
Addictive Sweet and Spicy Tteokbokki
Addictive Sweet and Spicy Tteokbokki
The Ultimate Tteokbokki Recipe: Simple Method for Making Deliciously Sweet and Spicy Tteokbokki Sauce
Experience the best homemade tteokbokki! This golden recipe uses simple ingredients and a foolproof sauce method to create an irresistibly sweet and spicy dish that will leave you craving more.
Tteokbokki Ingredients- 1 bowl of rice cake (tteokbokki tteok) – approximately 200g
- 1 sheet of square fish cake
- 700ml anchovy broth (made with anchovies, kelp, dried shiitake mushroom stems, onion, and green onion)
- 1 handful of green onions (cut into large pieces)
Magic Tteokbokki Sauce- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup) – adjust sweetness as desired
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp cola (the secret ingredient!)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup) – adjust sweetness as desired
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp cola (the secret ingredient!)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The foundation of delicious tteokbokki is a rich, flavorful broth. In a pot, combine 700ml of water with any leftover vegetables you have, such as dried anchovies, kelp, radish, onion, dried shiitake mushroom stems, and green onion. Simmer for about 10 minutes to create a deeply flavored broth. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought broth sachet for convenience.
Step 2
The secret to a chewy texture! Rinse the rice cakes (tteok) in cold water a couple of times to remove any dust. Then, let them soak in fresh, cold water (or purified water) while you prepare the sauce. This simple step ensures the tteok becomes wonderfully chewy and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Step 3
Prepare the ingredients that will add depth and flavor to your tteokbokki. Cut the square fish cake into bite-sized pieces. Chop the green onions into large, chunky pieces. These will infuse the dish with their aromatic essence.
Step 4
Now, let’s create the heart of the tteokbokki – the sauce! Add 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp oligodang, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp fish sauce to the prepared broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Once the sauce starts to thicken slightly, add the large-cut green onions and simmer for another minute, letting their fragrance infuse the sauce.
Step 5
Once the sauce is well-developed, add all the prepared rice cakes and fish cakes. Bring to a boil over high heat for 1 minute to help the sauce coat the tteok quickly. Then, reduce the heat to medium and stir gently for about 2 minutes as it simmers. The perfect ratio of gochujang to gochugaru here is 1:1, creating a wonderfully balanced sweet and spicy flavor!
Step 6
As the tteokbokki nears completion, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another minute to slightly thicken the sauce. Stir continuously during this stage to prevent the bottom from sticking. The tantalizing aroma of tteokbokki will soon draw everyone to the kitchen! It’s a perfect afternoon snack, especially during school breaks.
Step 7
Elevate your tteokbokki to the next level with a secret ingredient: cola! Add 2 Tbsp of cola in the final simmering stage. The cola adds a subtle sweetness and a unique depth of flavor that sugar alone can’t provide, creating a truly ‘out-of-this-world’ taste. Don’t forget this amazing tip – it’s highly recommended!
Step 8
Tteokbokki, a beloved national snack that’s always delicious! It’s an ideal treat for kids during the winter school holidays. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, you can recreate this delightful dish at home for a healthier and even more satisfying meal. Homemade food is always the best!

