Baek Jong-won’s Sugar Rice Cakes (Sugar Tteok)
Sweet & Crispy Snack from Leftover Tteokguk Rice Cakes: Baek Jong-won’s Sugar Tteok Recipe
Got leftover tteokguk rice cakes from the holidays? Don’t let them go to waste! Make these sweet and crispy Sugar Tteok using Baek Jong-won’s recipe for a delightful snack. It’s a fantastic way to transform those frozen rice cakes into a special treat.
Main Ingredients
- Tteokguk rice cakes: 1 bowlful (approx. 200-250g)
- Dark brown sugar: 3 Tbsp
- Water: 3 Tbsp
- Soy sauce (jin-ganjang): 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds: a pinch
- Cinnamon powder (optional): a pinch
- Cooking oil: as needed (for frying rice cakes)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the tteokguk rice cakes. They might be stuck together, so rinse them lightly under running water and separate them. It’s crucial to drain them thoroughly in a colander afterward. Any remaining moisture can cause oil splattering during frying.
Step 2
Measure and prepare the ingredients for the sweet sugar sauce in advance. Mix 3 Tbsp of dark brown sugar, 3 Tbsp of water, and 1 Tbsp of soy sauce.
Step 3
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Fry the tteokguk rice cakes until they are golden brown and crispy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. **Important Tip:** Before frying, pat the rice cakes dry with paper towels to minimize oil splatter. Be careful not to fry at too high a temperature, as this can cause the rice cakes to puff up and crack.
Step 4
While the rice cakes are frying, preheat a separate dry pan over low heat. Pour in the prepared mixture of dark brown sugar, water, and soy sauce. Let it simmer until the sugar dissolves and the sauce begins to bubble. Once the sauce slightly thickens, add the fried rice cakes and quickly toss them to coat evenly with the sauce. **Optional Tip:** For added flavor, sprinkle in a little cinnamon powder while tossing for a more sophisticated taste.
Step 5
Serve immediately while warm for a delightful combination of crispy exterior and chewy interior. The sweet flavor and chewy texture of the rice cakes make them perfect for kids’ snacks or as an accompaniment to tea for adults. My son absolutely loved them, eating them non-stop!
Step 6
With my son’s kindergarten spring break starting, making Sugar Tteok frequently will be a great way to spend quality time together at home. It’s a simple yet special snack that the whole family can enjoy.
