Recipe

Traditional Tteokguk Recipe

Hearty Rice Cake Soup: A Korean Delight

4.7 out of 5

Tteokguk is a traditional Korean dish that holds a special place in Korean cuisine. This comforting soup is made with chewy rice cakes and a flavorful broth, often enjoyed during the Lunar New Year festivities.

Soup› Tteokguk

Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Korean cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

20 minutes

Total time

40 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low-fat, Low-calorie

Allergens

Soy, Sesame

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, High-protein

Ingredients

500g (1.1 lb) beef brisket, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef brisket, thinly sliced
10 cups (2.4 liters) beef or anchovy stock 10 cups (2.4 liters) beef or anchovy stock
500g (1.1 lb) tteok (rice cakes) 500g (1.1 lb) tteok (rice cakes)
4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 green onions, thinly sliced 4 green onions, thinly sliced
4 eggs 4 eggs
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
Protein: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 2g

Preparation

1.
In a large pot, bring the beef or anchovy stock to a boil.
2.
Add the sliced beef, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until the beef is cooked through.
3.
Add the rice cakes to the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes until they become soft and chewy.
4.
In a separate pan, fry the eggs sunny-side up or to your desired doneness.
5.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and a fried egg on top of each serving.
7.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Rice cakes — If using dried rice cakes, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to soften them.

Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, you can add a small piece of dried kelp to the broth while simmering.
Customize your tteokguk by adding additional toppings such as shredded seaweed, kimchi, or sliced mushrooms.
If you prefer a spicier version, drizzle some gochujang (Korean chili paste) over the soup before serving.

Serving advice

Tteokguk is traditionally served as a main dish during the Lunar New Year celebrations. It can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by side dishes and steamed rice.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the sliced beef, green onions, and fried egg on top of the soup in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Sprinkle some sesame seeds for an added touch.