Vegan Gungjung Tteokbokki (Korean Royal Court Rice Cakes)

Prep Time: 20m | Cook Time: 20m | Servings: 3-4

Ingredients

Mince

• 200g vegan mince (I use Funky Fields)
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp apple syrup (or corn, rice, or agave syrup)
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
• 3 tsp fresh garlic, finely minced

Vegetables

• 2 cups white mushrooms, sliced
• 1/3 cup green capsicum, sliced
• 1/3 cup red capsicum, sliced
• 1/3 cup yellow capsicum, sliced
• 1/2 cup carrot, cut into thin matchsticks
• 1 small white onion, diced

Rice Cakes And Marinade

• 750g fresh ‘tteok’ rice cakes (or thawed if frozen)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp soy sauce

Other

• 1 tsp garlic
• 2 tsp oil (for frying)
• 3 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp apple syrup (or corn, rice, or agave syrup)
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp sesame oil (for serving)
• Toasted sesame seeds (for serving)
• Sliced spring onions (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinated 'Beef': In a small bowl, mix the vegan mince, soy sauce, apple syrup, sesame oil, ground white pepper, and minced garlic. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes for the flavours to meld.

Marinate the Rice Cakes: In another bowl, combine the sesame oil and soy sauce. Add the rice cakes and use your hands to ensure they are well coated. This will prevent them from sticking, especially if you're using fresh rice cakes.

Cook the Vegan Mince: Heat 2 tsp oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp garlic and fry for 1 minute. Add the marinated vegan mince and cook for 3-5 minutes until lightly browned.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the sliced vegetables (mushrooms, capsicums, carrots, and onion) to the pan. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until they start to soften but still retain their crunch.

Add the Rice Cakes and Sauce: Add the marinated rice cakes, soy sauce, water, apple syrup, and pepper to the pan. Stir everything together, cooking until the rice cakes are soft and cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).

Finish the Dish: Turn off the heat and stir in 1 tsp sesame oil for added flavour. Top with toasted sesame seeds and sliced spring onions.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your flavour-packed Vegan Korean Marinated 'Beef' with Stir-Fried Rice Cakes!