Spiced Korean Tteokbokki with Gochujang Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy and sweet gochujang-based sauce, garnished with scallions and toasted sesame seeds for a classic Korean street food experience. This korean-inspired street food ready in about 25 minutes blends tteok (Korean rice cakes), gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 12 oz tteok (Korean rice cakes) under cold water and soak in warm water for 10 minutes if hardened.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, and 2 cups water. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
  4. Step 4: Add the soaked and drained rice cakes to the sauce and simmer over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes become soft and chewy.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Korean Tteokbokki with Gochujang Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Korean Tteokbokki with Gochujang Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Korean Tteokbokki with Gochujang Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Korean Tteokbokki with Gochujang Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spiced Korean Tteokbokki with Gochujang Sauce?

Korean street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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