Ddeokbokee

Ddeokbokee Recipe: A Delicious Korean Rice Cake Dish

Region / culture: Korea | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ddeokbokee, also known as tteokbokki, is a popular Korean street food dish made with chewy rice cakes in a spicy and savory sauce. This dish is a favorite among Koreans of all ages and is often enjoyed as a snack or meal.

History

Ddeokbokee has a long history in Korean cuisine and is believed to have originated during the Joseon Dynasty. Originally, it was made with just rice cakes and soy sauce, but over time, the dish evolved to include a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, fish cakes, and spicy seasonings.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) ddeokbokee ddeok (tube-shaped rice cake)
1-2 sheets of fish cake, cut into bite-sized pieces
0.5 onion, roughly chopped
0.25 cabbage, roughly chopped
0.25 carrot, sliced
1 spring onion, chopped
2 tbsp gochoojang (Korean fermented chili paste)
1 tbsp gochoogaroo (Korean red chili powder)
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp soy sauce
pepper
sesame seeds

How to prepare

Put the rice cake in a pot and add enough water to cover it. Cook until the rice cake becomes soft.
Add go choo jang, go choo ga roo, sugar, soy sauce, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add the cake and simmer for another 1-2 minutes.
Finish by garnishing with green onion and sesame seeds.
Serve the dish hot.

Variations

Add seafood such as shrimp or squid for a seafood twist.
Use different vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Make a creamy version by adding some milk or cream to the sauce.
Make a non-spicy version by omitting the chili paste and chili powder.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the rice cakes until they are soft but still chewy.

- Adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or less chili paste and chili powder.

- For a richer flavor, you can add some broth or stock to the sauce.

- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Ddeokbokee can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or paired with other Korean dishes such as kimchi, fried mandu (dumplings), or kimbap (rice rolls). It is often served with a side of pickled radish to balance out the spiciness of the dish.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the rice cakes until soft but still chewy.

- Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly.

- Add the vegetables and fish cakes towards the end of cooking to retain their texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free rice cakes for a gluten-free version.

- Substitute gochoojang with sriracha or another chili paste.

- Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Ddeokbokee is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Cook the rice cakes and assemble the dish just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve ddeokbokee in a traditional Korean bowl or plate and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of color. You can also add some shredded nori (seaweed) for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Ddeokbokee pairs well with a variety of Korean side dishes such as kimchi, pickled radish, and fried mandu. It also goes well with a cold glass of Korean barley tea or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover ddeokbokee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice cakes from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of ddeokbokee typically contains around 200-300 calories, depending on the ingredients and portion size.

Carbohydrates

Ddeokbokee is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the rice cakes and vegetables. One serving typically contains around 30-40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The amount of fat in ddeokbokee can vary depending on the ingredients used and the cooking method. On average, one serving contains around 5-10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Ddeokbokee is a moderate source of protein, with one serving containing around 5-10 grams of protein. The fish cakes and vegetables in the dish contribute to the protein content.

Vitamins and minerals

Ddeokbokee is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the vegetables and fish cakes. It also contains minerals such as potassium and calcium.

Alergens

Ddeokbokee may contain allergens such as fish (from the fish cakes) and soy (from the soy sauce). It is important to check the ingredients and adjust the recipe accordingly for any dietary restrictions.

Summary

Overall, ddeokbokee is a flavorful and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a popular choice for a quick and delicious meal or snack.

Summary

Ddeokbokee is a classic Korean dish that is loved for its chewy rice cakes and spicy sauce. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can recreate this delicious street food favorite at home. Enjoy it as a snack or meal, and customize it to your taste with different vegetables, proteins, and seasonings.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Mrs. Park in her small village on the outskirts of Seoul. Mrs. Park was known far and wide for her delicious Korean dishes, and I had always admired her culinary skills.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping on cups of fragrant green tea, Mrs. Park suddenly got up from her seat and disappeared into a cupboard. She emerged a few moments later with a worn, yellowed piece of paper in her hands.

"Here," she said, handing me the paper. "This is a recipe for ddeokbokee. It's a traditional Korean dish made with chewy rice cakes and a spicy sauce. I learned how to make it from my grandmother, who learned it from her grandmother before her. It's a family recipe, and now I'm passing it on to you."

I was touched by Mrs. Park's gesture and eagerly accepted the recipe. I studied it carefully, taking note of the ingredients and instructions. Mrs. Park watched me with a knowing smile, knowing that I would appreciate the significance of this gift.

When I returned home that evening, I couldn't wait to try my hand at making ddeokbokee. I gathered all the ingredients – rice cakes, gochujang (Korean red chili paste), soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and green onions – and set to work in my own kitchen.

As I stirred the sauce over the stovetop, the spicy aroma filled the air, reminding me of Mrs. Park's kitchen and the warmth of her hospitality. I added the rice cakes to the simmering sauce, watching as they softened and absorbed the flavors.

Finally, the ddeokbokee was ready. I ladled it into a bowl and garnished it with sliced green onions. The dish looked just like the one Mrs. Park had made for me earlier that day.

I took a hesitant bite, savoring the chewy texture of the rice cakes and the fiery kick of the sauce. It was delicious – just like Mrs. Park's version, and I felt a sense of pride in being able to recreate it in my own kitchen.

From that day on, ddeokbokee became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and even just for myself on quiet evenings at home. Each time I made it, I thought of Mrs. Park and the bond we shared through our love of food and tradition.

Years passed, and I continued to make ddeokbokee, refining the recipe and adding my own twist to it. I shared it with my own grandchildren, passing on the tradition that Mrs. Park had started with me.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of garlic and chili paste, I realize how much this recipe has come to mean to me. It's not just a dish – it's a connection to my past, a link to the generations of women who came before me and shared their culinary wisdom.

And as I take another bite of the spicy, comforting ddeokbokee, I know that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and friendship that can be found in a simple meal shared with those we hold dear.