Tteok

Tteok

Tteok (_) is a class of Korean rice cakes made with glutinous or non-glutinous rice. It is a staple in Korean cuisine and is often served during special occasions, celebrations, and festivals. Tteok can be steamed, pounded, boiled, or pan-fried, and it comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors.

History

Tteok has a long history in Korea, dating back to ancient times. It was traditionally made during harvest festivals and other important events. The process of making tteok was labor-intensive, often involving the use of a jeolgu (__), a large mortar and pestle, to pound the rice into a sticky dough.

Types of Tteok

There are many different types of tteok, each with its own unique preparation method and ingredients.

Baekseolgi

Baekseolgi (___) is a type of steamed tteok made with non-glutinous rice flour. It is white in color and has a soft, fluffy texture. Baekseolgi is often used in celebrations such as birthdays and weddings.

Injeolmi

Injeolmi (___) is a chewy variety of tteok made by steaming and pounding glutinous rice. It is coated with powdered soybeans or other ingredients like sesame seeds or red bean powder.

Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki (___) is a popular Korean street food made with cylindrical rice cakes, fish cakes, and a spicy gochujang-based sauce. It is often garnished with boiled eggs and scallions.

Songpyeon

Songpyeon (__) is a half-moon shaped tteok filled with sweet fillings such as sesame seeds, red bean paste, or chestnut paste. It is traditionally made during the Chuseok holiday.

Preparation

The preparation of tteok varies depending on the type. Common methods include steaming in a siru (__), a traditional Korean steamer, or pounding with a jeolgu. Ingredients such as red beans, mung beans, and various nuts and seeds are often added for flavor and texture.

Cultural Significance

Tteok holds significant cultural importance in Korea. It is often used in rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. Tteok is also a common gift during holidays and special occasions.

Related Pages

• Korean cuisine
• Chuseok
• Gochujang

Gallery

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  Various types of tteok
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  Siru, a rice cake steamer
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  Baekseolgi
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  Sultteok
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  Injeolmi
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  Tteokbokki
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  Songpyeon and Kkultteok
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  Tteok at a festival
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  Traditional tteok making
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  Pounding tteok in Insadong
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  Sirutteok
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  Hobakseolgitteok
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  Sultteok
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  Rice cake ball