Tteok

Korean rice cake

Various types of tteok

Tteok (떡) is a class of Korean rice cakes made with glutinous or non-glutinous rice. It is a staple in Korean cuisine and is often enjoyed during special occasions, celebrations, and festivals. Tteok can be steamed, pounded, boiled, or pan-fried, and it comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and flavors.

Preparation

Siru, a rice cake steamer

The preparation of tteok involves steaming or pounding rice. Traditionally, a special steamer called a siru is used to steam the rice. The rice is soaked, ground, and then placed in the siru to be steamed. After steaming, the rice is pounded to achieve the desired texture. The pounding process is often done using a large wooden mallet and a stone or wooden mortar.

Types of Tteok

Tteok comes in many varieties, each with unique ingredients and preparation methods. Some of the most popular types include:

Baekseolgi

Baekseolgi

Baekseolgi is a white, fluffy rice cake made by steaming rice flour. It is often used in celebrations such as birthdays and weddings due to its pure white color, symbolizing purity and cleanliness.

Sultteok

Sultteok

Sultteok is a layered rice cake made with red bean paste. The layers of rice cake and sweet red bean paste create a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

Injeolmi

Injeolmi

Injeolmi is a chewy rice cake coated with powdered soybeans. It is known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, making it a popular snack.

Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a spicy and savory dish made with cylindrical rice cakes, fish cakes, and a spicy gochujang sauce. It is a popular street food in Korea, known for its bold flavors and satisfying texture.

Songpyeon

Songpyeon and Kkultteok

Songpyeon is a half-moon shaped rice cake filled with sweet fillings such as sesame seeds, red beans, or chestnuts. It is traditionally made during the Chuseok holiday and is often colored with natural dyes.

Cultural Significance

Tteok holds a significant place in Korean culture and is often associated with celebrations and rituals. It is commonly used in ancestral rites, weddings, and birthdays. The variety of tteok served can symbolize different wishes, such as prosperity, health, and happiness.

Related Pages

• Korean cuisine
• Rice cake
• Gochujang
• Chuseok

Tteok at a festival