How To Eat Tteokbokki?
If you’re a fan of Korean cuisine, you’ve likely heard of tteokbokki.
This popular street food features chewy, cylindrical rice cakes that are smothered in a spicy and savory sauce.
But if you’ve never tried it before, you may be wondering how to eat tteokbokki.
In my article, I’ll answer some common questions about this delicious dish and provide tips on how to enjoy it to the fullest. From whether it’s best eaten hot or cold to what to pair it with, I’ll cover everything you need to know.
So grab your chopsticks and let’s dive into the bowl of tteokbokki!
Contents
How to Eat Tteokbokki?
There is no ‘correct’ way to eat tteokbokki. You can experiment with different side dishes and see which one you like the most.
People often serve tteokbokki with fried vegetables, a sundae (Korean blood sausage), rice balls, pickled radish, fish cake, soy sauce, tteokbokki sauce, scallion, boiled eggs, garlic, and tofu.
Tteokbokki does not sit well in the sauce and is not the best dish to microwave. It is better to put the tteokbokki to simmer on medium-low heat in a saucepan. I go deeper into this topic in my article about reheating tteokbokki.
Is Tteokbokki Eaten Hot or Cold?
It would be best to eat tteokbokki while it is warm and soft. Tteokbokki becomes cold and hard when you put it in the fridge.
Fresh tteokbokki is eaten while it is still warm. To eat frozen tteokbokki, you need to thaw and reheat it before eating.
If you do not know how to store tteokbokki or reheat tteokbokki correctly, you will not be able to enjoy the dish that much. Use some warm water or broth to soften the tteokbokki while reheating them.
Related reading: How to Reheat Edamame?
Can You Eat Tteokbokki Cold?
No, tteokbokki feels quite hard and chewy when it is cold. After placing tteokbokki in the refrigerator, eating them without reheating the dish is impossible. You cannot chew cold tteokbokki since the texture will feel all wrong.
There are some principles to follow when storing the tteokbokki correctly. If you do not know how to store tteokbokki correctly, you will not be able to enjoy the dish that much.
What To Eat With Tteokbokki?
This is probably the most common question about tteokbokki.
Tteokbokki is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of different sides and snacks to create a complete meal.
Scallions are a popular choice, as they add a fresh and crispy texture that complements the chewy rice cakes.
Ramen noodles are another great option, as the broth can be used to dilute the spiciness of the tteokbokki sauce and create a more filling meal.
For those looking for a more unconventional pairing, hot dogs can be sliced and added to the tteokbokki for a fun and playful twist on a classic dish.
Kimbap is another popular Korean snack that pairs well with tteokbokki. The sushi-like rolls can be filled with a variety of different ingredients, such as vegetables or meat. They offer a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the tteokbokki sauce.
Dumplings are another great option, as the steamed or fried dumpling wrappers can be used to soak up the flavorful sauce and add a satisfying crunch to the meal.
For those looking for a vegetarian option, tofu can be added to the tteokbokki for a protein-rich and filling meal.
Fish cakes are another traditional Korean snack that can be enjoyed with tteokbokki. The chewy and slightly sweet cakes can be boiled or pan-fried and added to the dish for a more substantial meal.
For those looking for a more indulgent option, mozzarella cheese can be melted on top of the tteokbokki for a gooey and satisfying treat.
Boiled eggs are another classic side that can be added to tteokbokki for an extra protein boost.
And of course, no Korean meal is complete without a glass of soju, a popular Korean alcoholic drink that pairs well with the spicy and savory flavors of tteokbokki.
Finally, fried chicken is another favorite side dish that goes perfectly with tteokbokki. The crispy and juicy chicken can be used to balance out the heat of the tteokbokki and create a satisfying and filling meal.
Do You Eat Tteokbokki with Rice?
Tteokbokki is a filling and satisfying dish on its own, so it’s not typically served with rice. Rice is not the first thing one would choose to eat with tteokbokki. The dish is made out of rice since it is called Korean rice cake.
However, some people do enjoy pairing it with a small bowl of rice to balance out the spiciness and add some extra texture to the meal.
Whether or not to eat tteokbokki with rice is a matter of personal preference. When I tried tteokbokki, I needed rice to calm down my taste buds.
I suggest trying it on its own first and then experimenting with different accompaniments to see what you like best.
Do You Eat Tteokbokki with Kimchi?
Yes, you can eat tteokbokki with kimchi. Kimchi is a staple side dish in Korean cuisine, and many people enjoy pairing it with tteokbokki.
The sour and spicy flavors of the kimchi complement the heat of the tteokbokki sauce, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
However, just like with rice, whether or not to eat tteokbokki with kimchi is a matter of personal preference.
Some people may find the combination too spicy or overwhelming, while others may love it.
Can You Eat Tteokbokki for Breakfast?
While it’s not traditionally eaten for breakfast, there are no hard and fast rules about when you can enjoy this delicious dish!
In Korean cuisine, tteokbokki is considered a snack or a meal, typically eaten for lunch or dinner. If you’re in the mood for some spicy and savory tteokbokki in the morning, there’s nothing stopping you. However, keep in mind that the dish can be quite filling, so you may want to adjust your portion size accordingly.
I believe that the spicy flavor is too intense for breakfast, but you should listen to your body and eat what feels good to you.
Do You Eat Tteokbokki with Chopsticks?
Yes, tteokbokki is typically eaten with chopsticks in Korean cuisine. The cylindrical rice cakes can be a bit slippery, so chopsticks can be a helpful tool for picking them up and dipping them in the sauce.
If you’re new to using chopsticks, don’t worry! It may take some practice to get the hang of it. Once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy tteokbokki and other Korean dishes with ease.
If you prefer, you can also use a fork to eat tteokbokki, but using chopsticks can enhance the experience and make you feel more connected to the dish and the Korean culture that created it.
Can You Eat Tteokbokki With Braces?
Yes, it is possible to eat tteokbokki with braces, but it may require some extra care and precautions. The chewy texture of the rice cakes can be challenging to chew and may get stuck in your braces.
I remember I had to remind my son repeatedly to take small bites and chew slowly. At some point I realised that I can cut the rice cakes into smaller pieces before eating to make them easier to manage.
While tteokbokki may require a bit of extra effort when eating with braces, it’s still a delicious and enjoyable dish that can be savored with care.
Related reading: How to Reheat a Wrap With Lettuce?
Conclusion
Tteokbokki is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, with rice or without, or paired with kimchi or other sides, there’s no wrong way to eat tteokbokki.
By using chopsticks, you can fully immerse yourself in the Korean culinary experience and savor every bite.
So the next time you find yourself craving something spicy and savory, remember how to eat tteokbokki and give this beloved dish a try.
With its unique flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.
