Spicy Street Food-Style Korean Tteokbokki with Fish Cake

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

A chewy and spicy Korean rice cake dish simmered in a vibrant gochujang sauce with tender fish cakes, perfect for a fun and comforting snack. This korean-inspired street food ready in about 27 minutes layers tteok (Korean rice cakes), fish cakes, gochujang (Korean chili paste) into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 3, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain 12 ounces soaked Korean rice cakes and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups water, 3 tablespoons gochujang, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon sugar to the skillet, stirring until the sauce is smooth and begins to simmer.
  3. Step 3: Add the rice cakes and 6 ounces sliced fish cakes to the simmering sauce. Stir gently and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice cakes are soft and the sauce thickens to coat them.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 chopped green onion stalks and sprinkle 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds over the top. Cook for an additional 1 minute, then remove from heat and serve hot for an authentic spicy street food experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Street Food-Style Korean Tteokbokki with Fish Cake take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Spicy Street Food-Style Korean Tteokbokki with Fish Cake?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Street Food-Style Korean Tteokbokki with Fish Cake?

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 Street Food-Style Korean Tteokbokki with Fish Cake 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 Street Food-Style Korean Tteokbokki with Fish Cake?

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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