How To Make Fried Rice Cakes

How to Make Delicious Fried Rice Cakes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fried rice cakes, or Tteokbokki (떡볶이) in Korean, are a popular street food known for their chewy texture and savory, spicy flavor. While many variations exist, this guide provides a comprehensive recipe for making incredibly delicious fried rice cakes at home. Let's dive in!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Adjust ingredient quantities accordingly for larger or smaller batches.

• Rice Cakes (Garaetteok): 1 cup, thinly sliced (you can find these in most Asian grocery stores)
• Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): 2 tablespoons (adjust to your spice preference)
• Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes): 1 tablespoon (for extra heat and color)
• Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon (balances the spice and adds depth of flavor)
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Green Onions: 2 stalks, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (for frying)
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (adds aroma and flavor)
• Optional additions: Fish cakes, boiled eggs, kimchi, cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Rice Cakes:

1. If using thicker rice cakes, consider cutting them into smaller, thinner pieces for even cooking. This ensures they fry properly and become crispy.
2. No need to pre-boil the rice cakes. The frying process will cook them perfectly.

Making the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar. Mix well until the sugar dissolves completely and the sauce is smooth. This is the heart of your flavor profile, so make sure it's well-balanced.
2. Add the minced garlic to the sauce.

Frying the Rice Cakes:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced rice cakes to the hot oil and fry, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and slightly crispy. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Be patient; this step develops the texture.
3. Pour the sauce over the fried rice cakes and stir to coat them evenly.
4. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the rice cakes.
5. Stir in the sesame oil at the very end for its aromatic touch.

Serving Your Delicious Creation:

1. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions.
2. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. The rice cakes are best enjoyed fresh out of the pan.
3. Optional additions: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like fish cakes, boiled eggs, kimchi, or even a sprinkle of cheese during the last minute of cooking. Experiment to find your perfect combination!

Tips for the Perfect Fried Rice Cakes:

• Don't overcrowd the pan: Fry the rice cakes in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Adjust the spice level: Start with less gochujang and gochugaru, and add more to your liking.
• Use a well-seasoned wok or skillet: This helps prevent the rice cakes from sticking.

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