Korean Lunar New Year Food: 7 Comforting Delights to Savor

Name: Korean Lunar New Year Food: 7 Comforting Delights to Savor
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: Rice cake (tteok) – 500g; Beef – 300g; Carrots – 2 medium; Spinach – 200g; Eggs – 3; Garlic – 2 cloves; Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons; Sesame oil – 2 tablespoons; Salt – to taste; Black pepper – to taste

novembre 24, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Saut à la Recette·Imprimer La Recette

When it comes to *Korean Lunar New Year food*, the heart of the celebration really lies in the family gatherings around the table. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and of course, sharing delicious meals that hold deep cultural significance. One of the most cherished dishes during this festive season is Tteokguk, a comforting soup made with thinly sliced rice cakes that symbolize the start of a new year and the hope for a long, prosperous life. Every spoonful brings warmth and joy, reminding us of the importance of family bonds and traditions. Trust me, once you try Tteokguk, you’ll feel the spirit of the holiday in every bite!

Ingredients List

500g of rice cake (tteok) – soaked in water for 30 minutes
300g of beef – boiled until tender and shredded
2 medium carrots – julienned
200g of spinach – blanched and excess water squeezed out
3 eggs – beaten
2 cloves of garlic – minced
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of sesame oil
Salt – to taste
Black pepper – to taste

How to Prepare Tteokguk

Now, let’s dive into making this wonderful dish! Follow these steps, and you’ll soon be enjoying a warm bowl of Tteokguk that brings the flavors of the Korean Lunar New Year right to your kitchen. Trust me, it’s easier than it looks!

Step 1: Soak the Rice Cake

First things first, we need to soak the rice cake (tteok) in water for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it softens the rice cakes, making them chewy and perfect for the soup. Just toss them in a bowl of cold water and let them hang out while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

Next up, let’s get that beef ready. Boil it in water until it’s tender—this usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Once it’s cooked, take it out and shred it into bite-sized pieces. I like to use a fork for this; it makes it super easy! Set it aside; we’ll mix it in later.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Now, let’s bring some color to our dish! Start by julienne slicing the carrots into thin strips. Heat a bit of oil in a pan and sauté the carrots until they’re nice and soft—this should take about 5 minutes. For the spinach, just blanch it in boiling water for a minute, then squeeze out the excess water. This keeps it vibrant and fresh!

Step 4: Make the Omelet

Let’s not forget about the eggs! Beat them in a bowl until they’re nice and fluffy. Pour the mixture into a heated non-stick skillet, making a thin omelet. Cook for just a couple of minutes on each side—don’t worry if it’s not perfect; we’re slicing it up anyway! Once it’s done, slice the omelet into thin strips. This makes for a lovely garnish!

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Now for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded beef, sautéed carrots, and blanched spinach. Add in the minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good mix, adjusting the seasoning to your taste. I always encourage tasting as you go—this is your dish, after all!

Step 6: Layer and Serve

Finally, let’s layer everything! Start with a base of rice cakes in a serving bowl, then add the beef and vegetable mixture on top. Finish it off with those beautiful omelet strips. Serve it warm, and watch as everyone gathers around the table, eager for a taste of this delicious tradition. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Nutritional Information

So, let’s talk about the nutrition in this delicious bowl of Tteokguk! Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 200mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 20g

This hearty dish is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings. Enjoy knowing you’re serving up something that’s not just comforting but also nourishing!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re all set to make Tteokguk, here are some handy tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly! Trust me, a little extra care goes a long way in the kitchen.

Rice Cake Texture: If you can’t find traditional rice cakes, don’t worry! You can use frozen ones, just make sure to soak them well. If you’re in a pinch, wide rice noodles can be a fun alternative, though they’ll change the texture a bit.
Beef Alternatives: If you’re not a beef fan, feel free to swap it out for chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly. Tofu should be pressed and cubed, then sautéed until golden!
Vegetable Variety: You can totally mix it up with the veggies! Mushrooms, zucchini, or even bell peppers can add great flavor and color to your dish. Just remember to sauté them until they’re tender.
Adjusting Seasoning: Seasoning is key! Don’t shy away from tasting as you go. If you like it a bit saltier, add more soy sauce, or if you want a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Make it your own!
Garnish Ideas: For an extra touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top before serving. It adds a lovely crunch and freshness that elevates the dish.
Serving Warm: Tteokguk is best enjoyed warm, so serve it right after you’ve layered everything. If you need to make it ahead of time, keep the rice cakes separate until serving to avoid them getting too soggy.

With these tips in mind, you’re on your way to crafting a delicious Tteokguk that your family will adore. Happy cooking!

Variations of Tteokguk

One of the best things about Tteokguk is how versatile it is! You can easily customize this dish to suit your taste or to use up what you have in your fridge. Here are some fun ideas to get your creativity flowing:

Vegetable Medley: Swap out the spinach and carrots for other vibrant veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or even napa cabbage. Just make sure to sauté or blanch them so they stay tender and tasty!
Protein Power: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different proteins! Chicken, pork, or even shrimp can make a delicious alternative to beef. Just adjust your cooking times accordingly so everything is perfectly cooked.
Spicy Kick: For those who crave a little heat, add some gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or a splash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the mix. It’ll give your Tteokguk an exciting flavor twist!
Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions right before serving for an extra burst of flavor. It brightens the dish and adds a beautiful pop of color!
Nutty Flavor: Drizzle a bit of toasted sesame oil over the top just before serving, or sprinkle some crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for a delightful crunch that complements the soft rice cakes.
Vegan Twist: For a vegan version, simply omit the meat and eggs, and add tofu or mushrooms instead, along with a variety of colorful vegetables. Use vegetable broth as the base for an equally delicious soup!

Feel free to mix and match these variations to make Tteokguk your own. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find the combination that you love the most!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a quick and easy dish that comes together in just about an hour, perfect for busy celebrations!
Tteokguk is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a healthy choice for your family.
The comforting flavors and warm broth make it a heartwarming meal everyone will enjoy, helping to create lasting family memories.
It’s versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins, ensuring everyone gets a taste they love.
This dish is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Sharing Tteokguk around the table brings everyone together, honoring the wonderful traditions of the Korean Lunar New Year.
It’s a delightful way to introduce new flavors and dishes to your family, expanding their culinary horizons!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve enjoyed a warm bowl of Tteokguk, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers! Trust me, you’ll want to keep every last drop of this flavorful soup.

First, let the Tteokguk cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation in the container, which can make it watery. Once cooled, transfer it into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep the rice cakes separate if you don’t want them to get too soft. They can soak up the broth and lose their lovely chewy texture!

When it’s time to enjoy your Tteokguk again, you can reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or broth to help loosen it up and stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just pop it in for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Remember to cover it to avoid splatters!

Oh, and a little tip: if you find the rice cakes have gotten too soft after storage, don’t worry! Just add a bit more broth when reheating to bring back that comforting texture. Enjoy every tasty bite, even as leftovers!

Imprimer

Vous pourriez aussi aimer

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup: 7 Comforting Reasons to Enjoy

Best Homemade Creamy Potato Soup Recipe You’ll Adore Forever

15 Bean Soup: 5 Comforting Steps to Blissful Nourishment

Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.