Cheese Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food. It is famous around the world. This dish features chewy rice cakes or “Tteok,” simmered in a spicy and savoury sauce. The sauce contains Gochujang (red pepper paste), garlic, and soy sauce. The addition of melting cheese on top creates a rich and creamy texture. It complements the bold flavours of the sauce.
Tteokbokki itself has a long history, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. Made with tteok and soy sauce, the dish evolved over time to include a variety of ingredients. Including fish cakes, vegetables, and meats. Today, it is a staple snack food in Korea, often sold by street vendors or found in small restaurants.
Cheese Tteokbokki, so, is a more recent variation. It is popular in Korea and abroad. Its origins are not clear, but people say that it was first created by a Korean food blogger in the early 2000s. Since then, it has become a beloved dish for its fusion of Korean and Western flavours. And its ability to meet both spicy and cheesy cravings.
Whether you’re a fan of Korean food or want to try something new, Cheese Tteokbokki is a dish that is sure to impress. Its unique mix of flavours and textures makes it a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Its popularity is a testament to its deliciousness. So grab your ingredients. And get ready to experience the mouthwatering goodness of Cheese Tteokbokki.
What is Cheese Tteokbokki?
Cheese Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food. It combines chewy rice cakes, or “Tteok,” with a spicy and savoury sauce. It contains Gochujang (red pepper paste), garlic, and soy sauce. The dish is then topped with generous amounts of melted cheese. The cheese adds a creamy and indulgent texture to the already delicious tteok and sauce.
Tteokbokki itself is a staple Korean snack food that people enjoys for centuries. People make it by boiling tteok in a seasoned broth, often made with soy sauce or Gochujang. They serve it with various ingredients such as fish cakes, boiled eggs, and vegetables. Cheese Tteokbokki is a modern twist on this classic dish. It adds a rich and cheesy element that has become popular both in Korea and around the world.
Cheese Tteokbokki is known for its spicy and savoury flavour profile. The chewy rice cakes are coated in the thick sauce. It packs a punch of heat from the Gochujang. And then the melted cheese adds a creamy and slightly sweet contrast. It is a dish that is both comforting and indulgent, perfect for satisfying cravings and warming up on a cold day.
Why This Recipe Works
This Cheese Tteokbokki recipe works for several reasons:
- The sauce is well-balanced: The mix of Gochujang, soy sauce and sugar creates a well-balanced sauce. It is both spicy and savoury. The sugar helps to balance out the heat from the Gochujang. The saltiness of the soy sauce creates a flavour profile that is both delicious and addictive.
- The cooking method is simple: This recipe uses a simple cooking method. It’s easy to follow, even for beginners. The tteok boils in the sauce until it’s cooked through and absorbs the flavours of the sauce. The cheese on top creates a creamy and indulgent finish.
- The toppings are customizable: This recipe calls for scallions and sesame seeds as toppings. You can customize your Cheese Tteokbokki with your favourite toppings. Some popular options include fish cakes, boiled eggs, and vegetables. Like carrots or cabbage.
- The dish is versatile: You can serve Cheese Tteokbokki as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. It is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients Required to Make Cheese Tteokbokki
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil helps in garnishing. It adds a nutty and fragrant aroma.
- 2 cups Korean Soup Stock (Dashi) or Water: You can boil the rice cakes in either Korean soup stock or water. Korean soup stock, or dashi, is made from kelp and dried anchovies. It has a slightly sweet and savoury flavour that complements the Tteokbokki sauce.
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese: The cheese helps the dish to create a rich and creamy texture. It complements the spicy and savoury Tteokbokki sauce. Mozzarella cheese is a mild and versatile cheese that melts well and is perfect for this recipe.
- 500 gms Korean Rice Cakes: These are the star of the dish, providing a chewy and satisfying texture. Korean rice cakes contain glutinous rice flour and are cylindrical in shape. They are available fresh or frozen and popular in Korean or Asian markets.
- 1 teaspoon Korean Chili Flakes (Gochugaru): These are dried red pepper flakes. They help in making Korean cuisine. They add a spicy and slightly smoky flavour to the Tteokbokki sauce.
- Sesame Seeds: Lightly toasted sesame seeds help in garnishing, adding a nutty and crunchy texture to the dish.
- Green Onions (Scallions): The green onions are finely chopped and help in garnishing. It adds a fresh and slightly pungent flavour.
- 1 tablespoon Korean Chili Paste: Red pepper paste made of soybeans and rice. It adds a spicy and savoury flavour to the sauce and is a key ingredient in Tteokbokki.
- 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic: Garlic adds a fragrant and slightly pungent flavour to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and savoury flavour to the sauce. It enhances the umami taste of the dish.
- 1 ½ tablespoon Granulated Sugar: Sugar helps to balance out the heat from the chilli flakes and chilli paste. It creates a well-balanced sauce.
Tools Required to Make Cheese Tteokbokki
- Large Pot: A large pot helps to boil the rice cakes and sauce.
- Strainer: A strainer helps to drain the rice cakes after boiling.
- Grater: A grater helps to grate the mozzarella cheese.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Measuring cups and spoons help to measure the ingredients.
- Mixing Bowl: A mixing bowl helps to mix the Tteokbokki sauce ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon helps to stir the Tteokbokki sauce and rice cakes.
- Serving Bowls: Serving bowls helps to serve the finished dish.
- Kitchen Scissors: Kitchen scissors are optional. But useful for cutting the green onions (scallions) for garnish.
- Sesame Oil Brush (optional): A sesame oil brush can help to brush the sesame oil on top of the cheese. It adds extra flavour and aroma.
Cheese Tteokbokki Recipe
Servings: 3 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Course: Main Course Cuisine: Korean Calories: 730 kcal
To bring frozen rice cakes to room temperature, soak them in warm water. Skip this step if using fresh rice cakes.
In a small bowl, combine chilli flakes, paste, granulated sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Mix well.
Next, add soup stock and rice cakes to a large frying pan over medium to high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the sauce to the pan and stir to combine with the stock.
Allow the mixture to boil until it thickens to your desired consistency. Then, lower the heat and push all the rice cakes to the centre of the pan.
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top and cover the pan with a lid. Cook until the cheese has melted.
Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with scallions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 730kcal
Carbohydrates: 102g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 1080mg
Potassium: 287mg
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 3g
Tips To Make The Best Cheese Tteokbokki
- Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh rice cakes, chilli flakes, paste, garlic, and green onions will give you the best flavour.
- Use Korean soup stock (Dashi): Using Korean soup stock (Dashi) instead of water will add depth of flavour.
- Let the sauce thicken: Boil the sauce until it becomes thick to your liking before adding the rice cakes. This will help the sauce adhere better to the rice cakes.
- Use high-quality cheese: Using high-quality mozzarella cheese will give you the best flavour. Try to use fresh mozzarella rather than pre-shredded cheese.
- Cover the pan: Covering the pan with a lid while melting the cheese will help the cheese melt. And give you a creamy texture.
- Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and sesame oil: These garnishes add a nice aroma to the dish. Don’t skip them!
- Adjust the level of spiciness: If you prefer your dish spicier, add more chilli flakes or paste. If you prefer it milder, use less.
- Enjoy it hot: Cheese Tteokbokki tastes better when it’s hot and fresh. So serve it immediately after cooking for the best flavour and texture.
Storing & Freezing
Cheese Tteokbokki tastes well when it’s fresh and hot. But if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the rice cakes may become softer and lose their chewiness over time.
To reheat, place the Tteokbokki in a pan with a splash of water. And heat over medium heat until heated through, stirring sometimes.
If you want to freeze Cheese Tteokbokki, it’s best to freeze the rice cakes and sauce separately. Cook the rice cakes and sauce as directed, but do not add the cheese. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Then transfer the rice cakes and sauce to separate airtight containers and freeze for up to 1 month.
When ready to eat, thaw the rice cakes and sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Heat the sauce in a pan over medium heat until it’s heated through and thickened. Add the rice cakes to the pan and cook until heated through. Then sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top and cover the pan with a lid until the cheese has melted. Serve hot with garnishes.
FAQs
What Is Cheese Tteokbokki Made Of?
Cheese Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food which contains Korean rice cakes (tteok). It cooks in a spicy sauce made with Gochujang, Gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. The dish then tops with grated mozzarella cheese. Garnish with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and sesame oil. The result is a spicy, sweet, and savoury dish with a creamy, cheesy texture. You can make Cheese Tteokbokki with fresh or frozen rice cakes, and serve hot and fresh as a snack or a meal.
What Does Cheese Topokki Taste Like?
Cheese Tteokbokki has a unique and delicious taste. The rice cakes are chewy and slightly sweet. While the spicy sauce adds a savoury and slightly sweet flavour with a bit of heat. The addition of mozzarella cheese gives the dish a creamy and slightly salty flavour. It complements the spiciness of the sauce. The dish also has a slightly nutty flavour from the toasted sesame seeds and a subtle aroma from the sesame oil. Cheese Tteokbokki is a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savoury flavours.
Does Tteokbokki Contain Cheese?
Tteokbokki does not contain cheese. Yet, a variation of Tteokbokki called Cheese Tteokbokki has become popular in the world. As the name suggests, Cheese Tteokbokki includes grated mozzarella cheese as a topping. The cheese adds a creamy and slightly salty flavour to the dish. It complements the spiciness of the sauce. So, while the traditional Tteokbokki does not contain cheese, the cheese version of the dish has become a popular variation.
What Is Tteokbokki Flavor?
Tteokbokki has a unique and delicious flavour that is both spicy and slightly sweet. The dish’s main ingredient is Korean rice cakes (tteok), which are chewy and slightly sweet. The sauce helps to cook the rice cakes made with a mix of Gochujang, Gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. This sauce is spicy and has a slightly sweet and savoury flavour. When the rice cakes are cooked in the sauce, they absorb the flavours of the sauce. It results in a dish that is both spicy and sweet with a slightly chewy texture. Some variations of Tteokbokki may also include extra ingredients. Such as fish cakes, boiled eggs, or vegetables, which can add more flavours and textures to the dish.
Is Tteokbokki Halal or Haram?
Whether Tteokbokki is Halal or Haram depends on the ingredients used to make the dish. The main ingredient in Tteokbokki is Korean rice cakes (tteok). They generally consider Halal as they contain rice flour, water, and salt. But, the sauce which helps to cook the rice cakes may contain ingredients that are not Halal. Such as Gochujang (Korean chilli paste) or other condiments. It may contain non-Halal ingredients.
If Tteokbokki has meat or seafood, it may not be Halal unless the meat or seafood is prepared according to Islamic dietary laws. Thus, it is important to check the ingredients that help to make Tteokbokki to determine if it is Halal or not.
Are Cheese Rice Cakes Healthy?
Cheese rice cakes, such as those used in Cheese Tteokbokki, are not healthy food. As they are a high-carbohydrate and high-calorie food. Korean rice cakes contain rice flour and water. And when combined with cheese, the calorie count can increase. The spicy sauce used in Tteokbokki may contain a high amount of sodium, sugar, and fat. It depends on the recipe.
While Tteokbokki can be a delicious treat, it is not healthy food. Because of its high calorie and sodium content. But, it is possible to make modifications to the recipe. Such as using less cheese and using a low-sodium or sugar-free sauce, to make it a bit healthier.
In Conclusion
Cheese Tteokbokki is a delicious and popular Korean street food. It is popular worldwide. This dish features chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy and sweet sauce, topped with gooey. The mix of spicy, sweet, and savoury flavours makes Cheese Tteokbokki a satisfying meal.
While this dish may not be the healthiest option, it is a delicious indulgence. It is perfect for a special occasion or a treat. To make the dish a bit healthier, modifications can be made. Such as using less cheese and opting for a low-sodium or sugar-free sauce.
This dish is a fantastic dish to try for anyone looking for the unique flavours of Korean cuisine. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or as a full meal, this dish is sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling satiated!
Cheese Tteokbokki: Step-By-Step Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cups Korean Soup Stock (Dashi) or Water
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
- 500 g Korean Rice Cakes
- 1 tsp Korean Chili Flakes (Gochugaru)
- Sesame Seeds
- Green Onions (Scallions)
- 1 tbsp Korean Chili Paste
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1½ tbsp Granulated Sugar
Instructions
- To bring frozen rice cakes to room temperature, soak them in warm water. Skip this step if using fresh rice cakes.
- In a small bowl, combine chilli flakes, paste, granulated sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Mix well.
- Next, add soup stock and rice cakes to a large frying pan over medium to high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the sauce to the pan and stir to combine with the stock.
- Allow the mixture to boil until it thickens to your desired consistency. Then, lower the heat and push all the rice cakes to the centre of the pan.
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top and cover the pan with a lid. Cook until the cheese has melted.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with scallions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh rice cakes, chilli flakes, paste, garlic, and green onions will give you the best flavour.
- Use Korean soup stock (Dashi): Using Korean soup stock (Dashi) instead of water will add depth of flavour.
- Let the sauce thicken: Boil the sauce until it becomes thick to your liking before adding the rice cakes. This will help the sauce adhere better to the rice cakes.
- Use high-quality cheese: Using high-quality mozzarella cheese will give you the best flavour. Try to use fresh mozzarella rather than pre-shredded cheese.
- Cover the pan: Covering the pan with a lid while melting the cheese will help the cheese melt. And give you a creamy texture.
- Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and sesame oil: These garnishes add a nice aroma to the dish. Don't skip them!
- Adjust the level of spiciness: If you prefer your dish spicier, add more chilli flakes or paste. If you prefer it milder, use less.
- Enjoy it hot: Cheese Tteokbokki tastes better when it’s hot and fresh. So serve it immediately after cooking for the best flavour and texture.
