Spicy Fried Rice Cake: Delicious Authentic Recipe, Easy to Make at Home

Are you a fan of street food with bold flavors? If so, you can’t miss out on spicy fried rice cake – a dish that’s currently taking the young crowd by storm. Not only is it irresistible due to its spicy and savory taste, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the detailed recipe to make an authentic Korean-style spicy fried rice cake right at home!

Spicy Fried Rice Cake

The Unique Origin of Spicy Fried Rice Cake

The spicy fried rice cake is inspired by traditional Korean tteokbokki. However, when introduced to Vietnam, this dish was creatively adapted to better suit Vietnamese tastes. Instead of being stir-fried until soft like tteokbokki, the rice cake here is fried until crispy on the outside yet chewy on the inside, paired with a rich sweet and spicy sauce.

The combination of a crispy crust, chewy rice cake, and a spicy sauce has made this dish a “phenomenon” in the street food scene. From small street vendors to large restaurants, spicy fried rice cake has captured the hearts of food lovers everywhere.

Secrets to Making the Perfect Spicy Fried Rice Cake

To make a delicious spicy fried rice cake, preparing the ingredients and mastering the cooking technique are crucial. Let’s explore the details!

Necessary Ingredients

• Rice Cake: 500g (prefer fresh or soaked dry rice cake).
• Korean Gochujang Chili Paste: 2 tablespoons (for the characteristic spiciness).
• Ketchup: 2 tablespoons (to balance the sweetness and acidity).
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste).
• Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (to enhance the savory flavor).
• Minced Garlic: 3 cloves.
• Minced Onion: 1/4 of a bulb.
• Cooking Oil: Enough for frying.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on top after cooking.
• Korean Gochugaru Chili Powder: Optional for extra heat.
• Optional Toppings: Fish cake, sausage, quail eggs…

Note: To make the dish more visually appealing, you can prepare chopped scallions to sprinkle on top.

Choosing Quality Rice Cake

The rice cake is the key to the dish’s success. If using dry rice cake, soak it in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften. For fresh rice cake, rinse and drain before cooking. Culinary expert Ánh Nguyệt suggests: “Good quality rice cake will give you a crispy exterior, a chewy interior, and will absorb the spicy sauce evenly.”

Making the Perfect Spicy Sauce

The spicy sauce is the soul of the dish. You need to mix:

• 2 tablespoons of Gochujang chili paste.
• 2 tablespoons of ketchup.
• 2 tablespoons of sugar.
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
• Korean Gochugaru chili powder (to taste).

Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant before adding the sauce mixture and simmering gently. This enhances the aroma and richness of the sauce.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spicy Fried Rice Cake

1. Prepare the Rice Cake: Soak dry rice cake in warm water for 30 minutes or rinse fresh rice cake.
2. Fry the Rice Cake: Heat cooking oil in a pan, fry the rice cake until golden on all sides. Fry over medium heat to avoid burning.
3. Sauté Garlic and Onion: Sauté minced garlic and onion in the same pan used for frying the rice cake.
4. Cook the Spicy Sauce: Add the sauce mixture to the pan, stir until thickened.
5. Mix Rice Cake with Sauce: Add the fried rice cake to the pan with the sauce, stir to coat evenly.
6. Finish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions, garnish attractively.

Frying Rice Cake Process

Creative Variations for Spicy Fried Rice Cake

To elevate the dish, you can try these creative variations:

1. Cheesy Version

Add shredded mozzarella cheese to the rice cake, bake or broil until the cheese melts into a tempting layer.

2. Sausage Combo

Add fried or smoked sausage to make the dish more filling and diverse.

3. Vegan Version

Replace savory ingredients with mushrooms, soft tofu, or vegetables for a healthy vegan version.

Nutritional Value and Health Considerations

Spicy fried rice cake provides ample carbohydrates, ideal for a snack. However, the dish contains a lot of oil and seasonings, so it should be enjoyed in moderation, especially for those on a diet or with stomach issues.

Enjoying the Dish to the Fullest

Spicy fried rice cake is best enjoyed hot with kimchi, pickled radish, or a fizzy drink. You can also transform it into a snack for casual drinking with toppings like fried squid or shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is spicy fried rice cake spicy?

The spiciness depends on the amount of chili paste and chili powder used. You can adjust it to your taste.

2. How long can the dish be stored?

The dish is best enjoyed hot. If there are leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and reheat before eating.

3. Can I substitute Gochujang chili paste?

You can use Vietnamese chili paste, but the flavor won’t be as authentic.

With the detailed recipe and tips above, are you ready to showcase your skills in making spicy fried rice cake? Head to the kitchen and share your results!