Tteok Bok Ki

It wouldn’t be much of an exaggeration to call tteok bok ki (pronounced tuk-bow-kee) food fit for royalty: the first historical records of this savory and satisfying rice cake dish come from a 19th century Korean cookbook, where it’s cited as an example of court cuisine. Originally served in soy sauce, tteok bok ki took on its modern- day red hue and sweet, peppery flavor profile via one chef ’s introduction of gochujang sauce in the mid-20th century, and has since become a darling of Korean BBQ connoisseurs and street food aficionados the world over. And now, this rich, spicy delicacy of rather royal origins has found a new domain: The freezer aisle at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. Make way for Trader Joe’s Tteok Bok Ki!

Made for us by a supplier in Korea, each package of Trader Joe’s Tteok Bok Ki comes with a portion of bite- sized rice cakes and a packet of fiery, gochujang-spiced sauce. Equally delicious as an appetizer, snack, or meal, especially when topped with a fried egg or freshly grilled Short Ribs. They can be prepared in a more traditional manner, by boiling the rice cakes in water, adding the sauce, and simmering until thick, or made extra crispy by giving them a turn in the skillet or air fryer prior to incorporating the sauce. In either case, they’ll have a delightfully chewy, almost mochi-like texture, and a bold, peppery heat which pairs well with an ice-cold soju or frosted glass of PLZNR Czech Style Lager.