Tteokguk: The Korean Soup That Adds a Year to Your Life (Authentic Recipe Inside)
Introduction
Tteokguk, or Korean rice cake soup, is a traditional dish enjoyed on Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year. This savory and hearty soup made with thinly sliced garaetteok (cylindrical rice cakes) symbolizes a fresh start and marks the beginning of a new year. In Korean culture, eating tteokguk means you officially become one year older.
As a Korean food expert, I’ll walk you through how to make tteokguk from scratch, preserving both its authentic flavor and deep cultural meaning. Whether you're a fan of Korean cuisine or simply exploring Korean holiday food, this step-by-step tteokguk recipe will help you recreate a beloved Korean New Year dish in your own kitchen.
What Is Tteokguk?
Tteokguk (떡국) is a traditional Korean soup made with sliced rice cakes (garaetteok), cooked in a clear beef or anchovy broth. This Korean holiday food is typically topped with colorful garnishes like egg strips, seaweed flakes, green onions, and tender beef slices.
The dish is known for its mild but umami-rich flavor and soft, chewy rice cakes. It’s a must-have dish on Seollal, and its simplicity makes it a great introduction to Korean cooking.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
Main:
- 200g sliced garaetteok (Korean rice cakes for soup)
- 200g beef brisket or flank steak
- 1.5 liters water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 sheet of toasted seaweed (gim)
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp Korean soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Julienned egg yolk and egg white
- Toasted seaweed flakes
- A dash of perilla oil for aroma
How to Make Tteokguk: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soak the Rice Cakes
Soak the sliced garaetteok in cold water for 30 minutes to soften. This helps the rice cakes cook evenly and achieve a perfect chewy texture.
2. Make the Broth
Add beef and water to a large pot. Bring to a boil, skimming any foam. Add minced garlic and soy sauce. Lower the heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes until the beef is tender and the broth develops a deep flavor. This is the key to an authentic tteokguk broth.
3. Prepare the Garnishes
Fry a thin egg crepe and slice it into strips. Toast and crush seaweed. Chop green onions. These garnishes will add flavor, texture, and visual appeal to your rice cake soup.
4. Cook the Rice Cakes
Remove the beef and shred it. Add the soaked rice cakes to the broth and simmer for 5–6 minutes until soft and slightly translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Final Seasoning
Return the shredded beef to the pot. Add salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add a few drops of sesame or perilla oil to enhance the aroma of your Korean soup with rice cakes.
6. Plate and Garnish
Serve hot in individual bowls. Garnish generously with egg strips, crushed seaweed, and green onions. This homemade tteokguk is now ready to celebrate the Korean New Year.
Cultural Significance of Tteokguk
In Korea, it’s customary to eat tteokguk on Lunar New Year’s Day (Seollal) as a way to grow one year older and begin the year with a cleansed body and mind. This rice cake soup has been passed down for generations, reflecting the values of family, tradition, and renewal.
It’s not just a meal—it’s a ritual of identity, especially when shared with loved ones during Seollal gatherings.
Tips for Perfect Tteokguk
- Use Korean soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang) for the most authentic flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the rice cakes; they should be chewy, not mushy.
- For a vegetarian version, use dried kelp and shiitake mushroom stock instead of beef.
- Pair with kimchi or Korean pancakes (jeon) to complete the Korean holiday food experience.
Final Thoughts
This authentic tteokguk recipe captures the warmth, simplicity, and cultural meaning of Korean rice cake soup. Whether you’re making it for Seollal or introducing your friends to traditional Korean dishes, this homemade tteokguk will surely leave an impression.
Looking for more traditional Korean New Year recipes or everyday Korean soup ideas? Follow my blog for weekly recipes from a Korean kitchen to yours.