Korean Spicy Rice Cake Skewers: 5 Reasons to Love Them

Korean Spicy Rice Cake Skewers (Tteok Kkochi) are a mouthwatering treat that embodies the essence of Korean street food. These skewers feature chewy rice cakes, pan-fried to a perfect texture and coated in a bold, sweet-and-spicy gochujang glaze. As you take a bite, the delightful combination of flavors and textures transports you to bustling street markets in Korea. Whether as a snack or an appetizer, these skewers are genuinely addictive and easy to make at home!

Why You’ll Love This Korean Spicy Rice Cake

There are numerous reasons to adore this Korean Spicy Rice Cake dish. First, it’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy rice cakes, making it perfect for gatherings. Second, the flavor profile is a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, thanks to the gochujang glaze. Third, they are vegetarian-friendly, catering to a wider audience. Fourth, this dish is quick to prepare, taking only about 25 minutes. Fifth, it’s a versatile recipe, allowing for various toppings and tweaks. Lastly, it’s a fantastic introduction to Korean street food culture, offering a taste of authentic flavors right in your kitchen!

Ingredients for Korean Spicy Rice Cake

Gather these items:

• 1 lb Korean rice cakes (tteok), cylindrical
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola or avocado)
• 6–8 wooden skewers (soaked if grilling)
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)

How to Make Korean Spicy Rice Cake Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Soak frozen rice cakes in warm water for 10–15 minutes, then boil for 2–3 minutes until tender. Drain.
2. Step 2: Whisk together gochujang, ketchup, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and water until smooth.
3. Step 3: Thread 4–5 rice cakes onto each skewer.
4. Step 4: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook skewers for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly crispy.
5. Step 5: Brush skewers generously with sauce, flip, and cook for 1 more minute to caramelize.
6. Step 6: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Korean Spicy Rice Cake

Keep these in mind:

• Ensure the rice cakes are well-soaked; this helps them cook evenly.
• Adjust the sauce’s consistency with more water if needed for a better glaze.
• Experiment with toppings like chopped scallions or sesame seeds for added flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Korean Spicy Rice Cake

These skewers are best enjoyed hot and fresh. Pair them with:

• Kimchi for a spicy tang
• Your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor
• A side of pickled vegetables for crunch

How to Store and Reheat Korean Spicy Rice Cake

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This method helps maintain their chewy texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Spicy Rice Cake

What is tteokbokki made of?

Tteokbokki primarily consists of Korean rice cakes, known as tteok, which are chewy and versatile. The dish is commonly cooked in a spicy sauce made with gochujang, giving it the signature flavor that many love.

Can I make Korean Spicy Rice Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice cakes and sauce ahead of time. Just assemble the skewers and cook them when you’re ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Korean Spicy Rice Cake?

To avoid mushy rice cakes, ensure you soak them properly without overcooking. Also, balance the sauce ingredients to suit your taste, adjusting the sweetness or spiciness as desired.

Variations of Korean Spicy Rice Cake You Can Try

There are many fun variations to try with this dish. You can customize your skewers with:

• Adding fish cakes for a heartier meal
• Incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra crunch
• Using different sauces for unique flavor profiles, such as sesame oil or spicy mayo

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe category or try making spaghetti with garlic and oil for a quick meal. If you’re interested in vegetarian options, consider our veggie burgers with avocado green harissa.

For more information on Korean cuisine, you can visit Korean Bapsang for authentic recipes and tips.

Korean Spicy Rice Cake Skewers: 5 Reasons to Love Them

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Korean Spicy Rice Cake Skewers (Tteok Kkochi) are a classic Korean street food made with chewy rice cakes pan-fried until lightly crispy, then coated in a bold, sweet-and-spicy gochujang glaze. Fun, addictive, and perfect for snacks or appetizers.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Pan-frying
• Cuisine: Korean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb Korean rice cakes (tteok), cylindrical
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola or avocado)
• 6–8 wooden skewers (soaked if grilling)
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)

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Instructions

1. Soak frozen rice cakes in warm water 10–15 minutes, then boil 2–3 minutes until tender. Drain.
2. Whisk gochujang, ketchup, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and water until smooth.
3. Thread 4–5 rice cakes onto each skewer.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook skewers 2–3 minutes per side until lightly crispy.
5. Brush skewers generously with sauce, flip, and cook 1 more minute to caramelize.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg