If you have ever wondered how to transform simple leftover Korean rice cakes into a delightful snack, then you are in for a treat with my Easy Honey Butter Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe. This dish combines the irresistible chewiness of tteokbokki rice cakes with a rich, buttery glaze kissed by the natural sweetness of honey and a hint of savory soy sauce. It’s a quick, comforting dish that comes together in under 15 minutes, perfect for those moments when you crave something warm and satisfying without the heat of spice. Whether you’re a tteokbokki veteran or new to Korean flavors, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Honey Butter Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, each adds a crucial element: softness, sweetness, richness, or umami, creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures that make this dish truly special.
- 1 cup Korean rice cakes (120g): The star ingredient, providing that chewy texture you crave in tteokbokki.
- 1 tbsp butter (15g): Melts into a velvety base that coats each rice cake beautifully, adding a luscious richness.
- 1 tbsp honey: Offers natural sweetness and a glossy glaze that balances the butter and soy flavors perfectly.
- ½ tbsp regular soy sauce: Brings a subtle depth and savory note that rounds out the dish without overpowering the honey’s sweetness.
How to Make Easy Honey Butter Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Rice Cakes
If your rice cakes are refrigerated, soak them in warm water until they soften throughout, which usually takes just a few minutes. For frozen rice cakes, soak them in water for 10 to 20 minutes and then boil them gently for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and tender. This step is crucial because perfectly softened rice cakes create the ideal chewy texture that this dish is all about.
Step 2: Sauté the Rice Cakes in Butter
Set a pan over low heat and gently melt your tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the softened rice cakes. Take your time and sauté them slowly on low heat until they develop a subtle golden-brown crust on the outside. This crispiness brings an exciting texture contrast that makes every bite into a joyful experience.
Step 3: Add Honey and Soy Sauce to Form the Glaze
Now for the magic moment: stir in your honey and soy sauce. Keep the heat low and let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens into a shiny, luscious glaze that clings to every rice cake. This step infuses the tteokbokki with that signature sweet and savory flavor combination you’ll love.
How to Serve Easy Honey Butter Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Easy Honey Butter Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe to the next level, try sprinkling some shredded cheese over the hot rice cakes right before serving. The cheese melts luxuriously over the warm glaze creating an irresistible creamy topping. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a touch of color and a fresh crunch.
Side Dishes
This sweet and buttery snack pairs beautifully with light, crisp side dishes like fresh cucumber slices or pickled radish. These sides help balance the richness of the tteokbokki, making every bite feel refreshing and well-rounded. A simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice is also a great companion if you want to make this snack a more filling meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Easy Honey Butter Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe in a colorful stone bowl or a rustic cast-iron skillet to keep it warm longer while adding a charming touch to your table setting. If you’re hosting friends, set it up as part of a Korean-inspired snack board with an assortment of pickles, nuts, and fresh veggies — it’s bound to impress and delight every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The rice cakes will firm up as they cool, so be sure to enjoy them within 1 to 2 days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing tteokbokki is possible but not recommended for this recipe since the honey butter glaze may change in texture once frozen and reheated. If you must freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat your Easy Honey Butter Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe, gently warm it in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or milk to help loosen the glaze and revive the supple, chewy texture of the rice cakes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice cakes instead of Korean tteokbokki rice cakes?
Korean rice cakes are unique in texture and absorb flavors beautifully, so for the best results, stick to tteokbokki rice cakes. Using other rice cakes may not give you the same chewy and crispy contrast.
Is there an alternative to soy sauce if I have dietary restrictions?
You can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free. The flavor profiles will be slightly different, but it will still blend nicely with the honey and butter.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is entirely non-spicy. Unlike classic tteokbokki, it focuses on sweet and buttery flavors, so it’s perfect for anyone avoiding heat but still craving that Korean tteokbokki experience.
Can I double the recipe to serve more people?
Absolutely! The recipe scales up easily. Just make sure to use a large enough pan to sauté the rice cakes evenly and stir the glaze until it thickens properly, ensuring every piece is coated deliciously.
What should I do if my rice cakes are too hard?
Soaking them longer in warm water or boiling them a little more will help soften hard rice cakes. Be patient — this step ensures a perfect chewy texture without crunching on tough bites.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about cozying up with a bowl of Easy Honey Butter Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe. It’s quick, comforting, and full of those sweet, buttery flavors that warm your soul with every bite. I encourage you to give it a try and see how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a truly memorable dish. Whether for a quiet night in or sharing with friends, this recipe is a delightful addition to your Korean snack repertoire.
Print
Easy Honey Butter Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
A quick and easy Korean snack featuring chewy rice cakes sautéed in a luscious honey-butter glaze, perfect for using leftover tteokbokki rice cakes. This non-spicy dish combines the sweetness of honey with the savory notes of butter and soy sauce to create a delightful crispy exterior and a tender interior, ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup Korean rice cakes (120g)
- 1 tbsp butter (15g)
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tbsp regular soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the rice cakes: If you are using refrigerated rice cakes, soak them in warm water until they soften throughout. For frozen rice cakes, soak them in water for 10-20 minutes, then boil for 2-3 minutes until evenly soft.
- Melt the butter: In a pan over low heat, melt the butter slowly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth base for sautéing.
- Sauté the rice cakes: Add the softened Korean rice cakes to the pan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until they develop a subtle golden-brown crispiness on the outside.
- Add honey and soy sauce: Pour in the honey and soy sauce, then simmer the mixture over low heat until the sauce thickens to form a glossy, flavorful glaze coating the rice cakes.
- Optional garnish: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top for added richness and a melty texture.
Notes
- If using refrigerated or frozen rice cakes, proper soaking and boiling are essential for optimal texture.
- Maintain low heat when cooking to avoid burning the butter and honey.
- Shredded cheese enhances the flavor but is optional.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispiness before it softens.
