Korean Rabokki: The Hot Recipe That's Taking the World by storm

Rabokki (라볶이) is one of the most beloved dishes of Korean street cuisine: in fact, the country has no shortage of street food and it is precisely this tradition that also inspires our Mamma Tteokbokki in via Paolo Sarpi 41 , in the heart of Milan's Chinatown.

This dish, known for its unique flavor and irresistible combination of textures, will make you fall in love at first bite.

If you've never heard of rabokki and we've piqued your curiosity, get ready to discover a recipe that combines the best of tteokbokki , the famous Korean rice dumplings, with the beloved ramen . The result? A fusion of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors that will make your mouth water.

In this article, we'll explore everything there is to know about rabokki, from its history to the traditional recipe and modern variations . And, of course, I'll guide you step-by-step through the preparation of this delicious dish that's driving Asian cuisine fans wild around the world.

What is Rabokki?

Rabokki is a variation of the traditional tteokbokki , an iconic Korean street food dish. Tteokbokki is made with "tteok," or Korean rice dumplings , which are cooked in a spicy sauce made with gochujang (fermented chili paste) and sugar.

The "rabokki" version, on the other hand, adds ramen (Korean noodles) to the mix, creating a perfect combination of textures . The dish is a kind of comfort food that combines the best of noodles and rice in a single dish full of flavor and spiciness.

The history of Rabokki

Although not a traditional Korean dish, rabokki has gained popularity in recent decades, especially among young people. The combination of tteokbokki and ramen was likely a street food creation that capitalized on two dishes already beloved in Korean food culture. Over the years, rabokki has become a true icon of fast and street food in South Korea, often served at food trucks and stalls .

Today, rabokki is not just a street food, but can also be found in restaurants and homes , mainly because of its versatility and the ease with which it can be prepared.

Let's make rabokki! Here are the ingredients:

The ingredients for rabokki are relatively easy to find, especially if you have access to well-stocked Asian grocery stores or supermarkets… Like Mood Market !

Here's what you'll need:

• Tteok (rice dumplings): You can find these in Asian grocery stores, including online . If you can't find them, you can substitute mochi or other rice cakes.
• Korean Ramen: Choose instant ramen for a quick preparation. The most common variety is spicy, which pairs perfectly with this dish.
• Gochujang sauce: Fermented chili paste is the key ingredient in creating the spicy flavor that characterizes rabokki.
• Broth or water: to create a liquid base that blends flavors.
• Sugar and soy sauce: to add sweetness and umami to the sauce .
• Vegetables (optional): Spring onions, carrots, or bok choy for a crunchy, fresh touch.

How to Make Korean Rabokki

Now that you have all the ingredients on hand, it's time to make your delicious rabokki! Follow this simple recipe to make this dish at home.

Ingredients:

• 200g tteok (rice cakes)
• 1 package of Korean ramen (preferably spicy)
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (fermented chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 500 ml chicken broth or water
• Chopped spring onions (optional)
• 1 egg (optional, for added creaminess)

Procedure:

1. Making the tteok (rice dumplings): If the tteok are frozen, soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them.
2. Cook the ramen: In a pot, bring the broth or water to a boil. Add the ramen and cook until the noodles are tender, but not fully cooked (this will allow the noodles to absorb the flavors of the sauce).
3. Add the gochujang: Add the gochujang paste, soy sauce, and sugar to the broth, stirring well to dissolve the chili paste. At this point, the liquid will begin to thicken and become aromatic.
4. Add the tteok: Add the soaked tteok to the broth and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they absorb the flavors of the sauce.
5. Finish the dish: Add the pre-cooked ramen to the pot, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. If desired, add a hard-boiled egg on top for a creamy touch.
6. Serving: Plate the rabokki and garnish with some chopped spring onion. Serve hot and enjoy!

Our variation of Rabokki: hot chicken "carbonara" flavour

Even though the traditional recipe is already delicious, rabokki can be customized in many ways, just like we did in this reel !

We chose to create a “carbonara” version of rabokki, with rosé tteokbokki and melted cheddar, combined with cream and milk (which you can find on the menu in Milan , at Via Paolo Sarpi 41 at Mamma Tteokbokki!).

Some additional ingredients you might consider including, typically, are:

• Melted cheese: A typical addition to many modern versions of rabokki. The melted cheese creates a creamy texture that perfectly contrasts with the spiciness of the sauce.
• Meat: You can add beef or chicken for a heartier dish – we opted for sausages.
• Jjajang: This is a thick, flavorful Korean sauce made from fermented black bean paste, oil, onion, pork or beef, and vegetables, often used to season noodles or rice.
• Fresh vegetables: carrots, spring onions, or spinach add freshness and crunch to the dish.