Gungjung Tteokbokki (Royal Court Stir-fried Rice Cakes)

Gungjung Tteokbokki (Royal Court Stir-fried Rice Cakes)

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 4 pieces seasoned beef ribs (8 bone-in pieces)
• 1/3 onion, sliced
• 2 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• Green onions, chopped
• Green and red bell peppers, julienned
• Carrot, julienned
• 1 fish cake, sliced (optional)
• 25 Tteokbokki rice cakes
• 1 ladle of sauce (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (add more if the seasoning is light)
• 0.5 tablespoon corn syrup (add more if the seasoning is light)
• Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the vegetables: julienne the bell peppers and carrots, slice the onions, mushrooms, and green onions, and cut the fish cake if you’re using it.
2. For the beef ribs, ensure they are seasoned to your preference. If they are not pre-seasoned, you can marinate them with soy sauce, garlic, a bit of sugar, and black pepper.
3. In a large pan or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef ribs and cook until they’re browned and nearly cooked through. Then, add the shiitake mushrooms and onions, sautéing until they are soft.
4. Add the rice cakes to the pan. If they are fresh, they will take less time to cook; if they’re frozen, make sure to thaw them first. Stir-fry until they begin to soften.
5. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, corn syrup, and a ladle of your preferred sauce (this could be a blend of soy sauce, a bit of sugar, minced garlic, and some beef stock for flavor). Adjust the taste as needed.
6. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan, stirring to coat all the ingredients evenly. Add a bit of water if the mixture is too dry. The sauce should be savory with a hint of sweetness.
7. Continue to stir-fry until everything is well-coated with the sauce and the rice cakes are chewy and tender. If you’re using the fish cake, add it now and let it absorb the flavors for a minute or two.
8. Towards the end, add the julienned bell peppers and carrots. Stir-fry for an additional minute to keep the vegetables crisp.
9. Once everything is heated through and the vegetables are cooked to your liking, sprinkle over the chopped green onions, and give it a final stir.
10. Serve hot, garnished with more green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Tips:

• The consistency of the sauce can be adjusted according to the number of vegetables or rice cakes.
• If using fish cakes, be mindful that they absorb liquid; you may need to adjust the amount of water and seasoning.
• Drizzling the grilled meat with sauce ensures that the seasoning is not diluted. Enjoy the balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors with this traditional Korean dish.

This dish is a delightful combination of chewy rice cakes, crisp vegetables, and savory beef that’s perfect for a filling meal or a shared dish at gatherings.