What is Tteok-bokki (떡볶이)?

There are many different variations of Tteok-bokki that have been developed over the course of Korean history. 

The term Tteok-bokki (떡볶이) contains the word “볶” which would usually mean this dish is stir-fried when made. But in reality, there are different cooking methods that are used for various dishes that fall under the category of “Tteok-bokki”. 

The seasoned rice cake dishes that are called “Tteok-bokki” can actually be cooked using different cooking methods such as:

• Braising
• Soup/Simmering in liquid
• Stir-fried

Some say the reason this blanket term “Tteok-bokki” is used when describing all seasoned rice cake dishes is that it originates from the first ever recorded version of Tteok-bokki, which was stir-fried. 

So, what is Tteok-bokki? I would describe it as a dish that contains rice cake as the main ingredient.