Andy Montoya
Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean dish of chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy broth. The word tteokbokki translates to stir-fried rice cake. The dish is often served as a spicy street food, but there are many variations, including non-spicy versions. One popular variation is cheese tteokbokki, which combines rice cakes with a cheese sauce. This dish can be made in a variety of ways, including on the stovetop or in the oven, and with different types of cheese and rice cakes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Heavy cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, Korean red chilli flakes, rice cakes, chicken broth, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, gochugaru, sesame oil, scallions, sesame seeds, eggs, fish cakes, sausages, seafood |
| Rice cake preparation | Rinse with cool water, soak in warm water for 20-30 minutes or until softened |
| Cooking method | Stovetop |
| Cooking time | 15 minutes |
| Add-ins | Fish cakes, boiled eggs, sausages, seafood |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right rice cakes
When making instant cheese bokki, choosing the right rice cakes is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavour. Here are some tips to help you select the best rice cakes for your dish:
Freshness
Start by checking the freshness of the rice cakes. Fresh rice cakes are the best option as they have a chewy texture and retain their shape better. If you cannot find fresh rice cakes, opt for refrigerated ones as the second-best choice. Frozen rice cakes tend to crack and have a compromised texture, so they should be your last option. If you do use frozen rice cakes, remember to thaw them and soak them in warm water for 20-30 minutes before cooking to soften them adequately.
Shape and Size
The shape and size of the rice cakes can also impact your dish. Cylinder-shaped or tubular rice cakes are commonly used for cheese bokki. The thin and short type of rice cake is recommended as it absorbs flavours more quickly. However, you can also use thicker rice cakes, but they will need to be cut into shorter lengths to ensure even cooking.
Texture
The texture of the rice cakes is a crucial factor in the overall dining experience. Rice cakes should be chewy, soft, and gooey. The thin rice cakes provide a faster cooking time and a more satisfying bite. If you prefer a heartier texture, opt for the thicker rice cakes, but remember to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Source
Where you source your rice cakes can also make a difference. It is best to purchase rice cakes from a local Asian market or a Korean grocery store, as they will have a better selection of fresh and refrigerated options. These stores will also offer a variety of sizes and shapes, allowing you to choose the rice cakes that best suit your preferences and cooking needs.
By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious instant cheese bokki with the perfect rice cakes as the foundation.
Easy Breakfast Croissant: Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Delight
You may want to see also
Preparing the cheese sauce
To prepare the cheese sauce, start by heating heavy cream in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the cream starts to simmer, add the cheeses, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from burning, until it forms a smooth and thick sauce.
For the cheese, a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella works well, creating a super creamy and smooth sauce with plenty of cheese pull potential. It is recommended to avoid pre-shredded bagged cheese, as the fillers or stabilizers in this type of cheese can result in a gritty texture. Instead, opt for blocks of cheese from brands like Tillamook, Cabot, or Kerrygold.
If you don't have rice cakes and want to make a simple mac and cheese, you can add elbow noodles at this point and enjoy a delicious cheesy dish. However, the addition of rice cakes takes this dish to the next level, creating a unique textural experience.
Once the cheese sauce is ready, add the rice cakes and stir until they are evenly coated. For a more indulgent experience, tubular rice cakes are preferred over sliced ones due to their chewy texture. If using frozen rice cakes, it is important to thaw them and soak them in cold water to soften them before adding them to the sauce.
Crispy Halloumi Cheese Fries: The Ultimate Recipe
You may want to see also
Combining rice cakes and sauce
For a cheese sauce, heat heavy cream in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once simmering, add grated cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent the cheese from burning. Common cheese options include sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and smoked gouda. You can also add Korean red chili flakes for a spicier dish. After cooking the rice cakes in your chosen sauce, serve warm.
The Perfect Cheese Souffle: Frozen to Fabulous
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![[OTTOGI] Cheese Ramen, KOREAN STYLE INSTANT NOODLE, Rich flavor with savory cheese (111g) - 8 Pack](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91XIzI1f2fL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
$26.95
$14.53
Adding extra ingredients
Instant cheese bokki is a tasty Korean dish that can be easily customised with extra ingredients. The base of the dish typically consists of rice cakes, cheese, and a spicy gochujang sauce.
Fish Cake
Fish cake is a popular addition to cheese bokki. You can use eomuk, which is a type of Korean fish cake, or you can cut fish cake sheets into triangles. The fish cake adds a savoury element to the dish and complements the other ingredients well.
Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs can be a great source of protein and add a creamy texture to the dish. Simply add them to the sauce before serving.
Seafood
If you enjoy seafood, you can add items such as shrimp, squid, or fish to your cheese bokki. This can enhance the flavour and provide a more substantial meal.
Meat
Meat is also an option for adding extra flavour and protein to your cheese bokki. Sausages are a common choice, but you could also try adding sliced beef or pork.
Vegetables
To increase the nutritional value of your cheese bokki, consider adding vegetables such as cabbage, onions, or green onions. These can provide a nice contrast in texture and colour to the dish.
Spices and Seasonings
If you want to enhance the flavour of your cheese bokki, you can experiment with different spices and seasonings. Korean red chilli flakes, black pepper, and sesame seeds are all popular choices that can add a kick to your dish.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find your favourite variation of instant cheese bokki!
Delicious Macaroni Cheese with Heinz: Easy Steps to Follow
You may want to see also
Serving and storing
Instant cheese bokki should be served hot, with the cheese still melted. It can be served as a main meal or a side dish. It is best to eat it all at once, straight after cooking, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated.
To store leftover cheese bokki, allow it to cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for a few days. To reheat, place the desired amount in a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little water to loosen the sauce as it can thicken upon cooling and reheating.
If you are using a ready-made instant cheese bokki pack, follow the instructions on the pack for cooking and serving. Typically, you will need to pour boiling water up to the indicated cooking line and then, after cooking, add the powder soup base and mix well before eating.
When making cheese bokki from scratch, it is important to use good-quality cheese to achieve the best flavour and texture. Block cheese is preferable to pre-shredded cheese, which can result in a gritty texture. Look for block cheeses such as Tillamook, Cabot, or Kerrygold. For a smoky flavour, you could try adding smoked gouda.
The type of rice cake you use will also affect the texture and flavour of your dish. Long, cylindrical rice cakes are traditional, and you can find these in different sizes in Korean grocery stores. Thick rice cakes are usually cut into thin slices, while the thin and short type is used whole in cheese bokki. If using frozen rice cakes, it is important to thaw and soften them before cooking. This can be done by submerging them in warm water for 20–30 minutes, or until they soften. Fresh rice cakes can be used straight away.
The Perfect Halloumi Cheese Sticks: A Tasty, Crispy Treat
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You will need instant tteokbokki, heavy cream, cheese, salt, black pepper, and Korean red chili flakes.
You can use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, or mozzarella on its own. It's best to avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it can make the sauce gritty.
You can use fresh, refrigerated, or frozen rice cakes. If using frozen, submerge them in warm water for 20-30 minutes or until they soften. If using fresh rice cakes, skip this step.
Pour boiling water up to the indicated cooking line. After 4 minutes, peel off the "Easy-Kok" sticker to drain the water. Add the powder soup base and mix well before eating.
![[Dongwon] Authentic Korean Rice Cake Topokki with Creamy Cheese Flavor | Popular Korean Street Food | Easy to Prepare | Delicious and Chewy Snack for Cheese Lovers (1 Bowl)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mCPZ9wn-L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
