Best Twigim for Tteokbokki: The Perfect Crunch to Your Spicy Feast

In Korea, no tteokbokki experience is truly complete without a side of crispy twigim (Korean tempura). Whether you're enjoying spicy rice cakes at a bustling street stall or making them at home, the right twigim toppings can take your tteokbokki to the next level. Let’s dive into the best twigim to pair with spicy tteokbokki and discover why these crispy delights are a must!

 

Quick Overview

Topic	Best Twigim for Tteokbokki
Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes
Category	Korean Street Food

Best Twigim to Enjoy with Tteokbokki

Gimmari (김말이 튀김)

Fried seaweed rolls stuffed with glass noodles—crispy on the outside, chewy inside. Gimmari soaks up the spicy sauce beautifully without losing its crunch, making it a top favorite for tteokbokki lovers.

Yachae Twigim (야채 튀김)

Sweet potato, pumpkin, onion rings — vegetable twigim brings a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the bold heat of tteokbokki. Sweet potato twigim (goguma twigim) is especially popular for its satisfying texture.

Ojingeo Twigim (오징어 튀김)

Crispy fried squid offers a slightly chewy bite that pairs beautifully with spicy tteokbokki sauce. Its seafood flavor adds another layer of richness to your meal.

Saewu Twigim (새우 튀김)

Golden, crunchy fried shrimp brings a savory crunch to every bite of tteokbokki. It’s one of the most loved twigim options, especially for seafood fans.

Mandu Twigim (만두 튀김)

Fried dumplings are a hearty addition to your tteokbokki feast. With a crispy outside and juicy filling, mandu twigim can easily turn a snack into a full, satisfying meal.

Gochu Twigim (고추 튀김)

One of Korea’s hidden street food gems—gochu twigim features green chili peppers stuffed with glass noodles or meat, battered, and deep-fried to perfection. The mild heat and juicy interior of gochu twigim offer a thrilling contrast to the spicy, chewy tteokbokki. Dipping a freshly fried gochu twigim into spicy sauce? It’s a street food ritual you simply can’t miss!

Tips for Pairing Twigim with Tteokbokki

• Fry fresh: Enjoy twigim immediately after frying to maintain maximum crunch.
• Dip lightly: Lightly dip the twigim in the sauce—don't soak it completely, or you’ll lose the crispiness!
• Mix and match: Combine different types of twigim for a varied and exciting meal.

FAQ

Q: Can I make twigim at home?

A: Yes! A simple tempura batter and your choice of fillings—seaweed rolls, vegetables, shrimp—are all you need.

Q: How do you keep twigim crispy?

A: Fry at a high temperature and drain on a wire rack. Avoid covering with foil or plastic wrap, which traps moisture.

Q: Is gochu twigim very spicy?

A: It's mildly spicy and becomes even more delicious when dipped into tteokbokki sauce. Perfect for spice lovers!

Let’s Crunch Together!

Which twigim is your favorite topping for tteokbokki? Gimmari, fried shrimp, gochu twigim—or maybe all of them? Share your must-try twigim picks in the comments below!

(And don’t forget to check out my guide to the Best Toppings for Tteokbokki for even more spicy inspiration!)