These Honey Butter Tteokbokki (Rice Cakes) are a sweet, savory treat with a crispy outside and chewy inside. A popular Korean appetizer, they are first pan-fried to perfection and then glazed with a rich honey butter sauce. Whether made with fresh or frozen rice cakes, this recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy the irresistible flavor of honey butter. Ready in just 10 minutes, these rice cakes are perfect as a snack or side dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound Korean rice cakes (tteok)

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the rice cakes: If using frozen or refrigerated rice cakes, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes, then dry them with a kitchen towel. If using fresh rice cakes, skip this step.

2. Fry the rice cakes: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rice cakes and do not disturb them for the first 2 minutes to allow the bottom to get crispy and golden. Flip the rice cakes and cook for another 3 minutes until lightly golden on all sides. Remove the rice cakes from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce to the pan. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until the sugar dissolves.

4. Glaze the rice cakes: Return the rice cakes to the pan and toss them in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce reduces to a glaze.

5. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Air-fryer Option

For crispier rice cakes, toss them with a tablespoon of oil and air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 482 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 81g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 15g

  • Saturated Fat: 8g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 31mg

• Sodium: 741mg

• Potassium: 60mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 15g

• Vitamin A: 355 IU

• Vitamin C: 0.1mg

• Calcium: 25mg

• Iron: 1mg

Why Honey Butter Rice Cakes Are So Popular

Honey Butter Rice Cakes are a beloved dish in Korean cuisine, often served as an appetizer or snack at gatherings. They combine two of the most crave-worthy flavors: sweet honey and rich, savory butter. The texture of the rice cakes is another big draw—crispy on the outside with a soft, chewy interior that absorbs the sweet and savory glaze beautifully.

These rice cakes are especially popular because of their unique contrast of textures and flavors. The honey butter sauce, made with brown sugar and soy sauce, adds a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent. The sticky, glossy sauce perfectly complements the chewy rice cakes, creating a satisfying snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

The dish’s popularity also stems from its simplicity. It can be made with fresh or frozen rice cakes, making it an accessible recipe for almost anyone to try. Plus, it’s easy to customize, whether you add sesame seeds for garnish or tweak the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your liking. It’s a versatile, fun, and flavorful dish that fits many occasions, from casual snacks to party appetizers.

How to Make Honey Butter Rice Cakes: Step-by-Step Guide

Making Honey Butter Rice Cakes is incredibly simple and can be done in just 10 minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this delicious treat:

1. Prepare the Rice Cakes:

   • If using frozen or refrigerated rice cakes (tteok), soak them in water for 20-30 minutes. This step helps rehydrate the rice cakes and makes them soft and pliable. After soaking, dry them gently with a kitchen towel.

   • If you’re using fresh rice cakes, you can skip this step, as they are already soft and ready to cook.

2. Fry the Rice Cakes:

   • Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Add the rice cakes to the skillet, making sure to not disturb them for the first 2 minutes. This allows the bottom of the rice cakes to get crispy and golden.

   • Flip the rice cakes and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on all sides. This gives them a perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir the mixture and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the sauce to become smooth and glossy.

4. Glaze the Rice Cakes:

   • Return the fried rice cakes to the skillet and toss them gently in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce reduces to a glaze and coats the rice cakes evenly.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the honey butter rice cakes immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds if desired. The toasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the sauce.

Air-Fryer Option for Extra Crispiness

If you prefer your rice cakes to be extra crispy, consider using the air fryer. Here’s how:

• Toss the rice cakes with a tablespoon of oil, then place them in the air fryer basket.

• Air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.

• Once done, you can toss the rice cakes in the honey butter sauce as instructed above, and they will have an even crispier texture!

Customizing Your Honey Butter Rice Cakes

One of the best things about Honey Butter Rice Cakes is their versatility. You can adjust the flavors or add extra toppings to make them your own. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Spices: If you enjoy a touch of heat, consider adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the honey butter sauce for a spicy kick.

• Sweetness Adjustments: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey and brown sugar, or substitute with a healthier sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.

• Garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds are a traditional garnish, but you can also try adding chopped green onions or a sprinkle of furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) for an added layer of flavor.

• Serve with Dips: While the rice cakes are flavorful on their own, you can serve them with a side of dipping sauce like soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even a creamy sriracha mayo for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Honey Butter Rice Cakes

Honey Butter Rice Cakes are a delicious treat, but they’re also quite balanced in terms of nutritional content. Each serving provides a good amount of carbohydrates from the rice cakes, which give you energy. They also contain a moderate amount of fat, mainly from the butter and oil used for frying, which helps make the rice cakes crispy and flavorful.

The addition of honey adds natural sweetness, while brown sugar enhances the richness of the flavor profile. Soy sauce contributes a bit of sodium, but it also adds a savory umami kick that balances the sweetness of the honey butter glaze.

These rice cakes also provide small amounts of protein, mostly from the rice, and a little fiber, making them a more filling snack compared to many other sweet treats. However, they are relatively high in sugar due to the honey and brown sugar, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Butter Rice Cakes

Honey Butter Rice Cakes can be served in various ways depending on the occasion:

• Snack: Enjoy them as a quick snack any time of day. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet and savory cravings.

• Side Dish: Serve them alongside Korean BBQ, fried chicken, or any other savory dishes to add a sweet contrast.

• Appetizer: These rice cakes also make a great appetizer at parties or family gatherings. Their sticky, glossy finish and crispy texture will surely impress your guests.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Honey Butter Rice Cakes

In conclusion, Honey Butter Rice Cakes are a quick, easy, and delicious treat that everyone will love. Their perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and crispy texture makes them a truly irresistible snack or side dish. Whether you make them in a skillet or air fryer, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings for something both savory and sweet. Ready in just 10 minutes, this dish is perfect for when you need a comforting, satisfying bite in no time. Try it today, and let the irresistible flavor of honey butter rice cakes transform your snack game!