Entree: North Korea – Pyongyang – 떡볶이 ➤ tteokbokki (Pyongyang-style soy-braised rice cakes with sliced beef and vegetables in a savory sesame sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 15 min

Additional 15 min

Total 30 min

Ingredients

- 14 oz (400 g) Korean rice cakes (garaetteok), sliced into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) rounds
- 8 oz (225 g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) sesame oil, divided
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef stock
- 1 tbsp (15 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) mirin or rice wine (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — about 6 g
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced — about 1 cup (150 g)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned — about 1/2 cup (60 g)
- 4 oz (115 g) shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 scallions, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces — about 2 tbsp (12 g)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil for finishing
- 1 tbsp (9 g) toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. If rice cakes are frozen or very firm, soak them in warm water for 10–15 minutes to soften, then drain. Pat beef slices lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil in a wide skillet or shallow pot over medium-high heat. Quickly sear beef slices until just browned, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan reduce heat to medium, add sliced onion, carrot and shiitake mushrooms; sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
4. Stir in soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15 g) sugar, mirin (if using) and beef stock. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Add the drained rice cakes and return the seared beef to the pan. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until rice cakes are tender and sauce has reduced to a glossy, slightly thickened consistency, about 6–10 minutes. Add a splash of extra stock or water if sauce reduces too much before rice cakes soften.
6. Stir in 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil and sliced scallions, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and an extra drizzle of sesame oil if desired. Serve hot.