Soups

Spicy Tteokguk with Crispy Seaweed

By
Spicy Tteokguk with Crispy Seaweed
Hearty bowl of Spicy Tteokguk served with crispy seaweed and a side of kimchi.

Experience the vibrant flavors of Korea in your own kitchen with this Spicy Tteokguk recipe. Traditionally enjoyed during Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year), Tteokguk is a savory and slightly spicy rice cake soup that symbolizes starting anew. This version adds a delightful twist with crispy seaweed, bringing an extra layer of texture and umami to the dish.

“Tteokguk: A bowl full of hope and tradition, seasoned with the spice of life.”

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Korean rice cakes (tteok), sliced into rounds
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 sheets of nori seaweed
Garnish
  • Thinly sliced green onions
  • Sliced radishes or cucumber for freshness
  • Additional gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) for heat

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot, bring the stock to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, simmering until they become soft and fragrant.

  2. Season the Soup: Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper into the broth. Adjust seasoning according to taste, ensuring it has a good balance of spicy and savory notes.

  3. Cook Rice Cakes: Add the sliced rice cakes to the pot, cooking until they are soft and have absorbed some of the soup’s flavors (about 10 minutes).

  4. Prepare Egg Dumplings: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle it into the boiling soup in a thin stream, creating delicate strands that resemble dumplings.

  5. Add Seaweed: Tear nori sheets into smaller pieces and gently place them on top of the hot soup to make them crispy.

  6. Serve Hot: Ladle the spicy tteokguk into bowls and garnish with green onions, radishes or cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of gochugaru for an extra kick.

This Spicy Tteokguk is more than just a comforting bowl of soup—it’s a celebration of tradition and flavor. Perfect for New Year celebrations or as a cozy meal any day of the year, it brings warmth to both body and soul. Enjoy this dish with friends and family, and make new memories over shared bowls of tteokguk. Whether enjoyed in the bustling streets of Seoul or at your dining table, let this soup be your gateway to Korean culinary delights!

Related posts