Microwave Tteokbokki | Easy Spicy Korean Rice Cakes in 10 Minutes
- Korean Bestie
- May 29
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 1
Craving Korean street food without the mess? This spicy, chewy microwave tteokbokki delivers in under 10 minutes.
There’s something magical about tteokbokki — the chewy texture of rice cakes, the sweet-heat of gochujang, and the cozy, comforting feeling it brings with every bite. But what if you could enjoy all that flavor without turning on the stove?
Enter Microwave Tteokbokki: a brilliant shortcut for anyone short on time but big on cravings.
What Is Tteokbokki?
Tteokbokki (떡볶이) is a beloved Korean street food made with cylindrical rice cakes simmered in a spicy red chili sauce. Traditionally served hot from food stalls or family kitchens, it's known for its chewy, addictive texture and vibrant red color, thanks to gochujang and gochugaru.
While classic tteokbokki is made on the stovetop, this version is designed for the microwave — making it perfect for students, late-night snackers, or anyone who just wants to whip up something delicious in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Microwave Version
No pots or pans: Everything cooks in one microwave-safe bowl
Quick & satisfying: From prep to plate in just 11 minutes
Flexible spice levels: Adjust gochujang and gochugaru to your taste
Customizable: Add cheese, eggs, green onions, or sesame for a personal twist
This shortcut doesn’t cut corners on flavor — the rich sauce, chewy rice cakes, and savory fish cakes make this dish every bit as good as the street food version.
Tips for Best Results
Soak refrigerated or frozen rice cakes in warm water for 10 minutes beforehand to soften them.
Use a deep microwave-safe bowl to prevent the sauce from bubbling over.
Don’t skip the second stir between microwaving rounds — it ensures even heating and prevents sticking.
Add-ins like shredded mozzarella, sliced scallions, or a soft-boiled egg can turn this into a full meal.
Recipe Video
🎥 Watch how this simple fried rice transforms into a rich, Korean comfort dish with just a few ingredients!
Perfect For…
Midnight cravings
Dorm room meals
Quick lunches at work
Rainy-day comfort food
With bold flavor and no stovetop needed, Microwave Tteokbokki proves that sometimes, the easiest recipes are the most satisfying.
Recommended Products
1
Additional Notes
In this recipe, each layer has about 1 cup of meat sauce. If you prefer more sauce in your lasagna, increase the pasta sauce to 48 oz. Salt needed may vary based on the brand of pasta sauce used. Taste and season after simmering.
Notes
1
Prepare the Sauce Base:
Slice the fish cakes into bite-sized pieces.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine water, soy sauce, and gochugaru.
2
Mix the Sauce:
Add sugar, curry powder, pepper and gochujang to the bowl. Stir well until fully dissolved.
Add the rice cakes (tteok) to the mixture and mix gently.
3
Add Fish Cakes and Microwave:
Add the sliced fish cakes to the bowl and mix again.
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small gap for steam to escape).
Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
4
Stir and Microwave Again:
Carefully remove the bowl, stir the mixture well to ensure even cooking.
Microwave for another 3 minutes, uncovered or loosely covered.
Instructions
250g Korean rice cakes (tteok)
2 sheets of fish cake
Main Ingredients
0.5 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
0.5 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru)
0.5 tablespoon soy sauce
A pinch of curry powder (optional)
A pinch of black pepper
300ml water
Sauce
Microwave Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cakes)
Korean Food Lover
Katie Kimchi
Microwave Tteokbokki is the ultimate shortcut to enjoying one of Korea’s most popular street foods right at home—with zero hassle. Traditionally simmered on the stovetop, tteokbokki is known for its chewy rice cakes drenched in a fiery, savory, and slightly sweet red chili sauce. But in this recipe, you’ll skip the pot and go straight to the microwave, cutting down on time without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect for students, busy professionals, or anyone craving a comforting Korean snack, this version delivers bold taste in just minutes. With pantry staples like gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar, the rich sauce comes together effortlessly. The addition of fish cakes adds authentic flavor and texture, while a touch of curry powder gives it a unique twist.
Whether you're new to Korean cooking or just looking for a lazy-day comfort meal, this Microwave Tteokbokki is your go-to recipe. Pair it with a boiled egg, melted cheese, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra indulgent experience.
2 Servings
Prep Time
5 min
Cooking Time
6 min
Rest Time
N/A
Total Time
11 min
Comments