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Sweet Soy Butter Korean Rice Cakes Recipe

4.5 from 70 reviews

Sweet Soy Butter Korean Rice Cakes are a deliciously sticky and flavorful snack or side dish featuring chewy rice cakes coated in a rich glaze of butter, honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce. This quick skillet-cooked recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory notes for a comforting Korean-inspired treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Cakes

  • 1 pound Korean rice cakes

Glaze

  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice Cakes: If your Korean rice cakes are frozen or refrigerated, soak them in water for 20 to 30 minutes to soften. After soaking, pat them dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture during cooking.
  2. Sear the Rice Cakes: Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rice cakes in a single layer and let them sear undisturbed for 2 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Carefully flip the rice cakes and cook for an additional 3 minutes until golden on the other side. Remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Make the Glaze: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir the mixture continuously until it melts and becomes smooth and bubbly, forming a rich glaze.
  4. Coat and Finish Cooking: Return the rice cakes to the skillet and toss them gently in the glaze to coat evenly. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 more minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly and cling to the rice cakes. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Soaking rice cakes is essential for frozen or refrigerated ones to soften them properly before cooking.
  • Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola to avoid overpowering flavors.
  • For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil in the glaze step.
  • Serve immediately as rice cakes tend to harden when cooled.
  • You can garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.

Keywords: Korean rice cakes, tteokbokki, sweet soy glaze, Korean snack, butter rice cakes, quick Korean recipe