokbokki is a popular street food in Korea, so don’t be afraid to get messy! Embrace the fun and enjoy the unique taste and texture of this spicy and savory dish. Happy eating!
Q&A
What is tteokbokki?
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean dish made with chewy rice cakes and a spicy sauce.
How do I cook tteokbokki instant?
To cook tteokbokki instant, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the instant tteokbokki rice cakes and cook for a few minutes until they become soft. Then, add the sauce packet and stir well. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens. Finally, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve hot.
Where can I buy tteokbokki instant?
Tteokbokki instant can be purchased at Asian grocery stores or online. It is often sold in the instant food section or in the Korean food aisle.
Can I add additional ingredients to tteokbokki instant?
Yes, you can customize your tteokbokki instant by adding additional ingredients such as fish cakes, boiled eggs, or vegetables. Simply add them to the pot along with the rice cakes and cook until they are fully heated. This will add more flavor and texture to the dish.