Cheese Tteokbokki Recipe

If you’ve ever fallen in love with Korean street food, then you’re in for a real treat with Cheese Tteokbokki. This comforting, spicy, and cheesy dish combines chewy Korean rice cakes with a rich, vibrant sauce that has just the right kick of heat. Melty mozzarella cheese on top takes it to the next level, creating a luscious, gooey finish that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, a meal, or a fun dish to share, Cheese Tteokbokki is guaranteed to brighten your table and excite your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cheese Tteokbokki recipe plays a vital role, from the soft and chewy rice cakes to the bold, spicy sauce, and the irresistibly melty cheese that crowns the dish. These simple yet carefully balanced components come together to deliver a mouthwatering experience with layers of flavor and texture.

• 17.5 oz Korean rice cakes: The star ingredient providing chewy, tender bites that soak up all the sauce’s goodness.
• 2 cups dashi or Korean soup stock: Adds a savory depth to the sauce, making it rich and full-bodied.
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, cheesy topping loved by everyone.
• 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste): Brings a perfect balance of sweetness and heat to the dish.
• 2 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): Adds an extra layer of spice and texture for that authentic kick.
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar: Balances the spicy flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• ½ tbsp corn syrup or granulated sugar: Helps give the sauce a glossy finish and slight stickiness.
• 1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness for a well-rounded flavor.
• 2 tsp minced garlic: Offers a fragrant punch that enhances the savory profile.
• 1 tsp sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and richness to finish the dish.
• Finely chopped scallions (green onions): For freshness and a mild onion bite in the garnish.
• Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and a toasty flavor as a finishing touch.

How to Make Cheese Tteokbokki

Step 1: Prep the Rice Cakes

If you’re using frozen rice cakes, remember they need to soak in warm water for 20 to 30 minutes to soften up perfectly. This step ensures they won’t be chewy in an unpleasant way but tender and delightfully chewy, ready to absorb all the incredible sauce flavors. If you’re lucky to have fresh rice cakes, you can skip this part and move right on.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, granulated sugar, corn syrup, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well blended. This blend creates the signature spicy-sweet foundation of your Cheese Tteokbokki, balancing heat and umami with a touch of sweetness that’s absolutely addictive.

Step 3: Cook the Rice Cakes in Stock

Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add the dashi or Korean soup stock along with the rice cakes. Bring this to a boil, allowing the rice cakes to soften and soak up the savory liquid. Then, stir in the sauce and let the whole mixture bubble and thicken, marrying each flavor into a luscious, sticky coating.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once the sauce is thickened to your liking, gather the rice cakes into the center of the pan—a clever trick to keep the cheese from sinking—and spread the grated mozzarella evenly on top. Cover the pan with a lid to trap the heat and let the cheese melt into a gooey blanket that’s absolutely heavenly. Turn off the heat once melted.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Drizzle with toasted sesame oil for a fragrant finish, then sprinkle chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds over the top. This gives a fresh crunch and a subtle nuttiness that perfectly complements the rich, spicy, cheesy base.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Cheese Tteokbokki is best enjoyed right away, while the cheese is still freshly melted and delightfully stretchy. Grab a fork or chopsticks, and dive into this ultimate comfort food experience.

How to Serve Cheese Tteokbokki

Garnishes

Adding fresh scallions and spicy chili flakes not only enhances the dish’s eye-catching appearance but also provides bursts of color and texture that brighten up every bite. Toasted sesame seeds give a delicate crunch and a warm, nutty aroma that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Cheese Tteokbokki pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed rice, crunchy pickled radishes, or a fresh cucumber salad. These accompaniments help balance out the rich, spicy, and creamy nature of the dish, giving your palate some refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve Cheese Tteokbokki sizzling right in the pan to maintain that glorious meltiness. You can also turn it into a fun sharing plate by adding boiled eggs, fish cakes, or even crispy fried tofu chunks—each adds a new dimension while keeping your Cheese Tteokbokki the star of the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheese Tteokbokki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the rice cakes tend to absorb the sauce, the texture may become chewier, but the flavors will deepen beautifully overnight.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t ideal for this dish due to the cheese and rice cake texture changes, you can freeze the sauce separately in a sealed container for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat with freshly cooked rice cakes and cheese added fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the Cheese Tteokbokki on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Add fresh mozzarella on top and cover to melt it again, bringing back that irresistible stretchy cheese goodness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for Cheese Tteokbokki?

While mozzarella is the traditional choice for its meltiness and mild flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack if you want a sharper taste. Just keep in mind the melting qualities vary, so the texture might change slightly.

What can I substitute for dashi or Korean soup stock?

If you don’t have access to dashi or Korean stock, chicken broth or vegetable broth works well as a substitute. Just make sure it’s flavorful to complement the spicy sauce in your Cheese Tteokbokki.

Is Cheese Tteokbokki spicy?

It has a pleasant level of heat from the gochujang and gochugaru, which is balanced out by the sweetness and creamy cheese. However, you can always adjust the spice level up or down depending on your preference by tweaking the chili paste and flakes amounts.

Can I add other ingredients like vegetables or meat?

Absolutely! Adding fish cakes, boiled eggs, cabbage, or even thinly sliced beef can make your Cheese Tteokbokki heartier and more substantial. Just add them in during the cooking process so they absorb the sauce flavors.

How do I make Cheese Tteokbokki less sticky?

If you find the sauce too sticky for your liking, try reducing the sugar or corn syrup slightly, or add a bit more liquid stock while cooking to loosen the sauce consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Cheese Tteokbokki—a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that feels like comfort and excitement all at once. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a longtime fan, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this deliciously cheesy, spicy adventure!

Print