Bulgogi Tteokbokki - A Heartwarming Korean Comfort Food

Bulgogi Tteokbokki is a dish that blends two beloved Korean comfort foods into one unforgettable meal. Growing up, this was one of my mom’s signature dishes that always brought the family together. 

The savory, sweet bulgogi beef, marinated to perfection, pairs wonderfully with chewy rice cakes (tteok) for a satisfying and nostalgic bite. As a child, the rich flavors and aroma of this dish were enough to make me feel right at home, and I knew I had to share it with you.

This recipe takes the iconic bulgogi Korea’s famous marinated beef and combines it with the ever-popular tteokbokki, a street food staple. 

The marriage of these two elements results in a dish that is both comforting and exciting, with layers of umami, sweetness, and a little kick of spice from the bulgogi marinade.

The best part? You can make it your own by adjusting the marinade’s sweetness or adding extra vegetables!

For me, Bulgogi Tteokbokki is more than just a meal—it’s a reminder of home, family, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) this recipe as much as I do!

For a spicier kick, try my recipe for Tteokbokki Spicy Korean Rice Cakes, which features a deliciously fiery sauce.

Why You'll Love This Dish

Tteokbokki, typically served with a spicy sauce, gets a sweet and savory twist in this version by using bulgogi-marinated beef. The chewy rice cakes absorb the rich flavors of the bulgogi marinade, making each bite a delightful treat. Paired with vibrant vegetables like onions, green peppers, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms, this dish offers a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

What You'll Need:

• 400g thinly sliced beef – The beef is the star of this dish, and thin slices make it easy to marinate and cook quickly.
• 200g rice cakes (tteok) – The chewy, pillowy texture of these rice cakes is what makes tteokbokki so addictive.
• 1 onion – Sweet and tender when sautéed, onions add a lovely depth of flavor.
• 2 green peppers – These add a subtle sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
• 1 carrot – For a bit of crunch and added sweetness.
• 4-5 shiitake mushrooms – These mushrooms bring an earthy, umami flavor to the mix.

Bulgogi Marinade:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp onion purée
• 2 tbsp Korean pear purée (optional but recommended for extra sweetness)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Freshly ground black pepper

How to Make Bulgogi Tteokbokki:

Tips for the Best Bulgogi Tteokbokki:

• Use fresh rice cakes if possible for the best texture.
• Adjust the sweetness of the marinade by adding more or less sugar based on your preference.
• Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.

Bulgogi Tteokbokki Korean Recipe with Beef and Rice Cakes

Bulgogi Tteokbokki is a dish that holds a special place in my heart—one that instantly takes me back to my childhood. It’s a comforting, savory meal my mom used to prepare for us, combining the rich flavors of bulgogi beef with the chewy goodness of rice cakes.

 Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings3

INGREDIENTS

• 400g thinly sliced beef
• 200g rice cakes (tteok)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 green peppers, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 4-5 shiitake mushrooms, sliced

Bulgogi Marinade:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp onion purée
• 2 tbsp Korean pear purée (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

 

1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, mix all the bulgogi marinade ingredients. Add the sliced beef and coat it well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Rice Cakes: If using frozen rice cakes, soak them in warm water for about 20 minutes to soften.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In a large pan or wok, sauté the onions, green peppers, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the pan with the vegetables and cook until browned and cooked through.
5. Add the Rice Cakes: Once the beef is cooked, add the soaked rice cakes and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently to mix everything.

Serve:

Garnish with extra sesame seeds or green onions and serve hot.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!