Gungjung Tteokbokki (궁중 떡볶이)
Korea
Kunjun Tteokbokki in royal style – a traditional Korean dish of tender rice dumplings sautéed with beef, mushrooms, and vegetables in a fragrant soy sauce. Perfect for a festive table, combining sweetness, saltiness, and a light nutty note.
Ingredients
- 450 g rice cakes
- 115 g beef
- 3 pcs shiitake mushrooms
- 115 g zucchini
- 1 pcs carrot
- 0.5 pcs sweet onion
- 2 pcs green onion
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 tsp garlic
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch ground pepper
- 1 pinch ground ginger
- to taste to taste nuts
- as needed as needed vegetable oil
Steps
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Mix soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic, salt, ground pepper, and ground ginger. In a pot, bring water to a boil, add the rice cakes and cook for 2–3 minutes until they float. Drain the water, then toss the cakes with 2 tbsp of the prepared sauce and set aside.
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Slice the beef into thin strips and the shiitake into thin slices. Mix them with 1 tbsp soy sauce and let marinate while the other ingredients are prepared.
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Cut the zucchini lengthwise in half, then slice thinly across. Salt generously, let sit for 10–15 minutes, then squeeze out excess liquid by hand.
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In a skillet heated with a small amount of vegetable oil, sauté the sweet onion, carrot, and zucchini for about 2 minutes, then add the green onion and stir quickly. Transfer the vegetables to a separate bowl.
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In the same skillet, stir-fry the beef and shiitake over medium-high heat until fully cooked (1–2 minutes). Reduce the heat, add the cooked rice cakes and fry for another 1–2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
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Combine in a bowl the vegetables from step 3, the cooked dumplings, the remaining sauce (approximately 2 tbsp.) and nuts to taste. Mix thoroughly and, if needed, adjust the flavor with soy sauce or sugar.
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Serve hot, garnished with extra sesame seeds or finely chopped green onion.
FAQ
Can I substitute beef in Gungjung Tteokbokki?
Yes, use chicken or firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Our Umami Guru app suggests closest flavor matches.
How long does homemade Tteokbokki last?
Store in airtight container for 3 days. Reheat gently with splash of water to refresh texture.
What to serve with Korean royal rice cakes?
Pair with kimchi and steamed greens. Traditional banquet includes 3-5 side dishes (banchan).
Why is my Tteokbokki too chewy?
Soak rice cakes in warm water 10 mins before cooking. Overcooking makes them hard.
Can I make Gungjung Tteokbokki spicy?
Authentic royal version isn't spicy, but add gochujang (1 tbsp) if desired. Adjust via our AI cooking assistant.