Here's another periodic reminder that I am a complete amatuer foodie-hack, not overly familiar with many great dishes and treats from around the globe, but always willing to try.
So, Trader Joe's Tteok Bok Ki...can't say I've ever even heard of them before they plopped into my grocery cart. Thank goodness for the 'murican-'splained "Korean spicy stir-fried rice cakes" in the banner, because that, I can hold a concept of.
These are, at first bite, interesting. There's a few ways to make them, I opted for what purported to be the crispiest option by inserting these oversized frozen rice poogs into the airfryer, while seperately simmering the almost glowing red sauce. I'm not sure if crispy is the right word, because there's still plenty of soft mochi-like chewiness to each bite, but the outside layer did have a faint crispness, so there you go I guess. It's an unusual to my palate yet pretty fun bite.
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That sauce though...it never really thickened up the way I hoped it would despite following the instructions, far as I know. That being said, I almost didn't mind. It's vibrant and rich with plenty of red pepper and garlic kick. Man, if sold separately, I'd pour it over any number of things. Delicious stuff, and highly recommended as long as you can take some spice.
Here's one of the times that TJ's really succeeds if looked at from a certain vantage point. Sure, I'm far from a tteok bok ki expert, but I'm gonna go out on a limb and wager that the TJ's version isn't the best in the world. Heck, how authentic it really is (or isn't) is above my pay grade here. But...now I know I'd stand a pretty excellent chance at enjoying the real deal, so if ever granted the opportunity, I'm gonna go for it without hesitation. That somewhat harkens back to the OG TJ's business plan of introducing new tastes and experiences to their customers. For me, it succeeds here.
A good sized bag, enough for a big side dish or appetizer for two or more, was only around $3 or $4. Absolutely worthwhile in my opinion. If you got a more expert take than I do, fire away.
Bottom line: Trader Joe's Tteok Bok Ki: 8.5 out of 10 Golden Spoons
Gochujang is the name of the sauce and they should sell it at Asian markets! Thanks for the review. It's been sitting in my freezer and I was wondering if it was legit!
ReplyDeleteI have a bag in my freezer that I have been waiting to try!Any additional hints? What did you serve it with, for example?
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DeleteNo offense to those who liked it but this tasted like eating sickly candied chili tteokbokki. It was not good and doesn't even deserve 5 out of 10. I would say go with a genuine korean store rice cakes and sauce and fish cake and it's tons better.
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