Ramen and Spicy Cakes

Ramen and Spicy Rice Cakes, also known as Rabokki, is a delectable and addictive Korean street food that brings together two beloved dishes – ramen and spicy rice cakes (tteokbokki). This combination of chewy cylindrical rice cakes and instant ramen noodles cooked in a spicy, savory sauce is a true mood lifter and comfort food. I still remember the first time I tried this dish on a chilly day in Seoul, and it instantly became a favorite. Korean rice cakes, made from sticky chapsal rice flour, give the dish its unique texture, while the gochujang-infused sauce brings the perfect amount of heat and flavor. Rabokki is a delightful and straightforward dish to recreate at home, providing a perfect blend of spiciness and comfort that will satisfy your cravings.

INGREDIENTS

• ½ pound Korean cylindrical rice cakes (about one-fourth package)
• 1 large flat Korean fish cake sheet (omuk), cut into squares or rectangles
• ½ tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ carrot, thinly sliced
• ½ sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ¼ cup gochujang
• 1½ tablespoons sugar
• 1 package Korean instant ramen noodles (Shin Ramen brand), broken into pieces
• 2 scallions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved (optional)

PREPARATIONS

1. If the rice cakes or fish cakes are frozen, thaw them in warm water and drain.
2. In a stockpot or large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add carrot and onion and stir-fry them until slightly softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add the rice cakes, fish cakes, and water and raise the heat to high. When the water boils, reduce the heat to medium.
4. Stir in the soy sauce, gochujang, and sugar. When the sauce starts to thicken, add the noodles.
5. Cook the noodles until tender, according to the directions on the package, stirring occasionally and adding a little more water if necessary. When the noodles are tender, add the scallions and remove from the heat.
6. Before serving, add half an egg to each bowl (if using).

YIELD

• Serves 4

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

• I love this dish super spicy, but you can reduce the amount of gochujang you use to make a less spicy dish.

TIPS

• Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of gochujang to suit your taste preferences.
• Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins of your choice, such as mushrooms, broccoli, or tofu.

In conclusion, Rabokki, the delightful combination of Ramen and Spicy Rice Cakes, is a flavorful and satisfying Korean street food that captures the hearts of many. The fusion of chewy rice cakes, instant ramen noodles, and a fiery gochujang-infused sauce creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen. The simplicity of this dish and the ability to customize the level of spiciness make it a versatile favorite that can cater to various taste preferences.

Prepare this dish to enjoy the comforting and addictive taste of Rabokki, whether as a delightful snack or a comforting lunch or dinner option. The combination of the chewy rice cakes, the umami-rich fish cakes, and the heat from the spicy sauce will undoubtedly leave you craving for more. Take your taste buds on a journey with Rabokki, and savor the delightful flavors that make Korean street food so beloved.