Name: Tteokbokki with Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 cup Korean rice cakes (tteok); Fish cakes (optional, sliced); 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste); 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional for extra spice); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sugar; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 green onions (chopped); 1 cup water or anchovy broth; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); Sesame seeds (for garnish); 1 boiled egg (optional, for serving)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the best of both worlds—spicy and cheesy. The chewy texture of the rice cakes contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy cheese topping, making every bite incredibly satisfying. It’s fast, filling, and easy to make, and you can adjust the heat level to suit your preference. Whether you’re a fan of Korean cuisine or just love bold, comforting flavors, this is a must-try.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Korean rice cakes (tteok)
Fish cakes (optional, sliced)
Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional for extra spice)
Soy sauce
Sugar
Garlic (minced)
Green onions (chopped)
Water or anchovy broth
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Boiled egg (optional, for serving)

Directions

Soak refrigerated or frozen tteok in warm water for 10–20 minutes if needed to soften.
In a pan or wide pot, combine water or anchovy broth, gochujang, gochugaru (if using), soy sauce, sugar, and garlic. Stir to mix.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the softened rice cakes and fish cakes (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes are soft and chewy.
Reduce heat to low, sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, cover the pan, and let sit for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Add boiled egg halves if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2–3 servings and takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare and cook.

Variations

Extra Spicy: Add more gochugaru or a dash of hot sauce for added heat.
Creamy Version: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or milk before adding the cheese for a richer sauce.
Vegetarian: Omit the fish cakes and use vegetable broth instead of anchovy broth.
Ramen Combo: Add a pack of instant ramen noodles near the end for an even heartier meal.
Seafood Style: Add shrimp, mussels, or squid for a seafood twist.

storage/reheating

Tteokbokki is best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can make the rice cakes too tough or rubbery.

FAQs

What are Korean rice cakes made of?

They are made from glutinous rice flour and have a chewy, dense texture ideal for soaking up sauces.

Can I use frozen rice cakes?

Yes, just soak them in warm water until soft before cooking.

What is gochujang?

Gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste with a deep, spicy-sweet umami flavor essential to Tteokbokki.

Is this dish very spicy?

It can be, but you can adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting the gochugaru and using less gochujang.

Can I make this without cheese?

Yes, traditional Tteokbokki is made without cheese. Just skip that step for a classic version.

What cheese is best for this recipe?

Mozzarella is ideal because it melts easily and adds a stretchy, creamy texture.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, omit the fish cakes, use vegetable broth, and ensure your gochujang is vegan-friendly.

How do I keep the rice cakes from sticking?

Stir frequently while cooking and ensure they are well-soaked before starting.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sauce ahead and reheat with the rice cakes when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Tteokbokki?

It pairs well with kimchi, Korean fried chicken, or a simple cucumber salad.

Conclusion

Tteokbokki with Cheese is a spicy, cheesy comfort dish that captures the heart of Korean street food. Its chewy rice cakes, rich sauce, and molten cheese make it a truly irresistible treat. Whether you’re a Korean food enthusiast or a newcomer looking for bold flavors, this dish promises a delicious, satisfying experience.