Vegan Tteokbokki (Grilled)

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Vegan Tteokbokki — grilled style! We're taking this classic Korean dish to a whole new level by giving it a deliciously smoky twist. So, let's fire up the grill and dive into this mouthwatering adventure!

Grilled vegan Tteokbokki topped with green onion on skewers assembled on a plate.

We're talking about smoky, grilled Korean rice cakes dripping with a spicy and savory sauce. Whether you're a vegan, gluten-free, or just someone who appreciates trying out new barbecue foods, this recipe has got you covered.

This recipe is great with other barbecue foods such as summer salads or our homemade vegan cocktail wieners. For more ideas read the substitution and variations sections. These ideas and examples will take your grilled vegan tteokbokki to the next level!

Jump to:

📋 Ingredients
👩🏽‍🍳 How To Make Grilled Vegan Tteokbokki
🍴 Substitutions
🔪 Variations
🍽 Equipment
🥣 How To Store Tteokbokki
🍚 Serving Ideas
💭 Recipe FAQ
More Vegan Recipes
📖 Recipe
💬 Reviews

This post is supported by Ty Ling and O-Yaki. A big shoutout to the supporting brands who make The Simple Sprinkle possible! Please note that all opinions shared are my own.

📋 Ingredients

To make grilled vegan tteokbokki, you will need the following ingredients:

Korean rice cakes
Black and white sesame seeds
Green onion

For the spicy sauce

Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
Red pepper flakes
Soy sauce
Ty Ling's duck sauce
Minced garlic
Ty Ling's Sesame oil
Mirin
Rice Vinegar

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

👩🏽‍🍳 How To Make Grilled Vegan Tteokbokki

To make and grill vegan tteokbokki at home follow our step-by-step guide:

A homemade spicy sauce for rice cakes in a bowl. Next to it is a small bowl of chili flakes.

Let's start things off by making the sauce to glaze your rice cakes. In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, duck sauce, mirin, garlic, and sesame oil. Set it aside, and let those flavors enhance!

Next, bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the rice cakes and let them boil until they become softened and cooked through, which usually takes around 3 minutes. Drain the rice cakes in a colander and give them a rinse with cold water until they're cool enough to handle.

Cooked, unglazed Korean rice cakes thread on skewers.

Now, turn on your grill and let it heat up to a toasty 350-400°F (175-200°C). While the grill is preheating, thread the rice cakes onto skewers. We are using the O-Yaki Skewer System here.

Korean rice cakes are glazed on skewers before grilling. Next to the plate are Ty Ling's duck sauce and sesame oil, as well as the homemade glaze.

Then brush the rice cakes with that tasty sauce we made earlier. Make sure to coat them evenly, allowing the flavors to seep into every nook and cranny.

A person holding the glazed vegan Tteokbokki on skewers assembled in the O-yaki skewer system before grilling.

Place the skewered rice cakes onto your grill. Grill those bad boys until they develop a light char and become irresistibly smoky. Keep the grill closed. This process usually takes about 5-8 minutes. If you are using skewers without the O-yaki system, make sure to flip them half way through.

Grilled vegan Tteokbokki on skewers next to a grill outdoors.

Once your tteokbokki is grilled be sure to use a grilling tong or heat-proof gloves to remove the skewers from the grill. Once cool enough to handle, transfer them to a platter and garnish. Enjoy on its own, or with preferred sides!

🍴 Substitutions

Are you looking for substitutions or quicker alternatives? Here is a list of possible substitutions:

Rice Cakes - If you can't find Korean rice cakes, don't worry! You can substitute them with Japanese mochi or even Chinese glutinous rice balls. The texture might be slightly different, but the result will still be deliciously chewy.
Gochujang - If you don't have gochujang, a Korean chili paste, you can try using Sriracha or another chili paste of your choice. Adjust the quantity according to your desired level of spiciness.
Ty Ling's Duck Sauce - If you don't have Ty Ling's duck sauce on hand, you can substitute it with a combination of hoisin sauce and a touch of maple syrup or agave syrup to replicate that sweet and savory flavor.
Sesame Seeds - If you don't have sesame seeds, you can substitute them with crushed peanuts or chopped cashews for a nutty twist.

Remember, these substitutions will bring their own unique flavors and textures to the dish, so feel free to experiment and adapt based on your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy exploring different variations and discovering your favorite twist on our recipe!

🔪 Variations

Here are some exciting variation ideas to change up your grilled vegan tteokbokki recipe:

Add a splash of lime juice and some chopped cilantro to the sauce for a Thai-inspired twist, or mix in a bit of teriyaki sauce for a Japanese-Korean fusion flavor.
Enhance the smoky flavor by brushing the rice cakes with a tangy BBQ sauce before grilling. The rich BBQ sauce is a great alternative for anyone who wants to avoid spicy foods.

If you end up whipping up a fantastic variation of our recipe, don't forget to drop a comment at the bottom of the blog post! I'm all ears and absolutely thrilled to hear about your culinary adventures.

🍽 Equipment

To make this grilled tteokbokki recipe, you'll need some kitchen equipment. For boiling the rice cakes, you'll need a medium-sized pot to cook them until they become softened and cooked through.

To drain the cooked rice cakes, you'll need a colander to remove any excess water. For best grilling results, use skewers to thread rice cakes on. We used the O-Yaki Skewer System which enhances the presentation and flavor of the tteokbokki.

Grilled vegan Tteokbokki on skewers assembled on the O-Yaki skewer system.

You also need a grill to cook the skewered rice cakes. Make sure your grill is turned on and preheated to a temperature range of 350-400°F (175-200°C) for optimal results.

Use a basting brush to coat the rice cakes with the sauce before grilling. This will ensure that the sauce is evenly distributed. Last but least, make sure to use a grilling tong or heatproof gloves when handling the hot skewers.

With these essential pieces of equipment, you are all set to create fantastic grilled vegan tteokbokki. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!

Find product links in the recipe card below.

🥣 How To Store Tteokbokki

Let's talk about what to do with those mouthwatering leftovers of our grilled tteokbokki. To store your tteokbokki leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. As it cools, the tteokbokki will firm up, but you can soften it by reheating them. Enjoy it within 2-3 days for the best taste.

🍚 Serving Ideas

Looking for dishes to serve with your grilled vegan tteokbokki? Here are some delicious serving ideas for you:

Serve it with your favorite vegan meats! Great options for a barbecue are vegan sausages and vegan steak. We also love to prepare some textured vegetable protein, and noodles and stir-fry them on a grill griddle with stir-fry veggies. But any of your favorite vegan meat alternatives suitable for cookouts work!
Create a colorful and nutritious meal by serving your grilled vegan tteokbokki alongside a variety of grilled or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots.
Complement the grilled tteokbokki with a refreshing salad. We love to prepare a crisp salad with lettuce, cucumber, shredded cabbage, and radishes tossed in a light dressing like a sesame-soy vinaigrette.
Pair them with a side of spicy and tangy kimchi. The fermented flavors of kimchi add depth to the dish and provide a contrasting taste that complements the smoky and grilled rice cakes.

Remember to adjust the serving ideas based on personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Let us know what you served your tteokbokki with, in the comment section at the end of this article!

💭 Recipe FAQ

What is tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki is a Korean dish made with chewy rice cakes that are typically stir-fried or grilled in a spicy sauce. It's a beloved street food in Korea, known for its bold and addictive flavors. The rice cakes absorb the savory, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce, creating a delightful combination of taste and texture.

What does tteokbokki taste like?

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean dish with chewy rice cakes stir-fried in a spicy sauce. The rice cakes taste like pounded rice and therefore have a fairly neutral taste. The glaze covering the rice cakes is savory, slightly sweet, and spicy. So overall tteokbokki tastes sweet and spicy, and its texture is chewy!

Is tteokbokki healthy?

Tteokbokki can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Please keep in mind that it is typically high in carbohydrates and can be spicy due to the use of gochujang and other seasonings. Moderation is key, and incorporating a variety of nutritious foods alongside tteokbokki is recommended for a well-rounded and healthy diet.

Where to buy tteokbokki?

Many cities have dedicated Korean or Asian grocery stores where you can find pre-packaged tteokbokki or the ingredients needed to make it at home. Additionally, some online retailers such as Amazon offer tteokbokki kits or ingredients such as Korean rice cakes for delivery, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish conveniently.