Name: Spicy Rabokki (Ramen with Tteokbokki) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pack ramen noodles; 4-5 hard boiled eggs; 1 lb Korean rice cakes (tteokbokki rice cakes); 2 sheets fish cakes, cut into pieces; 2 green onions, cut into 2 inch lengths; 1 cup cabbage, chopped; 3 ½ cups anchovy stock (prepared using 3 ½ cups water + 2 anchovy stock tablets or homemade anchovy broth); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes); 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste); 2 cloves garlic, minced; Chopped green onions; White sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 64 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that perfectly marries chewy rice cakes with slurp-worthy noodles, you’re in for a real treat with this Spicy Rabokki (Ramen with Tteokbokki) Recipe. This vibrant Korean comfort food packs a punch with its rich, spicy sauce and a delightful combination of textures from tender ramen, plump rice cakes, savory fish cakes, and hearty hard boiled eggs. Whether you’re craving a cozy lunch, an easy dinner, or a satisfying late-night snack, this dish hits all the right spots with its bold flavors and truly comforting vibe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In the left image, a black pan contains a bright red spicy broth with several white, smooth cylindrical rice cakes neatly placed on top, along with green leafy cabbage pieces and small green sliced chili peppers visible under the broth. Two small white bowls on a white marbled surface behind the pan hold sesame seeds and sliced green chili peppers. In the right image, the same pan shows the dish boiling with bubbles and steam rising, the rice cakes partially submerged and softened in the thick red sauce mixed with cabbage and green vegetables, creating an intense red-orange color with texture from the vegetables and rice cakes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe’s signature flavor and texture. The simplicity of each component shines through, whether it’s the chewy rice cakes that offer that iconic bite, the spicy red pepper paste that gives the dish its fiery soul, or the anchovy stock that builds deep umami notes.

1 pack ramen noodles: These quick-cooking noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, adding heartiness to the dish.
4-5 hard boiled eggs: Soft yet firm, eggs give an extra layer of richness and protein.
1 lb Korean rice cakes: The star ingredient, providing chewy, satisfying texture essential to rabokki.
2 sheets fish cakes, cut into pieces: Adds a subtle savory flavor and a bit of bounce.
2 green onions, cut into 2-inch lengths: Fresh and crisp, they brighten and balance the dish.
3 ½ cups anchovy stock (using anchovy stock tablets is fine): Deep, savory base that makes the sauce irresistible.
2 tbsp soy sauce: Brings saltiness and umami to tie all flavors together.
2 tbsp sugar: Balances the heat with just a hint of sweetness.
1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): Adds smoky heat with complexity.
3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste): The rich, fermented chili paste that provides signature spiciness and depth.
Garnish: chopped green onion and white sesame seeds: For a fresh, nutty finish that’s just beautiful on top.

How to Make Spicy Rabokki (Ramen with Tteokbokki) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Sauce

Start by mixing together soy sauce, sugar, gochugaru, gochujang, and minced garlic in a bowl. This combination forms the vibrant, spicy heart of the dish that will coat every ingredient with rich, balanced flavor.

Step 2: Bring the Anchovy Broth to a Boil

In a pot, add your anchovy broth—made with water and anchovy stock tablets for convenience—and bring it to a lively boil. This broth gives the recipe a distinct umami backbone that keeps you coming back for more.

Step 3: Incorporate the Sauce and Veggies

Once boiling, stir in the sauce from step one until fully combined. Then add in chopped cabbage, green onions, and the Korean rice cakes. Let everything simmer together for 8-10 minutes until the rice cakes become soft and have that addictive chew, and the sauce thickens nicely.

Step 4: Add Fish Cakes and Eggs

Now it’s time to stir in your fish cake pieces and hard boiled eggs. Use a spoon or spatula to gently create some space in the center of the pot for the noodles, making sure everything stays evenly coated with sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Ramen Noodles

Add the pack of ramen noodles right into the center space you made. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the noodles reach that perfect softness and soak up the spicy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, sprinkle chopped green onions and white sesame seeds over the top for a fresh, toasty finish. Serve hot, dive in, and enjoy the soulful warmth of your homemade Spicy Rabokki (Ramen with Tteokbokki) Recipe!

How to Serve Spicy Rabokki (Ramen with Tteokbokki) Recipe

The image shows a black pan filled with a spicy orange-red sauce covering soft white rice cakes scattered evenly on the bottom. There are three boiled eggs that are pale yellow with some specks of red spice around the edges placed around the pan. Golden-brown fish cakes cut into small rectangles lie between the rice cakes and eggs. A thick bunch of curly, wet noodles coated in the same orange-red sauce is lifted above the pan by a pair of dark chopsticks held by a woman's hand, showing the shiny, smooth, and sticky texture of the noodles. The background has a small white bowl with brown sesame seeds and a red container blurred out, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a final flourish of chopped green onions and toasted white sesame seeds brightens each bite with aromatic freshness and subtle nuttiness. You can also try a sprinkle of crushed roasted seaweed for an extra layer of umami complexity.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs beautifully with simple Korean sides like lightly pickled radish, kimchi, or a crisp cucumber salad. These sides offer a refreshing crunch and a nice contrast to the spicy, chewy main event.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your rabokki in individual shallow bowls with eggs halved on top to showcase their golden centers. Or try layering the noodles and rice cakes in a clear serving dish so the vibrant red sauce and colorful ingredients shine through. It makes the meal feel extra special when shared with friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have some leftover Spicy Rabokki (Ramen with Tteokbokki) Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The rice cakes may continue to soften, but the flavors will deepen, making your next meal just as tasty.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the texture of the rice cakes and noodles may change upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, place the dish in a freezer-safe container and consume within a month. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftover rabokki gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to evenly redistribute heat.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice cakes if I don’t have Korean ones?

Traditional Korean rice cakes are best for their texture and taste, but if unavailable, you can try substituting mochi or other cylindrical rice cakes. Just note that the chewiness and cooking times may vary slightly.

Is Spicy Rabokki very hot or can I adjust the spice level?

This recipe packs a good amount of heat from gochujang and gochugaru, but you can always reduce the chili flakes or paste to suit your taste. Adding a bit more sugar or broth can also balance spiciness without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! Swap the anchovy stock for vegetable broth and omit fish cakes. You can add mushrooms or tofu for extra texture and protein to keep it hearty and satisfying.

How long do the rice cakes take to become soft when cooking?

Rice cakes typically take about 8-10 minutes of simmering in the sauce to reach the perfect soft and chewy consistency, but always taste-test to ensure they’re cooked to your liking.

What types of ramen noodles work best?

Fresh Korean ramen noodles are ideal, but instant ramen packets work well too. Just use the noodles without the seasoning packet so you can fully enjoy the rich homemade sauce of rabokki.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Rabokki (Ramen with Tteokbokki) Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — all the spice, comfort, and satisfaction you could ask for in one pot. It’s accessible, fun to make, and bound to become a beloved favorite whether you’re cooking solo or sharing it with friends. So go ahead, give it a try and let this spicy, soulful meal bring a little extra joy to your kitchen.