Imagine yourself transported to the vibrant streets of Seoul, where enticing aromas waft through the air, teasing your taste buds. In this bustling city, one culinary delight reigns supreme: Korean rice cakes, or tteok. Delighting locals and visitors alike, tteok is a versatile dish that can be prepared and served in a myriad of traditional ways. From savory stir-fries to sweet and sticky desserts, tteok offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of Korea. Join us as we explore the captivating world of Korean rice cakes and discover the captivating flavors that await you.
Steamed Rice Cakes
Chapssal Tteok
Chapssal Tteok is a traditional Korean rice cake made with sweet glutinous rice flour. It is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert and is known for its sticky and chewy texture. The rice flour is mixed with hot water to form a dough, which is then shaped into small round cakes. These cakes are typically steamed and can be served plain or with various toppings such as soybean powder, honey, or sesame seeds.
Garaetteok
Garaetteok is a type of long and cylindrical rice cake that is often used in Korean dishes like tteokbokki. It is made by grinding soaked rice into a fine powder, which is then mixed with hot water. The dough is kneaded until it reaches a smooth and elastic consistency before being shaped into long tubes. Garaetteok can be steamed, pan-fried, or stir-fried depending on the desired dish. It is commonly used as an ingredient in tteokbokki, but can also be enjoyed on its own with a drizzle of soy sauce or a dip in ssamjang (a Korean dipping sauce).
Injeolmi
Injeolmi is a classic Korean rice cake that is made by pounding glutinous rice into a sticky dough and coating it with roasted soybean powder. It is often served as a snack or dessert and is known for its distinctive nutty flavor. Injeolmi can be steamed or grilled, giving it a soft and chewy texture. It is commonly cut into small bite-sized pieces and dusted with roasted soybean powder to prevent sticking. Injeolmi is a popular treat during holidays and special occasions in Korea.
Pan-Fried Rice Cakes
Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is a famous Korean street food dish that features pan-fried rice cakes cooked in a spicy sauce. The rice cakes are typically stir-fried in a hot pan with gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and other seasonings. Vegetables such as onions, cabbage, and carrots are often added to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Tteokbokki is known for its bold and fiery flavor, and it is a beloved comfort food in Korea.
Eomuk Tteokbokki
Eomuk Tteokbokki is a variation of the classic tteokbokki dish that incorporates fish cakes. Eomuk, also known as odeng, is a type of fish cake made from ground fish and various seasonings. In Eomuk Tteokbokki, the fish cakes are cooked with the rice cakes in the spicy sauce, creating a combination of flavors and textures. The fish cakes add a savory touch to the dish and complement the chewy rice cakes perfectly.
Gungjung Tteokbokki
Gungjung Tteokbokki, also known as royal court tteokbokki, is a non-spicy version of the popular Korean dish. It was originally developed during the Joseon Dynasty and was enjoyed by the royal court. Gungjung Tteokbokki features pan-fried rice cakes cooked in a soy-based sauce with various vegetables and protein such as beef or chicken. The sauce is typically flavored with sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, resulting in a rich and savory dish. Gungjung Tteokbokki is a great option for those who prefer milder flavors or cannot handle spiciness.
Grilled Rice Cakes
Gyeongdan
Gyeongdan is a type of Korean rice cake that is traditionally grilled over an open flame. Made from glutinous rice flour, it has a chewy texture and a slightly smoky flavor from the grilling process. After grilling, Gyeongdan is often coated in sesame seeds or filled with sweet fillings such as red bean paste or sesame. It can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert, and its simplicity and versatility make it a popular choice among Koreans.
Vegetable Jeon
Vegetable Jeon is a savory Korean pancake that features various vegetables mixed with rice cake pieces and cooked on a griddle. The rice cake adds a chewy texture to the pancake, and the combination of vegetables provides a fresh and crunchy element. Common vegetables used in Vegetable Jeon include zucchini, carrots, onions, and scallions. The pancake is typically served with a soy-based dipping sauce and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal.
Gyeranppang
Gyeranppang is a popular Korean street food that combines rice cakes with eggs. It is made by placing rice cake pieces in a muffin tin and filling the gaps with beaten eggs, similar to a savory egg muffin. The muffin tin is then baked until the eggs are set and the rice cakes become soft and chewy. Gyeranppang can be enjoyed on its own or served as a snack with a cup of tea. The combination of the fluffy eggs and chewy rice cakes makes it a delightful treat.
Rice Cakes in Soup
Tteok Mandu Guk
Tteok Mandu Guk is a traditional Korean soup that features rice cakes and dumplings. The soup is made by simmering rice cakes and dumplings in a flavorful broth that is often made from beef or anchovy stock. The rice cakes and dumplings provide a satisfying and chewy texture to the soup, while the broth is savory and comforting. Tteok Mandu Guk is commonly enjoyed during the Lunar New Year in Korea and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Tteokguk
Tteokguk is a classic Korean dish that is traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Day. It consists of sliced rice cakes simmered in a savory broth and garnished with various toppings such as egg, seaweed, and green onions. It is believed that eating Tteokguk on New Year’s Day brings good luck and symbolizes getting one year older. The sliced rice cakes resemble traditional Korean coins, representing wealth and prosperity for the coming year.
Beoseot Guk
Beoseot Guk is a Korean mushroom soup that can also incorporate rice cakes. The soup is made from a variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake and oyster mushrooms, which are simmered in a flavorful broth. Rice cakes can be added to the soup to give it a chewy and satisfying texture. Beoseot Guk is often enjoyed during the rainy season in Korea, as mushrooms are in season during this time and provide a comforting and earthy flavor to the soup.
Rice Cakes in Stir-Fry
Tteok Galbi
Tteok Galbi is a Korean dish that features grilled or pan-fried beef or pork patties served with rice cakes. The meat patties are marinated in a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and various seasonings. The rice cakes are often added to the pan and cooked alongside the meat, absorbing the savory flavors of the sauce. Tteok Galbi is a popular dish in Korea, especially during barbecues and gatherings.
Tteok Japchae
Tteok Japchae is a fusion dish that combines Korean rice cakes with Japchae, a popular Korean stir-fried noodle dish. The rice cakes are stir-fried with a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and onions, along with the traditional Japchae ingredients like glass noodles and soy sauce. The dish is typically seasoned with sesame oil and garnished with sesame seeds for added flavor. Tteok Japchae offers a unique twist on the classic Japchae dish, with the chewy rice cakes adding a delightful texture to the stir-fry.
Tteokbokki Bokkeum
Tteokbokki Bokkeum is a stir-fried rice cake dish that is similar to the classic tteokbokki but with a different cooking method. In Tteokbokki Bokkeum, the rice cakes are stir-fried in a hot pan instead of being cooked in a spicy sauce. The rice cakes are typically coated in a sweet and savory sauce made from gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic. Vegetables such as onions and carrots are often added to enhance the flavor and provide a balance of textures. Tteokbokki Bokkeum is a popular street food dish in Korea and is loved for its delicious combination of flavors.
Sweet Rice Cakes
Yakbap
Yakbap is a traditional Korean sweet rice cake that is often enjoyed as a dessert or snack. It is made by mixing glutinous rice with a variety of ingredients such as nuts, dried fruits, and honey or sugar. The mixture is then steamed until the rice becomes soft and sticky. The resulting cake is sweet, fragrant, and chewy, with the added ingredients providing texture and flavor. Yakbap is often served during festive occasions and is a symbol of good fortune and abundance.
Songpyeon
Songpyeon is a traditional Korean rice cake shaped like a half-moon and is often enjoyed during the Korean harvest festival, Chuseok. It is made from glutinous rice dough, which is filled with various sweet fillings such as sesame seeds, sweetened red bean paste, or nuts. The filled dough is then shaped into small half-moon shapes and steamed on a bed of pine needles, which imparts a subtle aroma to the rice cakes. Songpyeon is not only delicious but also holds cultural significance, as it represents gratitude for the bountiful harvest.
Danja
Danja is a Korean rice cake that is made by steaming fermented rice batter. It has a slightly tangy flavor and a soft, gelatinous texture. Danja is often served as a dessert or enjoyed as a sweet snack. The rice cake is typically cut into small rectangular pieces and coated with toasted soybean powder or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Danja is a traditional Korean treat that has been enjoyed for generations and continues to be a favorite among Koreans.
Rice Cake Skewers
Tteok Kkochi
Tteok Kkochi, also known as rice cake skewers, are a popular street food in Korea. It involves threading bite-sized rice cake pieces onto skewers and grilling or frying them. Once cooked, the rice cakes become slightly crispy on the outside while remaining chewy on the inside. Tteok Kkochi can be served plain or brushed with a sweet and savory glaze for added flavor. It is a convenient and delicious snack that can be enjoyed on-the-go or served as an appetizer during a meal.
Garaetteok Skewers
Garaetteok Skewers are similar to Tteok Kkochi, but they feature the long and cylindrical Garaetteok rice cakes. The rice cakes are cut into small pieces and threaded onto skewers before being grilled or pan-fried. Garaetteok Skewers are often served with a spicy dipping sauce or a drizzle of soy sauce. The combination of the smoky flavor from grilling and the chewy texture of the rice cakes makes it a satisfying and enjoyable snack.
Tteok Sanjeok
Tteok Sanjeok is a Korean dish that involves skewering various ingredients, including rice cakes, meat, and vegetables, and grilling them. The rice cakes are typically alternated with marinated meat, such as beef or chicken, and vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. The skewers are then grilled until the meat is cooked and the rice cakes become slightly crispy on the outside. Tteok Sanjeok is often served as an appetizer or enjoyed as a main dish with rice and side dishes.
Rice Cake Dumplings
Goreumi
Goreumi is a unique Korean rice cake that combines the flavors of tteokbokki and mandu (dumplings). It is made by wrapping bite-sized rice cake pieces with a thin layer of dough made from wheat flour. The filled dumplings are then boiled or steamed until the dough becomes soft and the rice cakes turn chewy. Goreumi is often served in a savory broth or drizzled with soy sauce for added flavor. It is a delicious fusion of two beloved Korean dishes and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Jeungpyeon
Jeungpyeon is a type of Korean rice cake that is typically steamed and flavored with natural fermentation. It is made by fermenting a mixture of rice flour, glutinous rice flour, and water with a natural starter called meju. The fermented batter is then steamed, resulting in a soft and fluffy rice cake. Jeungpyeon is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert and is known for its light and airy texture. It can be eaten plain or served with a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
Gun Mandu
Gun Mandu are Korean rice cake dumplings that are commonly served in soups or enjoyed on their own as a snack. The dumplings are made by wrapping small pieces of rice cake with a thin layer of dough made from wheat flour. The filled dumplings are then boiled or steamed until the dough becomes soft and the rice cakes turn chewy. Gun Mandu can be enjoyed in a variety of ways – dipped in soy sauce, added to soups, or pan-fried for a crispy exterior. It is a versatile and delicious dish that is loved by many.
Rice Cakes in Bibimbap
Jeungpyeon Bibimbap
Jeungpyeon Bibimbap is a unique twist on the classic Korean dish, Bibimbap, which is traditionally made with rice. In Jeungpyeon Bibimbap, the rice is replaced with Jeungpyeon, a fermented rice cake. The Jeungpyeon is typically steamed and mixed with various vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms, and sprouts. The dish is then topped with a fried egg and served with a spicy gochujang sauce. Jeungpyeon Bibimbap offers a different texture and flavor profile compared to the traditional Bibimbap, making it a fun and delicious variation.
Yeonip
Yeonip is a Korean rice cake dish that is similar to Bibimbap but with a unique presentation. It involves wrapping small pieces of rice cake with edible leaves, such as perilla leaves or lettuce, and filling them with a variety of ingredients like seasoned vegetables, meat, and soybean paste. The wrapped rice cakes are then enjoyed as a handheld treat, reminiscent of wraps or tacos. Yeonip is a fun and interactive way to enjoy the flavors of Bibimbap and is often served as a light lunch or a snack.
Yakshik
Yakshik is a traditional Korean rice cake dish that is typically sweet and sticky. It is made by cooking glutinous rice with ingredients like honey, brown sugar, and nuts until it becomes soft and caramelized. The cooked rice is then pressed into a pan and cut into small squares or rectangles. Yakshik is often enjoyed as a dessert or snack and is loved for its rich and indulgent flavors. It is a popular treat during holidays and special occasions in Korea.
Other Traditional Rice Cake Dishes
Saengchi Tteok
Saengchi Tteok is a specialty rice cake dish from Gangneung, a city on the east coast of South Korea. It is made by adding mugwort powder to the rice cake dough, giving the rice cakes a green color and a subtle herbal flavor. The rice cakes are typically cooked in a clear broth and served with vegetables and meat. Saengchi Tteok is a regional delicacy and a beloved dish among the locals.
Gomul Tteok
Gomul Tteok is a traditional Korean rice cake dish that originates from Jeju Island. It is made from glutinous rice that is steamed and then coated in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and other seasonings. The rice cakes are then garnished with sesame seeds and served as a dessert or snack. Gomul Tteok is known for its chewy and sticky texture, and its flavor profile complements the natural beauty of Jeju Island.
Dumpling Tteok
Dumpling Tteok is a fusion dish that combines Korean rice cakes with Chinese-style dumplings. It involves wrapping small pieces of rice cake with dumpling wrappers and filling them with a mixture of meat, vegetables, and seasonings. The filled dumplings are then boiled or steamed until the dough becomes soft and the rice cakes turn chewy. Dumpling Tteok offers a unique combination of flavors and textures, blending the best of both Korean and Chinese cuisines.
In conclusion, Korean rice cakes, or tteok, can be prepared and served in a myriad of traditional ways. From steamed rice cakes to pan-fried varieties, grilled options, soup dishes, stir-fries, sweet treats, skewered delights, dumplings, Bibimbap creations, and other unique specialties, there is a wide range of flavors, textures, and presentation styles to enjoy. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, spicy or mild, there is a Korean rice cake dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings and introduce you to the rich culinary heritage of Korea. So go ahead, indulge in the delightful world of Korean rice cakes, and experience the wonderful flavors and textures they have to offer!
