Korean Rice Cakes With Chicken

This dish brings together the delightful chewiness of Korean rice cakes with tender, juicy chicken, complemented by the freshness of summer corn and shiitake mushrooms. The earthy notes from the mushroom water deepen the rich hoisin and red chile sauce, and the sautéed cashews with fresh ginger add a delightful crunch.

A technique used in this recipe is velveting the chicken with baking soda, ensuring every bite is flavorful and tender. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick, comforting meal or eager to try Korean cuisine, these Korean rice cake recipes will quickly become a favorite, combining satisfying textures and rich flavors.

What Are Korean Rice Cakes?

Korean rice cakes, or tteok, are a great ingredient that pairs well with various sauces and flavors. Though they might look plain on their own, they become the highlight of a dish when paired with spicy gochujang or savory broth.

Tteok comes in different shapes, like oval and rod. Oval rice cakes are used in soups like tteokguk for special occasions, while rod-shaped tteok is great for stir-fries and other dishes. They work well in both sweet and savory recipes, making them a versatile addition to your cooking.

Where To Buy Korean Rice Cakes.

To find authentic Korean rice cakes, your best bet is a local Korean grocery store, which usually has a great selection. If there’s no Korean store nearby, check out Asian markets—they often carry a few types. Some mainstream stores like Trader Joe’s also stock them, though the texture might be a bit different.

For those looking to explore rice cake recipes, online retailers like Amazon are convenient and offer many options.

When shopping, Korean rice cakes can be found in the freezer, refrigerator, or unrefrigerated sections. Refrigerated ones often have the best texture and flavor. You can use them in stir-fries, and soups, or even try new recipes like fritters or tacos. So, next time you shop, look for those chilled packs—they might just become a new favorite in your cooking!

Key Tips – Korean Rice Cakes With Chicken

The Rice Cakes Will Soften Quickly, And Continue To Soften After They’re Removed From Heat.

When making Korean rice cakes, timing is very crucial. Rice cakes soak up flavors well, but if you cook them too long, they can turn mushy. To avoid this, aim for a texture similar to al dente pasta. Watch them closely as they cook, and if they’re getting soft too fast, take them off the heat and let the residual heat finish the job.

Choose ingredients that balance the flavors without overpowering the rice cakes. Marinated chicken adds savory depth, and vegetables like bok choy or shiitake mushrooms bring texture that complements the firmness of the rice cakes. Paying attention to these details will help the rice cakes stand out in your dish.

Don’t Skip The Chicken Tenderizing Process.

When making Korean chicken rice cake, tenderizing the meat is key. Velveting might sound complicated, but it’s actually a simple step that makes a big difference. Just sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the chicken, let it rest, then rinse it off. This helps keep the chicken moist and prevents it from drying out when cooked.

Skipping this step can lead to tough or dry chicken, which doesn’t pair well with the chewy rice cakes. Taking a moment to tenderize the chicken ensures better results.

Check Out The Guide On Freezing Fresh Garlic To Save Some Time In The Kitchen.

Korean rice cakes, or tteok, are great with chicken and can make any meal special. A useful tip is to use fresh garlic you’ve prepped and frozen. Just add some from the freezer for extra flavor without extra prep time.

You can also switch up your ingredients. Try different marinades like teriyaki or citrus. Adding seasonal veggies like bell peppers or snap peas makes the dish colorful and nutritious.

Substitute Broccoli Or Your Favorite stir-fried veggie.

Korean rice cakes taste great with a variety of vegetables. Instead of just chicken, try using your favorite stir-fry veggies. Pair the chewy rice cakes with crispy broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms for a dream dish. Carrots add sweetness, and mixing in seasonal veggies makes your dish both nutritious and unique.

The Sauce Can Be Mixed Ahead Of Time.

When making Korean rice cakes with chicken, prep ahead for an easy cooking process. Mix your sauce in advance so it’s ready when you cook, making your meal tastier and smoother. Also, use baking soda to tenderize the chicken, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This keeps the chicken juicy and saves you time.

How To Make Velvet Chicken With Baking Soda.

Velveting chicken makes it extra tender and perfect for dishes with Korean rice cakes. To velvet chicken, coat it in a baking soda and water mix for 15-20 minutes. This makes the chicken soft and helps sauces stick better. 

After velveting, try making a stir-fry or casserole with fried rice cakes. The rice cakes soak up flavors and pair well with the tender chicken. Experiment with sauces like spicy gochujang or soy garlic to boost the taste.

Dietary Restrictions – Korean Rice Cakes With Chicken

This Dish Is Naturally Dairy-Free.

Korean rice cakes, or tteok, are a great base for creative cooking, especially with tender chicken. They’re naturally dairy-free, which is perfect for those avoiding dairy or looking for lighter meals.

Marinate your chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil to add rich flavors that stick well. You can also add seasonal veggies like bok choy or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. This way, you get a delicious dish that fits various dietary needs and looks great on the plate.

Make It Gluten-Free.

If you’re gluten-free but love Asian flavors, you can still enjoy Korean rice cakes without worry. The key is to choose gluten-free sauces, as many traditional oyster sauces contain gluten. Brands like Kikkoman and Lee Kum Kee offer gluten-free options that keep the rich umami taste you love.

You can also use tamari or gluten-free dark soy sauce. These substitutes work well and add great flavor to your dishes.

A Note On Serving Sizes

Serving sizes vary based on personal needs and preferences. While a standard serving might be four portions, it’s important to adjust based on your hunger and energy needs. Cultural views on portion sizes also differ, so listen to your body’s signals and adjust portions to fit your own needs and goals. Use standard servings as a starting point, but tailor them to what works best for you.

Ingredients

• 1 lb rice cakes Korean or Chinese sliced rice cakes
• 1 lb chicken breast
• 8 oz sugar snap peas or sub snow peas, broccoli, or other veggies
• 4 green onions greens and whites sliced thin and separated
• 2 tablespoons freshly minced garlic
• olive oil or veggie oil, for stir-frying
• toasted sesame seeds for topping

For sauce:

• ¾ cup chicken stock or sub veggie stock
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons mirin Japanese sweet cooking wine
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce or sub-regular soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions

• When preparing chicken for a Korean rice cake recipe, slicing and tenderizing are important. Cut your chicken into thick slices and then into bite-sized pieces. Tenderizing the chicken makes it more juicy and tender. Lay the chicken flat on a board for even seasoning so every piece tastes great.

• Sprinkling baking soda on chicken might seem odd, but it’s a great trick. It makes the meat juicier and less tough by changing its protein structure. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it well. This removes any bitterness and gets the chicken ready for marinating or cooking.

• While the chicken tenderizes, prepare your veggies. Pick colorful options like bell peppers, carrots, and bok choy for a nice crunch that pairs well with the chewy rice cakes. Slice them evenly so they cook nicely and look great. Fresh veggies add flavor and nutrition to make your meal even better.

• After prepping the veggies, rinse the rice cakes in warm water. This helps remove excess starch and keeps them from sticking together. Gently separate any clumped pieces to keep their chewy texture. Mix cornstarch with chicken stock to create a creamy base.

• To get the best sear on your chicken, place it flat in a hot pan. This creates a golden crust that locks in flavor and moisture. This rich, flavorful crust will blend perfectly with the flavors in your Japanese Chicken Curry.

• Adding snap peas gives your dish a pop of color and freshness. The slight char on the peas brings out their natural sweetness and keeps them crispy.

• Turn the heat to medium-low and push the snap peas to one side of the pan. Add a bit more oil, garlic, and green onion whites. Cook for about one minute, just until you smell the aroma.

• Adding rice cakes to your dish turns it into a Korean classic. Stir them often to make sure they soak up the sauce and don’t stick or burn. They’ll keep softening even after you take them off the heat, so remove them when they’re just right. If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water to fix it. Finish with green onion tops and toasted sesame seeds for extra color and crunch.

Korean Rice Cake Recipe Ideas

Looking for some Korean rice cake recipe ideas? You can start with Spicy Tteokbokki, a popular dish that stir-fries chewy rice cakes in a spicy gochujang sauce with fish cakes and boiled eggs. For a sweet option, try Sweet Honey Tteok, where glutinous rice cakes are drizzled with honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, Tteokguk (Rice Cake Soup) offers a savory option, with sliced rice cakes simmered in a rich beef or chicken broth. For a fun twist, try Cheese-Stuffed Tteok, where the rice cakes are filled with melted cheese and pan-fried until crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

Conclusion

Korean rice cakes with chicken are a delightful dish that combines chewy rice cakes with tender, flavorful chicken. This recipe is easy to adapt to various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re cooking a comforting meal for yourself or preparing an impressive dish for guests, this Korean classic is sure to shine. With its perfect blend of textures and rich flavors, this dish offers a delicious taste of Korean cuisine that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

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