Rice cake skewers, known as tteok‑kkochi, are a popular Korean street‑food snack. They originated as a portable version of tteokbokki, allowing vendors to serve chewy rice cakes on sticks with a sweet‑spicy gochujang glaze, perfect for on‑the‑go eating.

In Seoul, the glaze is often sweeter with added ketchup, while in Busan the sauce may be spicier and include extra gochugaru. Some regions add toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for texture.

They are typically served hot off the grill, brushed with extra glaze, and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. They are enjoyed as a snack or side dish alongside drinks like soju.

Rice cake skewers are popular at street festivals, night markets, and during holidays such as Chuseok and Lunar New Year when families gather and enjoy a variety of street‑food style bites.

They pair nicely with kimchi, pickled radish (danmuji), and a cold barley tea (bori‑sacha). For a fuller meal, serve alongside bibimbap or a light seaweed soup.

Common errors include using too much oil, which prevents the glaze from caramelizing, and cooking the glaze on high heat, which can cause burning. Also, failing to soak frozen rice cakes results in a tough texture.

Ketchup adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that balances the heat of gochujang, while also providing a smooth consistency that helps the glaze coat the rice cakes evenly.

Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Skewered rice cakes can be stored uncovered in the fridge for up to 12 hours; re‑heat in a hot pan and brush with fresh glaze before serving.

The glaze should turn glossy, cling tightly to the rice cake, and develop a light amber color without blackening. The surface will feel slightly tacky but not sticky.

The YouTube channel jasmineandtea focuses on easy‑to‑make Asian comfort foods, especially Korean and Japanese street‑food inspired recipes, with an emphasis on quick weeknight meals and snack‑size treats.

jasmineandtea blends traditional Korean flavors with Western kitchen tools, offering simplified steps, minimal equipment, and clear visual cues, making authentic Korean dishes approachable for home cooks who may not have a Korean pantry.