Authentic Gungjung Tteokbokki (Royal Soy-Sauce Rice Cakes with Beef)

Chewy rice cakes, tender beef, and vegetables glazed in savory-sweet soy sauce—Korea’s original royal tteokbokki, elegant yet comforting.

When you think of tteokbokki, the bright red, spicy street food probably comes to mind. But the original tteokbokki looked very different. Known as Gungjung Tteokbokki (궁중떡볶이), or “Royal Court Rice Cakes,” this dish dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. It was savory and soy sauce–based, without chili peppers. The earliest record is found in the 19th-century cookbook Siuijeonseo, which describes rice cakes stir-fried with beef, soy sauce, scallions, pine nuts, and sesame oil.

My mom also made a non-spicy version at home, savory and slightly sweet, that filled the kitchen with the comforting aroma of garlic, onions, and sesame oil. For me, the best part is using fresh garaetteok (가래떡) instead of pre-cut tteok—it’s chewier, more satisfying, and I love cutting the pieces myself to decide the perfect bite size. Every serving feels like carrying a piece of history and family warmth to the table.

B’s Secret

I add tomato preserves (토마토 청) to the beef marinade. It brightens the flavor with natural sweetness and tang, while staying true to the non-spicy royal style.

This Did It!

• Technique Tip: Soak rice cakes in warm water for 10–15 minutes to prevent sticking.
• Ingredient Swap: No tomato preserves? Use tomato paste + honey.
• ️ Avoid: Overcrowding the pan—rice cakes need space to sear.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in airtight container; reheat with broth or water.
• Flavor Boost: Finish with toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds.

The soy-glazed chew of garaetteok, the tenderness of marinated beef, and the quiet echo of history at your own table. Not just a recipe, but a reminder that comfort can be royal, simple, and deeply personal.

 FAQS

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, but rice cakes firm up. Reheat with broth.

Q: What can I substitute for beef?
A: Chicken, pork, or tofu.

Q: Why did mine turn out soggy?
A: Likely too much liquid or overcrowding.

NUTRITION FACTS (Per serving, approx.)

• Calories: ~415 kcal
• Carbs: 55 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Fat: 13 g
• Labels: Contains gluten (soy sauce), not vegetarian
  

RELATED RECIPES | Korean Quick and Easy Meals |🔗

Made this recipe? Tag @bommgachi with #BommgachiKitchen! Share your version in the comments—I’d love to see it.

Cooking this dish always feels like a quiet connection to history. Every bite carries centuries of tradition while bringing comfort to today’s table. 

My kitchen, my calm.

Print Recipe

Everyday Korean


Authentic Gungjung Tteokbokki (Royal Soy-Sauce Rice Cakes with Beef)

Cuisine: Korean Recipe Keys: K korean

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 25 mins

Calories: 1256

Description

My mom also made a non-spicy version at home, savory and slightly sweet, that filled the kitchen with the comforting aroma of garlic, onions, and sesame oil. For me, the best part is using fresh garaetteok (가래떡) instead of pre-cut tteok—it’s chewier, more satisfying, and I love cutting the pieces myself to decide the perfect bite size. Every serving feels like carrying a piece of history and family warmth to the table.

Ingredients

Servings

Main Ingredients

• 40 g carrot (julienned)

• 51 g onion (julienned)
• 42 g green onion (julienned)

• 2 eggs (separated yolks and whites, lightly beaten)

• 200 g sticky rice cake (tteok) (sliced)

• 194 g beef strips

Beef Marinade

• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 3 tsp tomato chung (tomato preserves) (can substitute with sugar or any sweetener)

• 1 tsp mirin
• 12 g garlic (minced)
• Pinch of black pepper & salt

Instructions

1. Slice the rice cakes into 4–5 cm pieces.

1. Marinate the beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, tomato chung, mirin, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 15 minutes.

1. Prepare jidan (egg garnish): separate yolks and whites, cook thin crepes, and cut into julienned strips.

1. Stir-fry vegetables: heat oil in a pan, sauté onion and carrot for 2–3 minutes, then add green onion.

1. Cook beef: add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until caramelized.

1. Add rice cakes: stir-fry for about 5 minutes until chewy and glazed.

1. Finish: top with jidan and drizzle with sesame oil before serving.

Nutrition Facts

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 1256kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 31.5g49%

Saturated Fat 0.9g5%

Cholesterol 454mg152%

Total Carbohydrate 171.6g58%

Dietary Fiber 10.5g42%

Sugars 34.2g

Protein 73.6g148%

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Calcium 160 mg

Iron 11 mg

Vitamin D 31 IU

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.