Spicy Korean-Style Tteokbokki with Gochujang Sauce

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

Chewy rice cakes simmered in a vibrant, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce with fish cakes and scallions for traditional Korean street food flavor. This korean-inspired street food ready in about 25 minutes blends Korean rice cakes (tteok), fish cakes, sliced, gochujang (Korean chili paste) 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 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 400 g Korean rice cakes in warm water for 10 minutes if frozen or hard. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet or shallow pan, combine 2 cups water, 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and starts to bubble.
  3. Step 3: Add the drained rice cakes and 150 g sliced fish cakes to the sauce. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice cakes are soft and sauce thickens to coat the ingredients.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp sesame oil and 2 sliced scallions. Cook for another minute.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style 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 Spicy Korean-Style 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 Spicy Korean-Style 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 Spicy Korean-Style 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 Spicy Korean-Style 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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