How to Make Tteokbokki at Home – Spicy Korean Rice Cake Recipe

Korean tteokbokki served on a green plate with white polka dots, garnished with chopped green onions in a spicy gochujang sauce

There’s something magical about tteokbokki from a street vendor — the spicy gochujang sauce bubbling away in a wide pan, rice cakes turning glossy and tender, steam curling up into the night air. It’s one of the most beloved Korean street foods, and for good reason. But what if you could recreate that same flavor and feeling in your own kitchen?

With just a few essential ingredients, you can make delicious, authentic Korean tteokbokki at home. Whether you're craving something cozy on a rainy day or introducing Korean cuisine to friends, this simple recipe delivers big flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Tteokbokki

Essential ingredients:

Key ingredients for Korean tteokbokki including rice cakes, gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and broth

• 200g Korean rice cakes (tteok)
• 500ml water or anchovy-kelp broth
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Recommended additions:

• Sliced fish cakes (eomuk)
• 1 boiled egg (halved)
• Chopped green onions
• Mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Sesame seeds for garnish

If you can't find Korean fish cakes, try using tofu puffs or thick mushroom slices as a substitute. For the broth, anchovy-kelp adds depth, but plain water works in a pinch.

Step-by-Step Tteokbokki Recipe

• Soak the rice cakes in warm water for 10–15 minutes if they’re hard or refrigerated.
• In a large pan, combine water or broth, gochujang, sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. Stir well and bring to a boil.
• Add rice cakes and fish cakes, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring gently.
• As the sauce thickens, add the boiled egg and a sprinkle of cheese if desired. Let everything heat through.
• Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and sticky.

Tips for the Best Tteokbokki at Home

• Use anchovy-kelp broth instead of water for a more authentic, umami-rich flavor.
• Add a teaspoon of corn syrup or honey for a glossy finish and extra sweetness.
• Want a creamy twist? Stir in a bit of milk or heavy cream to make easy rose tteokbokki.
• Craving more heat? Sprinkle in some gochugaru (Korean chili flakes).

This spicy Korean rice cake recipe is endlessly adaptable. You can add ramen noodles, dumplings, or even cabbage for a more filling meal.

Final Bite: Bringing Korean Street Food to Your Table

Tteokbokki isn’t just food — it’s comfort, spice, and nostalgia in every bite. While street tteokbokki has its charm, making it at home allows you to tweak the heat, sweetness, and add all your favorite toppings. Once you’ve mastered this easy tteokbokki recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a staple in Korean cuisine.

Try it today, and let the bold flavors of Korea warm your kitchen.