Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cakes)

Summary:

Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most iconic street foods — chewy rice cakes simmered in a thick, spicy, slightly sweet sauce. This halal version keeps the signature flavor while omitting fish cakes, alcohol, or pork-based broths, and uses halal gochujang for a rich, spicy kick.

Ingredients (2–3 servings)

Main:

• 300g Korean rice cakes (tteok), cylindrical or sliced — make sure they're halal and free from additives like alcohol

• 3 cups water

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 1 boiled egg (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Halal Tteokbokki Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons halal gochujang (Korean red chili paste)

• 1 tablespoon halal soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (gochugaru), optional for more heat

• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

1. Soak the rice cakes
   If refrigerated or frozen, soak the tteok in warm water for 15–20 minutes to soften. Drain before using.

2. Prepare the sauce
   In a small bowl, mix the gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using). Set aside.

3. Cook the base
   In a large pan or pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the sliced onion and simmer for 3–4 minutes to flavor the broth.

4. Add rice cakes and sauce
   Stir in the sauce mixture and rice cakes. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

5. Simmer and thicken
   Cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes are soft and chewy. Stir occasionally to keep them from clumping.

6. Add green onions and egg
   Stir in chopped green onions and sliced boiled egg (if using). Let them warm through for 1–2 more minutes.

7. Serve
   Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and enjoy hot!

Notes

• Halal gochujang: Look for a gochujang brand that’s halal-certified or vegan (they're often free of alcohol or fermented shrimp). If unavailable, you can mix red chili paste, sugar, soy sauce, and garlic as a substitute.

• Add-ins: Halal fish cakes (if available), tofu, or cheese are great additions.

• Sweetness & heat: Adjust sugar and chili levels based on your spice tolerance.