Street Vendor-Inspired Korean Spicy Rice Cake Stir Fry

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

Chewy rice cakes stir-fried in a spicy, sweet gochujang sauce with vegetables, replicating popular Korean street food flavors. This korean-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes layers garaetteok (Korean rice cakes), gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce 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 400 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 12 oz garaetteok rice cakes in warm water for 10 minutes to soften, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 cup water until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the soaked rice cakes and 1 cup chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring frequently for 3 minutes until cabbage softens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Pour the gochujang sauce mixture over the rice cakes and vegetables. Stir continuously and cook for 5-6 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the rice cakes evenly.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, then drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the dish before serving to add a nutty aroma.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Street Vendor-Inspired Korean Spicy Rice Cake Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Street Vendor-Inspired Korean Spicy Rice Cake Stir Fry?

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 Street Vendor-Inspired Korean Spicy Rice Cake Stir Fry?

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 Street Vendor-Inspired Korean Spicy Rice Cake Stir Fry 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.

Is Street Vendor-Inspired Korean Spicy Rice Cake Stir Fry vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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