Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen)

Introduction

Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen) is the ultimate Korean comfort food mashup, combining the chewy goodness of tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) with the satisfying slurp of ramen noodles. This dish is a symphony of textures and flavors, delivering a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet experience that will leave you craving more. It’s quick, easy to make, and perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal with friends.

Rabokki is a popular Korean street food that’s loved for its bold flavors and comforting warmth. It’s a delightful twist on classic tteokbokki, adding the heartiness of ramen noodles to the mix. This version aims to simplify the process without compromising on the authentic taste. The rich, spicy sauce coats every element of the dish, making each bite a delightful explosion of flavor.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it was one of the first Korean dishes I learned to make. Its simplicity and deliciousness made it an instant favorite. I’ve tweaked it over the years to perfect the balance of spice, sweetness, and umami, ensuring it’s accessible and enjoyable for everyone, even those who are new to Korean cuisine. The combination of chewy rice cakes, springy ramen noodles, and a savory sauce makes it incredibly satisfying.

Easy Rabokki is perfect for those days when you want something comforting and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s great on its own, but you can also customize it with your favorite add-ins, such as boiled eggs, fish cakes, or vegetables. If you’re looking for a quick and easy dish that packs a serious flavor punch, this Rabokki recipe is the one to make!

Perfect for:

Weeknight family dinners
Quick yet fancy meals
Korean food lovers
Spicy food cravings
Potluck dishes

Why You’ll Love This Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen)

Here’s why you’ll love Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen) will become a staple in your kitchen:

Fusion of Flavors: Combines the spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors of Korean cuisine in one satisfying dish.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleaser: A hit with both kids and adults who enjoy bold and flavorful food.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite add-ins like vegetables, fish cakes, or boiled eggs.
Comforting: The chewy rice cakes and springy ramen noodles provide a comforting and satisfying texture.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2-3 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 500-600 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 70g, Fat: 20g (approximate, can vary with add-ins)

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen):

8 oz Korean rice cakes (tteok)
1 package instant ramen noodles
2 cups water
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional for extra spice)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
2 sheets dried kelp (kombu) – for broth optional
4-5 dried anchovies – for broth optional
Optional add-ins:
- Fish cakes, sliced
- Boiled eggs, halved
- Cabbage, sliced
- Onions, sliced
- Carrots, sliced
- Scallions/Green Onions, chopped

Ingredient Highlights

Korean Rice Cakes (Tteok): The star of the dish, providing a chewy and satisfying texture that soaks up the spicy sauce.
Instant Ramen Noodles: Adds a hearty and familiar element, enhancing the overall satisfaction of the dish.
Gochujang: A fermented Korean chili paste that provides a deep, savory, and slightly sweet flavor.
Gochugaru: Korean chili flakes that add extra heat and a vibrant red color (optional).
Fish Cakes: thin slices of fish cakes enhances the umami and texture.
Anchovies and Dried Kelp: enhances the dashi flavour without alcohol.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen):

Prepare the Broth:

Make the Base: In a medium pot, combine the dried Kelp and dried anchovies. Add 2 Cups of Water
Boil: Boil on medium heat for 10 minutes, and take off heat.
Strain Broth: Strain the broth to discard all the solids.

Cook the Rice Cakes:

Soak the Rice Cakes: If using refrigerated rice cakes, soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes to soften. This prevents them from sticking together during cooking.
Add Broth to pot: Add strained Broth to pot.

Add the Sauce and Noodles:

Add Sauce: Stir in the gochujang, gochugaru (if using), soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil to the pot. Mix well to combine.
Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Add Rice Cakes: Add the soaked rice cakes to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft and chewy and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Add Noodles: Break the ramen noodles in half and add them to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through.
Add Add-ins: If using, add the fish cakes, boiled eggs, cabbage, onions, and carrots to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking. This allows them to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.

Serve:

Garnish: Pour the rabokki into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
Serve Immediately: Rabokki is best served hot and fresh. Enjoy the chewy rice cakes, springy noodles, and spicy, savory sauce!

How to Serve Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen)

Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen) can be served in various ways to enhance its presentation and enjoyment:

Family-Style: Serve the rabokki directly from the pot for a communal and casual dining experience.
Individual Bowls: Portion the rabokki into individual bowls for a more formal presentation.
With Korean Side Dishes (Banchan): Serve alongside traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, or seasoned spinach to create a balanced meal.
Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with various add-ins like boiled eggs, fish cakes, vegetables, and extra gochugaru for everyone to customize their bowl.
As a Snack: Serve smaller portions of rabokki as a spicy and satisfying snack for gatherings or movie nights.

Additional Tips for Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen)

Follow these tips for the best Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen):

Adjust Spice Level: Customize the amount of gochujang and gochugaru to suit your spice preference. Start with less and add more to taste.
Soak Rice Cakes: Soaking the rice cakes beforehand prevents them from sticking together and ensures they cook evenly.
Don’t Overcook Noodles: Be careful not to overcook the ramen noodles, as they can become mushy. Cook them just until they are tender.
Use Good Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality gochujang and fresh ingredients will make a significant difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
Taste as You Go: Taste the sauce as you cook and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You may need to add more soy sauce, sugar, or gochujang to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Add the broth To make a deeper flavour for the dish.

Recipe Variations for Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen)

Here are 10 variations to customize your Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen):

Cheese Rabokki: Add a layer of mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top and broil until melted and bubbly for a cheesy twist.
Seafood Rabokki: Include seafood such as shrimp, squid, or mussels for a flavorful variation.
Vegetarian Rabokki: Omit the fish cakes and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Kimchi Rabokki: Add kimchi to the pot for an extra layer of sour and spicy flavor.
Curry Rabokki: Mix in a tablespoon of curry powder for a unique and flavorful twist.
Black Bean Sauce (Jajang) Rabokki: Add a spoonful of jajang (black bean sauce) for a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
Spicy Peanut Rabokki: Mix in peanut butter for a savory and nutty flavor.
Dumpling Rabokki: Add Korean dumplings (mandu) to the pot for an extra hearty and satisfying meal.
Spicy Sesame Rabokki: Enhances the existing sesame oil flavour with an extra spoonful.
Carbonara Rabokki: Incorporate heavy cream and cheese for a fusion carbonara style.

Freezing and Storage for Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen)

Freezing: While rabokki is best served fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Be aware that the texture of the rice cakes and noodles may change slightly after freezing.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment for Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen)

Here are some items that make preparing Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen) easier:

Medium Pot: Essential for cooking the broth, rice cakes, noodles, and sauce.
Mixing Bowls: For preparing the sauce and soaking the rice cakes.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensures precise measurements for the ingredients.
Chopsticks or Tongs: Useful for stirring and serving the rabokki.
Cutting Board: A sturdy board for prepping vegetables and other add-ins.
Chef’s Knife: For chopping vegetables and slicing ingredients.
Ladle: Makes serving the rabokki easy and mess-free.
Serving Bowls: For presenting the rabokki in an appealing manner.
Strainer: For straining and cleaning kelp and anchovies.
Wooden Spoon: Gentle for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching your pan.

FAQ Section for Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen)

Can I use fresh rice cakes instead of refrigerated ones?
Yes, you can use fresh rice cakes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh rice cakes may cook faster.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce the amount of gochujang and gochugaru, or omit the gochugaru altogether, to make the dish less spicy. You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the flavors.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, you can add protein such as tofu, chicken, or beef to the rabokki. Just cook the protein separately and add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I use different types of noodles?
While ramen noodles are traditional for rabokki, you can experiment with other types of noodles such as udon or glass noodles.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to cook the rice cakes and noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What can I substitute for gochujang?
If you can’t find gochujang, you can try using a mixture of soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and a touch of sugar. However, the flavor will not be exactly the same.
How do I prevent the rice cakes from sticking together?
Soaking the rice cakes in cold water before cooking helps to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I use pre-made dashi?
If you can find premade dashi that are vegetarian and without alcohol, can add that instead.
Can I double or triple this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to serve a larger crowd. Just make sure to use a larger pot to accommodate the increased volume.
What if the sauce gets too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to enhance the flavor.

Conclusion for Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen)

Easy Rabokki (Tteokbokki with Ramen) is a fantastic way to bring the vibrant flavors of Korean street food into your own kitchen. This dish combines the comforting textures of chewy rice cakes and springy ramen noodles with a bold and flavorful sauce that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability. Whether you prefer a milder or spicier flavor profile, you can easily customize the dish to suit your taste. The addition of various add-ins like fish cakes, boiled eggs, and vegetables allows you to create a personalized rabokki experience that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Ideal for busy weeknight dinners or fun weekend gatherings, Easy Rabokki will quickly become a favorite in your household. I encourage you to try this delightful recipe and experiment with different variations to discover your own perfect rabokki combination. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations and tag me on social media—I love seeing how you make it your own! Enjoy every satisfying bite!