New Years.00_13_55_04.Still039-2
IMG_2014
New Years.00_13_58_00.Still040

Tteokguk

SOUTH KOREA

Rice Cake Soup

SUBMITTED BY

Florin

Jump to Recipe

Florin sent me her recipe for Tteokguk and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome! 

Tteokguk is a beloved Korean dish traditionally enjoyed during the Lunar New Year (Seollal). This hearty soup features thinly sliced rice cakes, known as tteok, cooked in a savory broth, often enriched with beef or chicken and garnished with various toppings. Tteokguk not only serves as a delicious meal but also holds significant cultural importance, symbolizing the welcoming of a new year and the hope for good fortune and prosperity.

What is Tteokguk?

Tteokguk translates to “rice cake soup” and is made primarily from tteok, which are Korean rice cakes. The rice cakes used in this dish are oval-shaped, representing a wish for prosperity and longevity. The soup is typically made with a clear broth, which is often flavored with meat, garlic, and sesame oil, creating a comforting and flavorful dish that warms the heart and body.

Key Ingredients in Tteokguk

  1. Tteok (Rice Cakes): The star ingredient, these chewy rice cakes are usually made from glutinous rice flour and water, then shaped and steamed.
  2. Broth: A flavorful broth is essential for tteokguk. Beef broth is traditional, but chicken or vegetable broth can also be used.
  3. Meat: Thinly sliced beef or chicken is often added for protein and flavor. Some variations use dried anchovies for a different taste.
  4. Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics add depth and warmth to the broth.
  5. Eggs: Beaten eggs are commonly used as a garnish, adding a rich texture and color.
  6. Green Onions: Chopped green onions are sprinkled on top for freshness and color.

Preparation Method for Tteokguk

Making tteokguk is a straightforward process that can be broken down into several steps:

  1. Prepare the Broth: Begin by simmering beef (or chicken) in water to create a rich broth. Add garlic and ginger for flavor, cooking until the meat is tender.
  2. Soak the Tteok: If using dried rice cakes, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to soften them.
  3. Cook the Tteok: Once the broth is ready, add the soaked rice cakes to the pot. Cook until they are tender and chewy.
  4. Add the Meat: If using thinly sliced meat, add it to the soup to cook through.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Beat the eggs and drizzle them into the soup, allowing them to cook slightly. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame oil.

Nutritional Benefits of Tteokguk

Tteokguk is not only delicious but also nutritious. The rice cakes provide carbohydrates, while the broth and meat offer protein and essential vitamins. The dish is also gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. The combination of ingredients creates a balanced meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year, although it holds special significance during Seollal.

Cultural Significance

In Korea, tteokguk is more than just a meal; it symbolizes the celebration of a new year and the wishes for good luck, health, and longevity. Traditionally, consuming tteokguk on New Year’s Day is believed to add a year to one’s age, reinforcing the cultural belief that food can influence fortune and health. Families often gather to prepare and enjoy tteokguk together, fostering a sense of community and tradition.

Variations of Tteokguk

While the classic recipe is cherished, there are several variations to explore:

  • Vegetarian Tteokguk: Use vegetable broth and omit meat, adding more vegetables like mushrooms and spinach for flavor.
  • Seafood Tteokguk: Incorporate seafood such as shrimp or fish for a different taste.
  • Spicy Version: Add gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) for a spicy kick, catering to those who enjoy heat.

Tteokguk is a comforting and flavorful dish that embodies the spirit of Korean cuisine and culture. Its combination of chewy rice cakes, savory broth, and nourishing ingredients makes it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether celebrating the Lunar New Year or simply enjoying a warm bowl on a chilly day, tteokguk is sure to delight and nourish the soul, making it a timeless favorite in Korean households.

Tteokguk

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 handful dried anchovies
  • 1 handful dried kelp
  • 1 clove diced garlic
  • 1 tsp tuna extract or fish sauce
  • 150 g sliced rice cakes
  • 1 green onion sliced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Add 600mL cold water to a small pot with a handful of dried anchovies and dried kelp. Boil for 10 minutes, then remove the anchovies and kelp.
  • Add rice cakes to the broth and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add diced garlic, sliced green onion, and tuna extract (or fish sauce). Cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Add a raw egg, let it cook about halfway through without touching it. Then stir to break it up and cook fully.
  • Add sesame oil and remove from heat.
  • Sprinkle sesame seeds on top to serve!
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Region: Asia

Watch the Video

SHARE THE LOVE

You May Also Like

About Beryl

I have been in the film and media industry for the past 12 years and have worked for companies including Great Big Story, ABC, CNN, Martha Stewart, News Corporation, Harper Collins and Fast Company.

About Beryl

I have been in the film and media industry for the past 12 years and have worked for companies including Great Big Story, ABC, CNN, Martha Stewart, News Corporation, Harper Collins and Fast Company.

Get Social

Youtube Instagram Facebook