Nostalgic Korean Snack: Baek Jong-won’s Tteokkochi Recipe
Crispy Outside, Chewy Inside! Baek Jong-won’s Tteokkochi Sauce Recipe (Rice Cakes, Snack)
Introducing Tteokkochi, the nostalgic Korean snack made with chewy, soft rice cakes, boasting a crispy exterior and a delightful chewiness inside. The sweet and spicy gochujang sauce is sure to capture the taste buds of children, making it irresistible! While So-tteok-so-tteok (sausage and rice cake skewers) are delicious, these pan-fried, soft rice cakes coated in a rich sauce are a guaranteed hit for kids’ snacks. This recipe uses Chef Baek Jong-won’s special Tteokkochi sauce, enhanced with extra sweetness and tanginess for an even more irresistible flavor. Simply skewer the rice cakes, pan-fry them with a little oil until golden brown, and coat them with a simple gochujang sauce. For an even easier cooking method, you can use an air fryer after lightly oiling the rice cakes. This recipe focuses on achieving a wonderfully crispy texture on the outside of the rice cakes. With a slightly higher ratio of sugar and ketchup compared to typical So-tteok sauces, it perfectly replicates the taste of the Tteokkochi you might have enjoyed from snack bars near your school in your childhood. The kids will give it two thumbs up! It’s best to use soft rice cakes meant for Tteokbokki. If your rice cakes are hard from refrigeration, simply blanch them in boiling water before skewering and frying. You can also substitute Tteokbokki rice cakes with chewy Garaetteok (cylinder-shaped rice cakes) for a delicious treat. I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make Baek Jong-won’s Tteokkochi with a sauce ratio that even young children who are sensitive to spice can enjoy.
Tteokkochi Ingredients
- 400g Tteokbokki rice cakes
- 4-5 Tbsp cooking oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Sweet & Spicy Sauce Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 60ml water
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 60ml water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the soft Tteokbokki rice cakes. Cut them into appropriate lengths of about 7-8 cm, suitable for skewering. If your rice cakes are hard, briefly blanch them in boiling water to soften them before proceeding.
Step 2
Rinse the wooden skewers under water and lightly wet them before inserting them into the rice cakes. This helps the rice cakes adhere better to the skewers and makes them easier to handle.
Step 3
Next, heat a frying pan over medium heat. Once the pan is sufficiently hot, add about 5-6 tablespoons of cooking oil and let the oil heat up. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to medium and carefully place the skewered rice cakes in the hot oil. Fry them, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. Be mindful of the heat to prevent burning.
Step 5
You’ll know they’re ready when small bubbles appear on the surface of the rice cakes and they turn a nice golden color. This indicates they will be perfectly crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside.
Step 6
Once the rice cakes are perfectly golden brown, remove them from the pan and set them aside temporarily while you prepare the sauce.
Step 7
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 0.5 tablespoon of gochujang, and 60ml of water. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Step 8
Pour the prepared sauce into the frying pan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir continuously with a spatula. As soon as it starts to bubble, turn off the heat. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become too salty or burn.
Step 9
Return the fried rice cakes to the pan. Using your spatula, coat each rice cake evenly with the sauce, ensuring both sides are well-covered. This will create a flavorful glaze.
Step 10
Your Tteokkochi is now complete! This recipe yields approximately 6 skewers (5 rows of 6 rice cakes each) of 8cm long Tteokkochi. They disappeared in an instant when served as an after-school snack for the kids! 😊 They are also perfect for packing as a picnic snack on nice days. Enjoy a taste that rivals any snack bar, right in your own home! Be sure to savor the crispy-chewy texture. For an extra touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving.
