Spicy Korean Tteokbokki with Gochujang Sauce

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

Chewy rice cakes simmered in a fiery and sweet gochujang-based sauce, capturing the essence of Korean street food favorites. This korean-inspired street food ready in about 20 minutes pairs tteok (Korean rice cakes), water, gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a simmer over medium heat. Add 3 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves, stirring until the sauce is smooth and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz tteok and 4 oz sliced fish cakes to the sauce. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice cakes are soft and the sauce thickens to coat them.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp sesame oil. Cook for another minute to combine flavors.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle 1 tsp sesame seeds on top as garnish. Serve hot for an authentic street snack experience.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

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

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tteok (korean rice cakes) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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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