The Ultimate Non-Spicy Korean Comfort Food
When you think of Korean Tteokbokki, a bright red, fiery, and spicy dish probably comes to mind. But what if you have a low tolerance for spice, or you're looking for a kid-friendly snack? Enter Soy Sauce Tteokbokki (Ganjang Tteokbokki) with Sausages!
This dish takes inspiration from the traditional Royal Court Tteokbokki but modernizes it with the addition of plump, juicy sausages and a deeply satisfying "Dan-jjan" (a popular Korean term meaning sweet and salty) flavor profile. By using Tteokguk tteok (thinly sliced oval rice cakes usually meant for rice cake soup) instead of the thick cylindrical ones, the cooking time is drastically reduced, and the sweet soy glaze coats every single piece perfectly.
Whether you need a quick after-school snack for the kids or a savory dish to pair with a cold beer on a Friday night, this 10-minute recipe will never disappoint.
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🛒 Ingredients You Need (Serves 2)
Main Ingredients
- Tteokguk Tteok (Sliced Rice Cakes): 250g (You can use regular Tteokbokki tteok, but the sliced version absorbs the sauce much faster.)
- Plump Sausages: 5 large ones (Or about 10 small Vienna sausages. The smoky flavor of the sausage elevates the dish!)
- Onion: 1/4 of a medium onion
- Green Onion (Scallion): 1/4 stalk
- Cooking Oil: 1 tablespoon
Sweet & Savory Soy Glaze
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine): 2 tablespoons (Helps remove any meat odors and adds depth.)
- Minced Garlic: 0.5 tablespoon
- Oligosaccharide or Corn Syrup: 2 tablespoons (Gives the dish a beautiful glossy finish. Honey works too!)
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Water: 2/3 cup
- Black Pepper: A pinch (Optional, adjust to taste)
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👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by rinsing the sliced rice cakes (Tteokguk tteok) under cold running water. Drain them well. Pro Tip: If your rice cakes have been sitting in the fridge or freezer and are hard, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. This prevents them from cracking and ensures a perfectly chewy texture.
Next, slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces (about 3-4 pieces per large sausage). Alternatively, you can leave them whole but score them diagonally so the sauce can seep inside. Thinly slice the onion, and chop the green onion into small rings.
Step 2: Mix the Golden Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, minced garlic, oligosaccharide, sesame oil, and water. Stir vigorously until the syrup is fully dissolved into the liquid. This sauce is the heart of the dish, balancing the rich umami of the soy sauce with a pleasant sweetness and the nutty aroma of sesame oil.
Step 3: Stir-fry the Base
Place a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a splash of cooking oil. Toss in the prepared rice cakes, sausages, onions, and green onions all at once. Stir-fry the mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because the green onions release aromatic oils, and the sausages develop a slight sear, enhancing the overall savory flavor of the dish.
Step 4: Simmer in the Sauce
Once the onions become slightly translucent and the sausages open up at the scored marks, pour the prepared soy sauce mixture directly into the pan. Increase the heat slightly to bring the liquid to a rapid boil.
Step 5: Reduce and Glaze
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer the mixture, stirring gently and continuously with a spatula to prevent the rice cakes from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Because the sliced rice cakes are thin, they will cook very quickly. Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens and reduces, coating the rice cakes and sausages in a shiny, savory glaze. Turn off the heat while there is still a little bit of thick sauce left. Finish with a dash of black pepper if desired.
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💡 Tips for the Best Experience
- Make it Spicy for Adults: If you want the savory soy flavor but crave a kick of heat, add a chopped jalapeño, Korean Cheongyang pepper, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (peperoncino) during the simmering stage.
- Add Extra Toppings: Just like regular Tteokbokki, this dish is highly customizable. Feel free to add fish cakes (Eomuk), quail eggs, or even pre-soaked glass noodles. If adding noodles, be sure to add an extra splash of water and a dash more soy sauce.
- Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. It adds a nutty crunch and makes the dish look like it came straight out of a Korean restaurant!
Enjoy this sweet, savory, and chewy delight that comes together in just a few minutes. It's guaranteed to become a regular item in your home cooking rotation!