Korean Rice Cake and Dumpling Soup (Tteok Mandu Guk)
Tteok Mandu Guk is a beloved Korean soup traditionally enjoyed during the Lunar New Year, but its warm, comforting flavors make it perfect any time of year. This soup combines soft rice cakes (tteok), savory dumplings (mandu), and a clear, flavorful broth to create a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It’s a classic example of Korean comfort food that’s easy to prepare at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: Rice cakes and dumplings make it filling, perfect for cold days.
- Flavorful Broth: Simple ingredients create a rich, savory soup base.
- Versatile: You can use store-bought dumplings or homemade mandu.
- Cultural Experience: A taste of traditional Korean cuisine and New Year celebration food.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
This soup provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat, with rice cakes adding energy-boosting carbohydrates and dumplings providing protein and flavor.
Time Taken
- Preparation: 15 minutes (30–40 minutes if making dumplings from scratch)
- Cooking: 15–20 minutes
- Total: 30–55 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced rice cakes (tteok)
- 6–8 Korean dumplings (mandu), store-bought or homemade
- 5 cups beef or anchovy broth
- 1/2 lb thinly sliced beef (optional)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Soy sauce, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame oil, for drizzling
- Seaweed strips (gim) for garnish
Optional: spinach or other greens for added nutrition.
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth:
In a large pot, bring beef or anchovy broth to a boil. Add garlic and soy sauce for flavor. - Cook Rice Cakes and Dumplings:
Add rice cakes and dumplings to the boiling broth. Simmer until rice cakes are soft and dumplings are heated through (about 5–7 minutes). - Add Beef (Optional):
If using beef, add thin slices to the broth and cook until just tender. - Add Eggs:
Slowly pour beaten eggs into the simmering soup while gently stirring to create silky egg ribbons. - Finish with Seasoning:
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in chopped green onions. Drizzle a little sesame oil on top. - Serve:
Ladle into bowls and garnish with seaweed strips and extra green onions if desired. Serve hot.
You Must Know
- Rice cakes can be slightly hard when refrigerated; soak them in water for 10–15 minutes before cooking if needed.
- Dumplings can be fresh or frozen; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Tteok Mandu Guk is traditionally served with kimchi on the side.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store soup (without rice cakes) for up to 2 days. Add rice cakes when reheating.
- Freezer: Freeze the broth and dumplings separately; add fresh rice cakes when ready to serve.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Beef broth → chicken or vegetable broth
- Mandu → gyoza or wontons if Korean dumplings aren’t available
- Rice cakes → sliced mochi can work in a pinch
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with kimchi or pickled vegetables for an authentic Korean experience.
- Top with sesame seeds or extra seaweed strips for garnish.
- Enjoy with steamed rice for a heartier meal.
Cultural and Historical Context
Tteok Mandu Guk is traditionally eaten during Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year) to symbolize a fresh start and growth. Eating rice cakes is believed to bring prosperity and health in the new year. It’s a dish rich in history, flavor, and cultural significance.
Pro Tips
- Soak frozen rice cakes before cooking to ensure even texture.
- For a deeper flavor, simmer broth with dried anchovies and kelp.
- Add greens like spinach or napa cabbage for extra nutrition and color.
Conclusion
Tteok Mandu Guk is more than just a soup, it’s a symbol of warmth, tradition, and comfort. Soft rice cakes, savory dumplings, and a flavorful broth come together to create a dish that’s perfect for celebrations or simply warming up on a chilly day.