If you're craving a cheesy, creamy, spicy twist on a Korean classic, this Bulgogi Rose Tteokbokki recipe is perfect for you. Combining the rich flavors of premade Bulgogi from Trader Joe's with the chewy texture of their Tteokbokki rice cakes, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Featuring premade kits from Trader Joe's, is the perfect way to start cooking Korean food without the hassle of buying a bunch of ingredients. If you don't have a Trader Joe's near you, don't worry! I will also list the ingredients that you need to make this without the kits! Keep scrolling for my Bulgogi recipe and Rose Tteokbokki recipe. Let's dive into this mouthwatering cheesy recipe!
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This was inspired by my Beef Bulgogi on this site, and pairs well with this Beef Japchae Noodles.
Rose Tteokbokki is a modern twist on the traditional Korean spicy rice cakes, Tteokbokki. While the classic version features a spicy gochujang-based sauce, Rose Tteokbokki introduces a creamy element, often using heavy cream or milk to mellow the heat and create a luscious, velvety sauce. This fusion of flavors results in a dish that's both comforting and exciting, making it a popular choice among food enthusiasts.
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What is Tteokbokki?
Tteokbokki (๋ก๋ณถ์ด), also known as spicy rice cakes, is a popular Korean street food made from chewy rice cakes (tteok) cooked in a spicy, slightly sweet sauce typically made with gochujang (Korean red chili paste). The dish is known for its vibrant red color, rich flavor, and satisfying texture. It's often enjoyed as a snack, comfort food, or a main dish.
Origin of Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki has a long history, with roots tracing back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). The dish originally appeared in Korean royal court cuisine as a savory, non-spicy version called "Gungjung Tteokbokki," which was stir-fried with soy sauce, beef, vegetables, and other ingredients. The modern spicy version of Tteokbokki rice cakes that we know today became popular in the 1950s, largely due to the introduction of gochujang, transforming it into a beloved street food.
Variations of Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki comes in various forms, each offering a unique twist on the classic Tteokbokki rice cakes recipe :
- Gungjung Tteokbokki: Also known as royal court Tteokbokki, this non-spicy version is stir-fried with soy sauce, beef, mushrooms, carrots, and other vegetables. It's a savory and slightly sweet dish with a more complex flavor profile.
- Cheese Tteokbokki: This variation includes melted cheese on top, adding a creamy and indulgent element to the spicy dish. Mozzarella is a popular choice for its melty texture.
- Rabokki: A combination of Tteokbokki and ramen noodles, Rabokki is a heartier version that includes instant noodles, making it a filling meal.
- Seafood Tteokbokki: This variation incorporates various seafood such as shrimp, squid, and mussels, adding a briny, oceanic flavor to the dish.
- Rose Tteokbokki: As mentioned earlier, the Rose Tteokbokki recipe includes cream or milk in the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture that balances the spiciness of the gochujang.
- Jjajang Tteokbokki: This version features a black bean sauce (jjajang) instead of the traditional red chili paste, offering a savory, umami-rich flavor.
๐ฅ Ingredients
- Trader Joeโs Beef Bulgogi
- Trader Joeโs Tteokbokki
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Water or milk
- Heavy Cream
- Soy Sauce (Optional)
- Sesame Oil (Optional)
- Green Onions (Garnish)
Using these premade kits from Trader Joe's is a great way to start cooking Korean food without having to buy a bunch of ingredients, making it convenient and accessible.
If there's no Trader Joe's near you or you would like to make this with your own ingredients this is what you will need.
Beef Marinade:
- Sliced Ribeye (see note 1)
- Soy Sauce
- Brown Sugar
- Mirin
- Sesame Oil
- Black Pepper
- Sesame Seeds (optional)
Marinade Puree:
- Korean Pear (see note 2)
- Onion Medium Sized
- Garlic
- Ginger
Rose Tteokbokki:
- Rice Cakes
- Milk
- Heavy Cream
- Gochujang
- Gochugaru
- Sesame Oil
- Soy Sauce
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Green onions
See recipe card for quantities.
๐ช Instructions
Step 1: Add oil and heat pan to medium. Add frozen Trader Joe's bulgogi and cook for 10 minutes until fully heated up or follow steps to make bulgogiย here.
Step 2: Once the bulgogi is fully heated/cooked, remove beef add the sauce pack from the Trader Joe'sย Tteokbokkiย sauce pack or *Roseย Tteokbokkiย Sauce ingredients to the pan and mix together.
Step 3: If using the TJ's sauce pack add water or milk, extra seasonings (soy sauce,ย sesame oil) and mix together
Step 4: Add the rice cakes and simmer on medium for 10-15 minutes until the rice cakes are soft and chewy and sauce has thickened.
Step 5: Top theย Tteokbokkiย with the cooked bulgogi and shredded cheese.
Step 6: For extra flavor, torch the cheese and garnish with green onions and enjoy!
Written Instructions:
- Add oil and heat pan to medium. Add frozen bulgogi and cook for 10 minutes until fully heated up or follow directions to make bulgogiย here
- Once the bulgogi is fully heated/cooked, remove beef add the sauce pack from the Trader Joe'sย Tteokbokkiย pack or *Roseย Tteokbokkiย Sauce ingredients to the pan and mix together. ยฝ cup Heavy cream,ย 1 cup Milk or Water,ย 1 tbspย Gochujang,ย ยฝ tspย Gochugaru,ย 1 tbspย Sesame Oil,ย 1 tbspย Soy sauce
- If using the TJ's sauce pack add water or milk, extra seasonings (soy sauce,ย sesame oil) and mix togetherย
- Add the rice cakes and simmer on medium for 10-15 minutes until the rice cakes are soft and chewy and sauce has thickened.
- Top theย Tteokbokkiย with the cooked bulgogi and shredded cheese.
- For extra flavor, torch the cheese and garnish with green onions and enjoy!
Hint: If youโre using refrigerated or frozen rice cakes, soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps soften the rice cakes and ensures they cook evenly, resulting in a chewy but tender texture.
๐ฅฅ Substitutions
- Heavy Cream: Substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as gluten-free alternatives.
- Gochujang: Sriracha or another spicy chili paste can be used if gochujang is unavailable.
๐โ๐ซ Variations
- Vegetarian: Use tofu or mushrooms instead of Bulgogi and vegetable broth instead of milk.
- Extra Spicy: Increase the amount of gochujang or add chili flakes for more heat.
๐ซ Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
๐ก Top tip
For the best texture, soak the Tteokbokki in warm water for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps soften the rice cakes and ensures they cook evenly in the sauce.
๐ญ FAQ
Rose Tteokbokki is a creamy, spicy version of the traditional Korean rice cake dish, incorporating cream or milk to create a rich, velvety sauce.
Yes, you can reduce the amount of gochujang or use a milder chili paste to decrease the heat level.
Trader Joe's offers premade Bulgogi and Tteokbokki, but you can also find these ingredients at Korean grocery stores or online.
๐ฅ Best Served with
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Rose Tteokbokki:
๐ง More Comforting Recipes
Looking for other cheesy recipes like this? Try these:
๐ Recipe Card
Bulgogi Rose Tteokbokki
Ingredients
Ingredients using only Trader Joe's Pre-Packaged options:
- 1 Trader Joeโs Beef Bulgogi or see below
- 1 Trader Joeโs Tteokbokki or see below
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
- 1 cup Water or milk
- ยฝ cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce Optional
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Optional
- 1 stalk Green Onions (sliced) Garnish
Make your own Rose Tteokbokki:
- 1.5 cups Tteokbokki Rice Cakes
Rose Tteokbokki Sauce
- ยฝ cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Milk or Water
- 1 tablespoon Gochujang Korean red chili paste
- ยฝ teaspoon Gochugaru Korean red pepper
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
Garnish
- 1 stalk Green Onions (sliced) Garnish
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
Make your own Bulgogi:
- 1 lbs Ribeye thinly sliced see note 1
- ยผ cup Soy Sauce
- 3 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoon Mirin
- 1.5 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- โ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ยฝ tablespoon Sesame Seeds optional
Bulgogi Marinade Puree:
- ยฝ Korean Pear Peeled and Core Removed See note 2
- ยฝ Onion Medium Sized Quartered
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1-2 slices Ginger peeled
Save this recipe! ๐
Instructions
- Add oil and heat pan to medium. Add frozen bulgogi and cook for 10 minutes until fully heated up or follow directions to make bulgogi here
- Once the bulgogi is fully heated/cooked, remove beef add the sauce pack from the Trader Joe's Tteokbokki pack or *Rose Tteokbokki Sauce ingredients to the pan and mix together.ยฝ cup Heavy cream, 1 cup Milk or Water, 1 tablespoon Gochujang, ยฝ teaspoon Gochugaru, 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil, 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- If using the TJ's sauce pack add water or milk, extra seasonings (soy sauce, sesame oil) and cream and mix together
- Add the rice cakes and simmer on medium for 10-15 minutes until the rice cakes are soft and chewy and sauce has thickened.
- Top the Tteokbokki with the cooked bulgogi and shredded cheese.
- For extra flavor, torch the cheese and garnish with green onions and enjoy!
Ashlee Le says
Craving satisfied !