Dukbokki Korean Spicy Rice Cakes
We live in a small town, just outside of Madison, Wisconsin. The population here is a little over 12,000 people and unfortunately, there’s not a whole lot of diversity where we live. Especially at my daughter’s elementary school. . . a vast difference from where we lived in Washington, where there was a good mix of Indian American, Chinese, African American and Caucasian.
After an event that happened last summer, I took it upon myself to email the principal, set up a meeting with my daughter’s school guidance counselor (who is in charge of everything diversity related. . sexual orientation, different ethnicities, different backgrounds etc. and who does a great job in teaching the kids as much as she can about respect and celebrating differences.) I wanted to find out more about the student body and what they were learning as far as different countries and cultures.
So, long story short. I am going to be giving two presentations on Korean Culture to the entire second grade. There are about 125 students so we’re splitting them up by classes. OK, second graders. . so I have to not only make this interesting and fun but also memorable. Because the last thing I want is for them to sit through 30 minutes of me talking and showing slides and them not remember a thing.
My sister thinks I should end the talk by teaching the kids the Gangnam Style dance by PSY, a Korean pop star and singer, who was huge 2 years ago.
Um, yeah. . what do you guys think?
I’ll keep you guys posted. My talk is happening on March 18. (Update: the presentation went so well!!! The kids were so interested in learning about a different country and culture!)
The first question Phoebe, my daughter, asked me was. . “Mom, do you know what you’re going to say about Korean culture?” I have a rough outline and we’ll see how it goes. . one thing I know. . I’m going to plan and prep the best freaking presentation ever. Or so I hope.
If there’s one thing I hope to instill in my children is their pride in being Korean. This is obviously something I want them to appreciate and celebrate. They are still young so, for now, we do what we can (I just signed them up for a Korean culture camp this summer) and talk to them and cook and expose them to lots of Korean food like dukbokki Korean spicy rice cakes.
It’s still freaking cold here so I’m turning to one of my favorite Korean food comfort food dishes… dukbokki Korean spicy rice cakes. I’ve made dukbokki before, here on the blog, but this version (meatless) is my go-to. . it all starts with the rice cakes. Be sure to pick up the cylinder shaped rice cakes for traditional dukbokki.
What makes this dukbokki epic for me are all the veggies, the rice cakes, the heat and. . the fried ramen noodles!!
I mean. . come on. This is comfort food.
If you’ve had dukbokki Korean spicy rice cakes before, you will love this. If you’ve never tasted dukbokki before and can handle some heat, try this. It’s life changing, yo.
And if you’ve stuck with me this past week of celebrating Asian foods here on the blog, thank you!!!
Dukbokki: Korean Spicy Rice Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 package tube shaped Korean Rice cakes
- Water enough to soak and cover the rice cakes
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 to 3 large carrots peeled and chopped
- 1 large zucchini unpeeled and chopped, optional
- 1 large red bell pepper sliced into thin pieces lengthwise
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 4 to 5 cups of water + more if needed
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/3 cup gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) depends on your desired level of heat
- 8 oz. mushrooms any kind, sliced
- 1 to 2 cups Korean fish cake cut into triangles (optional)
- 2 packages ramen noodles discard the powder packets, you will only use the noodles
- 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch if needed to thicken the sauce; optional
- 4 to 5 stalks of green onions cut into ½ to 1 inch pieces + more for garnish
- sesame seeds for garnish for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the rice cakes in a large bowl of cold water. Use enough water to cover them. Soak for at least 30 minutes to one hour if possible. One hour is best. You are doing this to help the rice cake soften up. (Even if you buy fresh rice cake, my mom says to soak them for a while so they don’t stick together when you cook them. If soaking overnight, use cold water and place in the fridge).
- Using a large wok or saucepan, heat the sesame oil over medium high heat. Add the carrots, zucchini and red bell peppers and saute for just a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper and cook for another minute or so. Add the water, brown sugar, gochujang and rice cakes. You want enough water to barely cover all of the rice cakes. Bring to a boil and then reduce to low and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. (Check your rice cakes after 10 minutes. If they are tender, go ahead and add the ramen noodles. You don't want to overcook the rice cakes.) During the last 5 minutes, add in the mushrooms, fish cake (if using), and ramen noodles.
- At this point, if you want to or need to add in cornstarch, remove a few tablespoons of liquid directly from your wok and into a small bowl. Mix with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until completely dissolved and then pour into the wok. Mix and allow to thicken a bit. You may not need the cornstarch to thicken so you can definitely skip this if desired. Add in the green onions and cook for another 2 minutes or so. Taste your sauce! Add more sugar and/or gochujang if needed.
- To serve: garnish with more green onions, sprinkle sesame seeds and serve immediately. Enjoy!
I just want to dive into this and gobble it all up! Oh my. Looks absolutely delicious! Also I think a PSY dance class would be perfect! Your daughter is very lucky to have such an involved mom 🙂 I would’ve loved to start my Korean food obsession as early as 2nd grade.
PS – How long would you recommend keeping gochujang in the fridge? I have a pretty big container in there and not sure if I can still use it. I wanna go home and make this! 🙂
Hi Melissa, thank you so much! Gochujang can last pretty long as long as it’s sealed, closed and stored properly. And this goes without saying, but every time you scoop some out, use a clean spoon and immediately put it back in the fridge. That said, check the expiration date and if you’re ok, it can last in the fridge for up to a year! If you don’t cook Korean food often, you can store it in the freezer. Hope this helps and hope you try the recipe! Have a great day!
Oolala this makes me happy 🙂 Yay! Thank you!
Of course!!
Okay, my dear…I love this story. Thanks for sharing with such sincerity what it means to be a mom. There is no greater gift. Your daughter and her class are in for a real treat! And you know you have my vote for the dance! Believe me – the kids will love it! And about this dish – oh my! Comfort food all the way!
Thank you, Annie! if the kids know the song, it would be kinda fun and cool .. but if not, I could just be the weird mom dancing to some crazy Korean song. 😛 we’ll see how it goes. .
I’m pretty sure this post almost brought tears to my eyes. I think it is absolutely incredible that you are giving talks about Korean culture. There is so much that the current generation needs to know about diversity. You seriously go girl. I wish I lived 1000 miles closer so I could come see it! BTW, love this recipe! Pinning!
Awh, thank you so much Justine! you are the sweetest!
Oh Alice, this is why you rock and are seriously such an amazing mom. I love that you are giving TWO presentations to talk about Korean culture. I am so sad about the event that sparked up the reason for these presentations and it brought tears to my eyes knowing that your daughter came home in tears 🙁 You are going to do an amazing job!!
I love dukbokki but have never made it at home. Yours looks absolutely perfect and so comforting! I love all those veggies, the fish cakes and ramen noodles! Sounds amazing!!
Thank you so much, Kelly!! yeah that day sucked. . but no looking back and just focusing ahead .. in addition to this, I try everyday to build my daughter’s confidence. . she’s my very sweet/shy one. it was my idea to do the presentation twice so the group could be smaller. . so hopefully I made the right decision! 😛
My husband and I love Korean food, but we only know of one restaurant (30 minute drive) that has the real-deal so yes, I’ve certainly stuck around for your week long celebration! Anyway, I’m sure your daughter is so proud! That’s awesome that you’re headed to the school for a presentation. And I love Dukbokki but have never attempted it at home. Maybe I should change that! Pinning now 🙂
Thanks so much, Andrea! I hope you try it! It’s really very easy to make at home!!! 🙂
Hello Alice! Ah, one of my favorites, Dukbokki, and my eldest daughters too, love your presentation! One of the events I helped to coordinate through a Korean culture group when my daughter’s were in grade school was a Changgu drum program. The kids in the school went wild- they loved it- so much color and rhythm. OK, saying this makes nothing easier for you, although, I’m very confident you will do a very wonderful job whatever you choose to share on Korean culture, and am looking forward to reading what you decided, and how it went! Best of Luck and a Big Hug to you!
Thank you so much, Peggy!!! I wish you could be here with me! 😛 I wish I could have cool props and drums . the most I will have are Korean dresses which I am borrowing from my sister. . stay tuned!! and fingers crossed that it goes well with the kids! 🙂
That is so cool that you are raising your kids to be proud of their culture, and giving a presentation to so many kids, wow! Oh, and don’t worry about too much Asian food. I’ve been loving it!
Thank you, Tori!!! I love Asian food so it’s been fun but I was wondering if readers were like what’s going on. . 😛 thank you for saying that!! It means a lot to me! 🙂
Fried ramen! So many veggies?! This meal was made for me. On your first note: I also live in a 98.9% white neighborhood. I am the only Indian American girl in my grade. The lack of diversity has always been a strange subject for me, because my peers’ ignorance (not their fault!) can be upsetting. My mother used to come into my elementary school classes every year at Diwali (festival of lights) and give talks on Indian culture, and I can say that it was much appreciated. Some of my friends’ knowledge about Indian culture is very limited, but everyone who was in my third grade class knows at least SOMETHING. Connecting to Indian food (and for me, dance) was always so important to me. Fair warning: I definitely tried to reject my heritage a little in middle school (what with weird pubescent needs to fit in entirely), but I totally passed that phase (and all my other Indian American friends did, too) and came out beyond proud of my background. 🙂
Awh, thank you Medha for this comment! Your mother rocks! I did the same thing when I was younger. . at school, my school was 98% white but I had friends of other ethnicities (a few) and lots of Korean friends outside of school. . I was embarrassed a little when I was a kid of my culture. . kids can be mean and it’s hard when you’re young and I don’t want my kids to go through that!!
Alice, I just booked my ticket to Wisconsin so I can partner with you doing gangnam style dance 🙂 You’re awesome, Alice and such an inspiration. I’ve been craving dukbokki for quite sometime. And yes, we added ramen too (big thanks to K-drama) and thanks to you for sharing this. Can’t wait to enjoy dukbokki during this cold weather. Stay warm!
Awh, thanks Linda!! I am so not an awesome mother. . I have my moments, believe me. . 🙂 but yeah just trying to educate a little . . while the kids are still young, accepting and more innocent and sweet. . 🙂 I remember kids being so mean as we got older!
Yay!! for introducing some diversity lectures in your daughter’s school! We need more parents like you! Can you bring some sample Korean sweets or food? I am sure that is complicated with allergies etc in schools these days but I think it will be a cool way for them to remember the lesson.
hey Z! yup, great idea!! yeah if I bring in anything, it would have to be nut-free and probably purchased from the Korean market (not homemade).
That’s so great that you’re going to give a talk about Korean culture! The Gangnam Style dance would be a hoot, wouldn’t it? haha This dish looks so flavorful and comforting, and I’d love a huge bowl! 🙂
Thanks so much Marcie!! yeah, I’m on the fence about it. . if the kids know the song, it would be kinda fun and cool .. but if not, I could just be the weird mom dancing to some crazy Korean song. 😛
I have never had dukbokki but this looks amazing! Pinned!
Thank you, Mariah!
I’m so glad you’re going to do something fun with the kids at school to help teach them about Korean culture. I live in a small town too where there are very few Asians, so my kids went through similar experiences. I used to go in the classroom during Chinese New Year to talk about traditions, etc. and try to explain that every culture has their celebrations and foods, and that America is a wonderful melting pot of all different people. I know you’ll do great! As for this recipe – I can’t wait to try it. I’ve been wanting to make Korean rice cakes, although the ones I have are the sliced ones, not the round ones.
Thanks so much Jeanette!! My daughter’s school counselor did something for Chinese New Year. . I love her heart! You can use the sliced ones too!!
I LOVE all the elements of this soup!! You never know what you’re going to get in each bite! 😀
Thank you!!
I thiknk you should do Gangnam Style, and I DEMAND that you post full-length video if you do! That would be the best! I think it is awesome you’re doing this for her school–the more we’re all exposed to different cultures, the better off we are as a society, I think.
Also, it’s not even cold here but you have me craving a big bowl of this soup like whoa!
Ummm…yeah, don’t do the Gangnam Style dance. Whatever you do, don’t do that! It’s too bad you can’t take in some of these Dukbokki. They look like the ultimate comfort food! If I were in your shoes, I’d probably do a presentation on what Korean kids their age like. Try to draw some parallels and show that they are similar, ya know? I miss being in the classroom…good luck, and let us know how it goes!
David, I LOVE this idea!!! thank you!!!
That’s great that you will be giving a talk at your daughter’s school! I loved learning about different cultures when I was younger! This dish looks fantastic, Alice! I love how you turned this into the perfect comfort food meal. I could just dive right into this!
This looks so good! I have been wanting to try dukbokki for a while now! It looks like it’s time for another trip down to Korea Town!
I think that is awesome, and so important.
I have never tried Korean food, but this is making me think I really need to, and soon!
Your week of Asian food has been awesome! This bowl of soup looks amazing.
Good for you to get involved in your children’s school. I also think it’s so important for my children to have a connection to their cultural heritage. I’m a former second grade teacher, and honestly, it’s the perfect age to give a presentation to. They’re generally very enthusiastic, and they are old enough to stay focused. Thirty minutes can be a long time, so I’d recommend having them move around and do something hands on – a craft or something food related. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
My husband loves ddukbokki! Absolutely loves it. And I think it’s a wonderful thing you are doing re: presentation on Korean culture at your daughter’s school. I grew up in a neighborhood that has so many Korean Americans now but when I was growing up I was one of three kids who were Korean. It was hard and at times embarrassing because people didn’t know our culture and traditions and food. Now Korean food is more widely known but in the past kimchi and kimbap and other foods were so “foreign” and “smelly” and not appealing. you are such an awesome mom 🙂
Gagnum style sounds like a great way to break the ice! I think what you are doing is a great learning experience for the children. I have always lived in a place that was relatively diverse and agree that it is so important to teach children the importance of understanding different cultures. People always connect through a love of food so I’m always up for a delicious Korean meal like this. I want to dive into a big bowl of this right now!
I want to come visit and eat this, Alice! I’ve LOVED the fabulous Asian foods you’ve shared the last several days. All look amazing!
Aww Alice, that was so touching! I’m sure you will rock the talk! 🙂 And I love all the veggies in this dish, never heard of it but looks great! 🙂
That’s awesome that you are going to speak to second-graders about Korean culture! It’s so important for us to learn about cultural differences at a young age and that it’s definitely okay to be different! I bet you would win all the second-graders over if you made them some delicious treat! Not that you need to of course–it’s a lot of mouths to feed!
As always, I LOVE all the Korean dishes you have on here!
YUM! This looks so good! What a great recipe!! 🙂
I think it is so great that you are giving a presentation at your kid’s school on the Korean culture, Alice. My husband is half Korean so I understand how important it is to teach others, especially at a young age, about the culture. It’a amazing how much of it revolves around the food. I bought my first Korean cookbook 8 years ago. It’s full of authentic recipes with a cultural story behind each one. Learning to cook from that book got me married to the greatest man on the face of the earth! I love coming to your site for fresh ideas and this soup is one that hubs will enjoy through and through.
It is SO amazing that you’re going to speak at your daughter’s school! Way to take the reins and make change for yourself!! Can’t wait to hear all about it!!
P.S. Love this dish!
I have never had dukbokki, but it sure looks flavorful and beautiful! I have really enjoyed the week of Asian celebration on your blog. I loved learning about other cultures as a kid and still do. Good for you for sharing your culture and heritage with your daughter’s classmates. You are going to be great! Little Phoebe will remember it forever and love you for it!
Alice, I hope you are doing ok and everything went well !
This presentation you are going to do sounds like a lot of fun for both you and the kids.
Never had Dukbokki, but love the flavors and think I should try it soon!
I’m so proud of you for promoting diversity at your daughter’s school and actually taking it upon yourself to do the teaching. I’m with your sister’s idea. It sounds fun or you could bring in this dish which looks absolutely perfect! Either way its a win for everyone girl!
I think you are cut for the job and I love that you took a step further to teach kids about Korean culture. Also, I think many adults should be educated about different cultures, too.
As a Korean food lover, I have to say that I love everything about your tteokbokki, from the pics to the recipe. Just fabulous!!!
You’re so inspiring! Instead of being quiet, you decided to step up and promote the diversity. Bring food and snacks and lots of visual aids! Kids will love looking at them and experiencing them instead of just listening to your speech. You’ll do amazing job! Keep us posted. And I DO LOVE dukbokki! <3
Where to begin!? This dish looks incredible. I think it’s so cool that you’re going to teach all of those young minds about Korean culture. And heck yeah about the Gangnam Style dance!! Video it!! 🙂 You rock, Alice.
What a fabulous opportunity to share Korean culture! Please let us know how it goes – I’m sure the kids will love learning about the wonderful things diversity brings. Your Dukbokki looks amazing – so full of flavors and colors! I wish I had a big pot of this right now!
It would be swell if those 2nd graders could taste some of this – it looks fantastic and it most definitely is comfort food! Though, I dunno about Gangham style – but, they sure would get a good laugh out of it. Good Luck Alice!
Dukbokki!! I love it! I have a korean hairdresser, one I have been loyal to for years (I drive 30km just to go to her!). As she yanks at my hair (she isn’t the most delicate, but she does a good job!) she always chatters about Korean recipes and once she dictated a dukbokki recipe to me that sounded so good I instantly went out in hunt of the rice cakes!!
This pot I see has all the kind of flavours I love. Yummo!
This looks so delicious!! I remember being asked that very same question about 30 years ago (amazing how these things don’t seem to change) and think it’s so wonderful that you’ll be presenting at your daughter’s school. Food presentations are always fun 🙂
Yum! I could eat an entire pot of this all by myself!
Good luck with your presentation! I went to a super diverse elementary school. Half the kids, including myself, learned English as a second language. I think around 3rd or 4th grade we were assigned different countries of the world. Everyone’s presentation included food. Tasting all the delicious foods from different countries was the best way for me as a kid to appreciate and understand different cultures. It also helped to spark the budding foodie in me 🙂
Idea for the presentation: playing Gangnam Style while serving this dish! The kids will remember it for sure!
I never had dukbokki before but it looks SO delicious! I had Korean rice cakes stir-fry before, and it was so tasty. I can see the flavor is a bit similar in this dish, and it’s so comforting. Will definitely try it out soon 🙂
Good luck with the presentation and have fun!
Where could i buy korean fish cake?
Hi Jackie, at any Korean grocery store. You can also try an Asian market, in the frozen section. Hope that helps!
Alice, this recipe is the total package! Sweet with heat and a little fish. Love the rice cakes too. Superb!!!!! Perfect Sunday dinner on this cold weekend in May? ?
John, I love it! dukbokki is one of my faves! 🙂 Thank you!!