Sweet & Spicy Tteok Kkochi — Korean Rice Cake Skewers

Korean street food has a way of capturing your heart, and Tteok Kkochi — sweet and spicy Korean rice cake skewers — is no exception. This snack combines chewy rice cakes with a perfectly balanced sauce that’s sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. It’s ideal as a fun appetizer, party treat, or even a cozy homemade snack.

Why You’ll Love Sweet & Spicy Tteok Kkochi

Tteok Kkochi delivers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. The outside of the rice cakes becomes lightly crisp when pan-grilled, while the inside remains soft and chewy. The sauce is sweet from honey, tangy from ketchup, and has a gentle kick from gochujang. It’s a snack that’s fun to eat, visually appealing, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Ingredients for Sweet & Spicy Tteok Kkochi

Rice Cakes and Skewers

• 32 pieces Korean rice cakes (garaetteok)
• Skewers
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Crushed nuts or sesame seeds for garnish

Sweet & Spicy Sauce

• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Optional Kid-Friendly Sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Ingredient Notes

• Gochujang: Adjust based on spice preference; use a milder chili paste for children.
• Honey: Can be substituted with maple syrup or sugar.
• Nuts: Replace with sesame seeds if allergies are a concern.
• Rice cakes: Fresh rice cakes work best; if frozen, soak in warm water until soft.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Rice Cakes

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Blanch the rice cakes for 1-2 minutes until slightly soft.
3. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2 – Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine gochujang, ketchup, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
2. Mix until smooth.
3. Heat briefly in a small pan over low heat to dissolve sugar and enhance flavor.

Step 3 – Skewer the Rice Cakes

1. Thread 4-5 rice cakes onto each skewer.
2. Ensure they fit comfortably in your pan for grilling.

Step 4 – Grill the Skewers

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Place skewers in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden and crisp.

Step 5 – Brush with Sauce and Serve

1. Brush the sweet and spicy sauce generously over each skewer.
2. Garnish with crushed nuts or sesame seeds.
3. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use fresh rice cakes for optimal chewiness.
• Preheat the pan before adding skewers to prevent sticking.
• Brush sauce multiple times during grilling for a caramelized coating.
• Adjust spice levels gradually; gochujang can be potent.
• Serve skewers immediately; rice cakes harden if left to cool.

Flavor Variations

1. Cheese Tteok Kkochi: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over skewers before serving.
2. Garlic Butter Tteok Kkochi: Mix minced garlic and butter into the sauce for a richer flavor.
3. Vegetable Tteok Kkochi: Add small bell pepper or zucchini pieces on skewers for added crunch.
4. Soy-Free Option: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
5. Maple Glaze: Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as an appetizer at parties with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
• Pair with cold beverages like soda or iced tea.
• Enjoy alongside other Korean snacks like kimbap or fried mandu.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat.
• Freezer: Not recommended; rice cakes lose their chewy texture after freezing.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbs	28 g
Fat	4 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	220 mg

FAQ About Sweet & Spicy Tteok Kkochi

What are Tteok Kkochi?

Tteok Kkochi are Korean street-food skewers made with chewy rice cakes. They are typically pan-grilled and coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, offering a unique texture and flavor.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, reduce the gochujang or substitute it with a mild chili paste. The sauce will remain sweet and flavorful without overwhelming heat.

Can I use frozen rice cakes?

Yes, soak frozen rice cakes in warm water until softened before skewering. Fresh rice cakes are preferred for the best chewy texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that your gochujang does not contain wheat. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to restore chewiness.

Final Thoughts

Sweet and Spicy Tteok Kkochi brings the vibrant flavors of Korean street food into your kitchen. With chewy rice cakes, a luscious sauce, and simple ingredients, it’s a snack that’s both fun and delicious. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying as a treat on your own, these skewers are sure to become a favorite.