St. Louis Style Spicy Rice Cakes

Ingredients

In this St. Louis adaptation, we incorporate local flavors and ingredients to give the dish a unique twist. The traditional Korean gochujang sauce is replaced with a tangy tomato-based sauce, which adds a hint of sweetness. Additionally, we use smoky paprika to enhance the flavor profile and give it a St. Louis touch. We alse have the original recipe for Tteokbokki, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) rice cakes 500g (1.1 lb) rice cakes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon smoky paprika 1 teaspoon smoky paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups (470ml) chicken or vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 10g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the rice cakes in cold water for 30 minutes to soften them.
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the tomato paste, honey, smoky paprika, and chili flakes, and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. 5.
   Drain the rice cakes and add them to the pan, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
6. 6.
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
7. 7.
   Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice cakes are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
8. 8.
   Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice cakes — Soaking the rice cakes in cold water helps to soften them and ensures they cook evenly.

Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice preference.
• For a smokier flavor, you can add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
• Serve the St. Louis Style Spicy Rice Cakes as a main dish or as a delicious appetizer for a St. Louis-themed gathering.

Serving advice

Serve the St. Louis Style Spicy Rice Cakes hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the spiciness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the rice cakes in a shallow bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated with the vibrant red sauce. Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for an appealing garnish.