10 Super Interesting Facts About Tteokbokki

interesting facts about Tteokbokki

• Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food made from small-sized rice cakes called tteokmyeon or tteokbokki-tteok. Tteokbokki is a delicious snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
• Tteokbokki can be seasoned with either spicy gochujang (chili paste) or non-spicy ganjang (soy sauce)-based sauce. Tteokbokki has different flavors to suit different preferences and occasions.
• The first record of tteokbokki appears in a 19th-century cookbook, where it was listed as a royal court dish made with white rice cakes, sirloin, sesame oil, soy sauce, and other ingredients. Tteokbokki has a long history and was once a delicacy for the nobles.
• The spicy version of tteokbokki with gochujang sauce was invented by Ma Bok-Lim, who accidentally dropped rice cakes into jajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles) and found that it tasted good . Tteokbokki was born out of a serendipitous mistake and became a popular dish among the masses.
• Tteokbokki is commonly paired with eomuk (fish cakes), boiled eggs, and scallions, but there are many variations that include ingredients such as ramen noodles, cheese, curry, seafood, galbi (short ribs), and more. Tteokbokki is a versatile dish that can be customized with various toppings and sauces.
• Tteokbokki can be purchased and eaten at bunsikjip (snack bars) or pojangmacha (street stalls), where it is often served in a paper cup with a wooden skewer. Tteokbokki is a convenient and affordable street food that can be enjoyed on the go.
• There are also dedicated restaurants for tteokbokki, where it is referred to as jeukseok tteokbokki (impromptu tteokbokki), which is cooked in a large pan with broth and other ingredients at the table. Tteokbokki can also be a hearty and satisfying meal that can be shared with friends and family.
• Tteokbokki is known for its soft, chewy, and sticky texture, which comes from the rice cakes made of glutinous rice flour. Tteokbokki has a unique mouthfeel that makes it addictive and fun to eat.
• Tteokbokki is also a symbol of Korean culture and identity, as it reflects the history, taste, and creativity of the Korean people. Tteokbokki is more than just a food; it is a representation of Korea’s spirit and pride.
• Tteokbokki is also easy to make at home, as the rice cakes can be purchased in pre-packaged, semi-dehydrated form or made from scratch with rice flour. Tteokbokki is a simple and quick dish that anyone can cook and enjoy.