TTEOKBOKKI - Spicy Rice Cake

  

From Screen to Plate: Spicy TTEOKBOKKI Inspired by On Your Wedding Day

Have you watched the Korean movie On Your Wedding Day? If you haven’t, it’s a heartfelt romantic film that really pulls at the heartstrings. But let’s be honest—while the story is captivating, my foodie heart couldn’t help but zero in on the delicious TTEOKBOKKI that Hwang Woo-Yeon (Kim Young-Kwang) and Hwan Seung-hee (Park Bo-young) were eating. The moment I saw it, I instantly craved that spicy, chewy goodness, and I just had to recreate it in my kitchen!

For those who might not be familiar, TTEOKBOKKI is one of Korea’s most beloved street foods. It’s a spicy, flavorful dish made primarily from chewy rice cakes and is a staple in Korean cuisine. You’ll often find it being sold by street vendors in bustling markets, enjoyed by people of all ages. Its comforting spiciness and unique texture make it a must-try for anyone looking to explore Korean food.

TTEOKBOKKI isn’t just a food; it’s a cultural experience. In Korea, gathering around a hot pot of bubbling tteokbokki with friends or family is almost a ritual. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether you’re enjoying it as a quick snack after school, a late-night treat, or even during a casual get-together. The communal aspect of sharing this spicy rice cake dish is part of what makes it so special. It’s more than just satisfying hunger—it’s about creating memories with loved ones, just like the characters in the movie did.

In many K-dramas and movies, TTEOKBOKKI often appears during pivotal moments, symbolizing comfort, warmth, and a sense of belonging. It’s that dish you turn to when you need something familiar and reassuring. For me, watching Woo-Yeon and Seung-hee enjoying their tteokbokki brought back memories of my own moments with friends, where food was the silent yet powerful backdrop to our conversations and laughter. That’s the magic of tteokbokki—it’s not just food; it’s an experience that resonates on a deeper level.

Recipe video:

 

Why Is Tteokbokki So Famous?

TTEOKBOKKI is popular not just for its taste but also for its versatility. It’s the perfect snack when you’re in the mood for something spicy and satisfying. The combination of chewy rice cakes, savory fishcakes, and the heat from the gochujang (Korean chili paste) makes it an unforgettable experience. Plus, it’s so easy to customize! Whether you add boiled eggs, vegetables, or cheese, every variation is just as delicious.

Beyond its versatility, tteokbokki is also a comfort food that many Koreans grow up with. It’s something you can easily find, whether at a street vendor in Seoul or in your grandmother’s kitchen. The ingredients are simple, but the flavors are rich and complex, offering a sense of nostalgia for many. Each bite of tteokbokki can transport you back to simpler times, making it not just a dish but a comforting memory in itself.

Another reason for tteokbokki’s fame is its accessibility. It’s a dish that anyone can enjoy, whether you’re an adventurous foodie or someone new to Korean cuisine. The spicy, sweet, and savory flavors all meld together to create something uniquely satisfying. Even if you’ve never tried Korean food before, tteokbokki is a great place to start. It’s a dish that welcomes you with open arms, promising a burst of flavor that’s as exciting as it is comforting.

So, after watching On Your Wedding Day, I was inspired to make my own version of this iconic dish. Below is the recipe I used, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!

Ingredients:

• 250 g Korean fishcake
• 150 g Korean rice cake (cylinder-shaped rice cake)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• 2-3 green onions
• 3 cups water
• 3x4 inches dried kelp
• 1 tbsp. anchovy powder
• 2-3 tbsp. gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tbsp. gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. roasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:

• In a pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the dried kelp and anchovy powder, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will create a flavorful base for your tteokbokki.

2. Remove the Kelp:

• After simmering, remove the kelp from the broth.

3. Add the Spices:

• Stir in the gochujang, gochugaru, and sugar. Mix well until the gochujang is fully dissolved.

4. Cook the Rice Cakes:

• Add the Korean rice cakes to the broth. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and absorb the spicy sauce.

5. Add Fishcake and Eggs:

• Slice the Korean fishcake into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. Then, add the hard-boiled eggs.

6. Finish with Green Onions:

• Chop the green onions into 2-inch pieces and add them to the pot. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Once everything is well combined and the sauce has thickened, garnish with roasted sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!