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Sweet Soy Butter Korean Rice Cakes Recipe

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4.6 from 129 reviews

Sweet Soy Butter Korean Rice Cakes are a deliciously sticky and savory dish featuring chewy rice cakes coated in a rich glaze of butter, honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce. This quick stovetop recipe yields a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a satisfyingly tender texture, ideal as a snack or side dish.

Ingredients

Rice Cakes

  • 1 pound Korean rice cakes

Glaze and Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Soak the Rice Cakes: If using frozen or refrigerated rice cakes, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to soften. After soaking, pat them dry thoroughly with a clean towel to ensure they crisp properly when cooked.
  2. Brown the Rice Cakes: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rice cakes and let them sear undisturbed for 2 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Flip the rice cakes carefully and cook for an additional 3 minutes on the other side until nicely browned. Remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Prepare the Glaze: Lower the heat to medium and add ¼ cup butter, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce to the same skillet. Stir continuously until the mixture melts, combines fully, and becomes smooth and bubbly, creating a sticky glaze.
  4. Coat the Rice Cakes: Return the browned rice cakes to the skillet. Toss them gently but thoroughly in the glaze to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Cook for another 1–2 minutes while stirring to let the glaze thicken and cling to the rice cakes.
  5. Serve Hot: Once the rice cakes are glazed and hot, transfer them to a serving dish and enjoy the dish warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • Soaking refrigerated or frozen rice cakes is essential to soften them evenly before cooking.
  • Use neutral oil with a high smoke point to prevent burning during searing.
  • Adjust sweetness and saltiness by varying the amounts of honey, brown sugar, or soy sauce to taste.
  • This dish is best served immediately as the glaze may harden when cooled.
  • For an extra kick, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.