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Rice Cooker Tteokbokki (Korean Spicy Rice Cakes)

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If you’re craving tteokbokki, this rice cooker version is one of the easiest ways to make this beloved Korean street food at home. Instead of standing over the stove stirring the sauce, simply add everything to your rice cooker and let it do the work. The rice cakes become perfectly chewy while soaking up the sweet, spicy, and savory gochujang sauce, creating an incredibly satisfying meal with minimal effort.

This recipe is loaded with more than just rice cakes. I like adding wide sweet potato noodles, fish cakes, Korean smoked sausages, and enoki mushrooms to turn it into a hearty one pot meal. The noodles absorb all of the spicy sauce, the fish cakes add classic Korean flavor, and the sausages make every bite extra satisfying.

Using a rice cooker makes this recipe especially beginner friendly because it maintains a gentle simmer without requiring constant attention. Everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the sauce to thicken naturally while the ingredients soak up all of the bold Korean flavors. It’s a great option for busy weeknights, college students, or anyone who wants an easy comfort meal.

Whether you’re already a tteokbokki lover or trying it for the first time, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. It’s spicy, slightly sweet, chewy, comforting, and incredibly customizable with your favorite proteins and vegetables.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy one pot meal made entirely in a rice cooker
  • No standing over the stove stirring
  • Chewy rice cakes and noodles soak up every bit of sauce
  • Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory
  • Beginner friendly recipe
  • Easily customizable with your favorite add ins
  • Great for weeknight dinners or late night cravings

Ingredients

Rice Cakes (Tteok)

The star of the dish. Korean rice cakes become soft and chewy while soaking up the spicy sauce.

Wide Sweet Potato Noodles

These glass noodles absorb tons of flavor while adding another delicious chewy texture.

Fish Cakes

A classic tteokbokki ingredient that adds savory seafood flavor and authenticity.

Korean Smoked Sausages

Smoky, juicy sausages make the dish heartier and pair perfectly with the spicy sauce.

Enoki Mushrooms

These delicate mushrooms cook quickly and add texture while soaking up the sauce.

Minced Garlic

Fresh garlic builds the foundation of the sauce.

Gochujang

Korean fermented chili paste that gives tteokbokki its signature spicy, slightly sweet flavor.

Gochugaru

Korean chili flakes add heat, color, and smoky depth.

Soy Sauce

Adds saltiness and umami.

Sesame Oil

A small amount adds nutty aroma and richness.

Sugar

Balances the spice and enhances the savory flavors.

Water

Creates the sauce that thickens as everything cooks.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella adds a creamy, melty finish that balances the spicy gochujang sauce while creating the iconic cheese pull that makes cheese tteokbokki so irresistible.

Green Onions

Adds freshness and a pop of color.

Sesame Seeds

The perfect finishing garnish for a little crunch and nuttiness.


Substitutions

  • Swap Korean smoked sausages for hot dogs or kielbasa.
  • Add ramen noodles instead of sweet potato noodles.
  • Use oyster mushrooms instead of enoki mushrooms.
  • Add boiled eggs for a classic tteokbokki topping.
  • Replace fish cakes with tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Add cabbage for extra sweetness and texture.
  • Increase or decrease the gochugaru depending on your spice preference.
  • Garnish with shredded mozzarella, green onions, or crushed roasted seaweed.

Why Make Tteokbokki in a Rice Cooker?

Making tteokbokki in a rice cooker is incredibly convenient because everything cooks in one pot with almost no hands on time. There’s no need to continuously stir the sauce or worry about it scorching on the bottom of the pan.

The rice cooker keeps the sauce at a gentle simmer, allowing the rice cakes, noodles, fish cakes, and mushrooms to slowly absorb all of the flavors while creating the perfect thick, glossy sauce.

Cleanup is also much easier since you’re only washing one pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, dorm rooms, or anyone looking for an effortless way to enjoy homemade Korean comfort food.


Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to soak the rice cakes first?

If you’re using refrigerated rice cakes, you can use them as is. If they’re frozen or very firm, soak them in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking.


Can I make this less spicy?

Yes. Reduce the amount of gochugaru or gochujang and add a little more sugar if you’d like a milder sauce.


Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes. Omit the fish cakes and sausages and add tofu or extra mushrooms instead.


How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


How do I reheat tteokbokki?

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water since the rice cakes will continue absorbing the sauce.


Can I freeze it?

It’s best enjoyed fresh because rice cakes become firmer after freezing and reheating.


What rice cooker setting should I use?

Use your regular Cook or Quick setting. If your rice cooker switches to Warm before everything is tender, simply start another Cook cycle.

Rice Cooker Tteokbokki (Korean Spicy Rice Cakes)

Recipe by Julia Vuong
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: MainCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Total time

40

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup 1 korean rice cakes

  • 6 oz 6 wide sweet potato noodles, soaked

  • 1/3 cup 1/3 fish cakes

  • 6 6 korean smoked sausages

  • 1 1 bundle of enoki mushrooms

  • 4 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 3 tbsp 3 gochujang

  • 1 tbsp 1 soy sauce

  • 1/2 tbsp 1/2 sesame oil

  • 1.5 tbsp 1.5 sugar

  • 1 tbsp 1 gochugaru

  • 3 cups 3 water (adjust if needed)

  • Optional Toppings
  • mozzarella cheese

  • sesame seeds

  • green onions

  • frozen gimmari

Directions

  • If using frozen rice cakes, soak them in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes, then drain. Soak sweet potato noodles so they’re pliable and can fit in the rice cooker.
  • Add the rice cakes, sweet potato noodles, fish cakes, smoked sausages, enoki mushrooms, and minced garlic to the rice cooker. Add the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Fill with water until it barely covers the ingredients.
  • Close the lid and cook using the QUICK setting for about 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
  • Once the rice cakes are tender and the sauce has thickened, add mozzarella and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

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