How To Reheat Tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean rice cake dish made with tteok (rice cakes), fish cakes, boiled eggs, and a spicy gochujang red chili sauce. It’s a delicious comfort food that’s quick and easy to make.

But like most foods, leftovers are inevitable. So how do you reheat tteokbokki to keep it tasting fresh and avoid a soggy mess? Follow this guide for tips on the best way to reheat tteokbokki rice cakes.

Preheat the oven.

One of the best ways to reheat tteokbokki is in the oven. This allows the rice cakes to heat evenly throughout without overcooking the exterior before the inside is warm.

Preheat your oven to 350°F before putting the tteokbokki in to reheat.

Use individual servings.

If you have leftover tteokbokki in one large container, divide it into individual serving sizes before reheating. This will help the rice cakes reheat faster. Scoop out portions into small oven-safe dishes or bowls. Reheating smaller amounts at a time will prevent uneven cooking.

Add a Little Broth

Tteokbokki can dry out when reheated. To keep it moist and juicy, add a splash of broth, water, or even the leftover sauce to the rice cakes before putting them in the oven. The small amount of liquid will rehydrate the rice cakes as they heat. Be careful not to make it too soggy. A tablespoon or two of liquid is all you need.

Cover with Foil

Before placing your individual tteokbokki portions in the preheated 350°F oven, cover each dish loosely with aluminum foil. This will trap steam and allow the rice cakes to heat up gently without drying out. Make sure the foil isn’t wrapped too tightly, or the tteokbokki won’t be able to heat through.

Heat for 10–15 minutes.

Depending on how large your tteokbokki portions are, they will likely only need 10–15 minutes in the oven to reheat fully. Check them after 10 minutes and continue reheating if the center still feels cool. You want the tteokbokki to be hot throughout, but be careful not to overcook them, which can cause them to dry out.

Stir Halfway

About 5 minutes into the reheating process, carefully remove the foil cover and stir the tteokbokki. This will ensure even heating. Place the foil back over top and return it to the oven for the remainder of the reheating time.

Keep sauce separate.

For best results, reheat the tteokbokki sauce in a small pot on the stove while you reheat the rice cakes in the oven. Warm the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. By reheating the sauce separately, you can avoid soggy rice cakes.

Add sauce just before serving.

Once the tteokbokki rice cakes have been reheated, remove them from the oven and mix in the warmed sauce right before serving. This will keep the rice cakes from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy. Mix the sauce in just until the rice cakes are evenly coated for the best texture.

Don’t Microwave

While quick, reheating tteokbokki in the microwave often results in mushy, unevenly cooked rice cakes. The tteokbokki can also easily dry out in the microwave. For best results, use the oven. Microwaving should be avoided to ensure the best taste and texture.

Store leftovers properly.

To make reheating easier, be sure to store any leftover tteokbokki properly in the first place. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Properly stored, tteokbokki will keep for 3–4 days. When stored properly, leftovers won’t dry out and will reheat more evenly later on.

Add fresh garnishes before serving.

While the rice cakes reheat, freshen up any garnishes like sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or boiled eggs. Drain any leftover fish cakes and chop if desired. Add fresh garnishes just before serving to give the reheated tteokbokki a fresh look and taste.

Adjust Seasoning

Taste test the reheated tteokbokki before serving. If needed, adjust the seasoning by adding more red chili paste, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, or other ingredients to taste. This ensures full flavor and prevents a bland, reheated meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reheating Tteokbokki

What is the best way to reheat tteokbokki rice cakes?

The best way to reheat tteokbokki is in a 350°F oven. This allows the rice cakes to heat gently and evenly without drying out. Reheat in individual serving sizes for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil.

Should you add liquid when reheating?

Yes, adding a small amount of broth, water, or sauce helps rehydrate the rice cakes as they reheat. Be careful not to make them too soggy. Just 1-2 tablespoons of liquid are needed.

Is it okay to reheat the sauce separately?

It’s best to reheat the sauce in a pot on the stove separately from the rice cakes. This prevents the tteokbokki from getting soggy. Mix the sauce in right before serving.

Why shouldn’t you microwave tteokbokki to reheat?

Microwaving often makes tteokbokki soggy and unevenly heated. The oven gives much better results for evenly reheated rice cakes with the best texture.

How long does reheated tteokbokki last in the fridge?

Properly stored, leftover reheated tteokbokki will keep for 3–4 days in the fridge, just like fresh tteokbokki. Ensure it is cooled and stored in an airtight container.

Can you reheat tteokbokki in an air fryer?

An air fryer can be used to reheat tteokbokki, but the oven is still ideal. Reheat in an air fryer at 300°F in small portions for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Should you add more sauce after reheating tteokbokki?

Taste the reheated tteokbokki and add more sauce if needed. You can also add more seasoning, red chili paste, sesame oil, etc. to adjust the flavor after reheating.

What’s the best way to reheat rice cakes for stir-fries?

To reheat rice cakes for stir fries, microwave them in 30-second intervals until heated through. They’ll soak up any sauce added to the stir-fry. Don’t overcook them.

Can you reheat pre-made frozen tteokbokki?

It’s best not to freeze pre-made tteokbokki, but you can reheat frozen prepared tteokbokki in the oven at 350°F until hot in the center, about 15-20 minutes. The texture will suffer, though.