Easy Gungjung Tteokbokki Recipe from the Hit K-Drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty

Make Non-Spicy Korean Royal Court Rice Cakes in Under 30 Minutes with Easy US Grocery Store Ingredients

Gungjung Tteokbokki Recipe from the Hit K-Drama Bon Appétit

If you are a fan of the hit Netflix K-drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, your mouth has probably watered watching those glossy, savory, and flavor-packed rice cakes on screen. That beautiful dish is Gungjung Tteokbokki (궁중떡볶이), widely known internationally as Korean Royal Court Rice Cakes.

Unlike the tongue-numbing, spicy street-style red tteokbokki, this traditional version features a rich, umami-forward, sweet, and savory soy-based premium sauce. It is the ultimate non-spicy K-food recipe, perfect for anyone outside of Korea who wants to experience authentic Korean cuisine without the intense heat.

What is Gungjung Tteokbokki?

Before becoming popularized as a spicy street food in the mid-20th century, tteokbokki was actually a luxury royal court dish served to the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. Would you like to eat like a king today?

Instead of gochujang (Korean chili paste), Joseon-era royal chefs (suksu) stir-fried chewy rice cakes with premium beef, colorful vegetables, and a savory soy sauce seasoning. Essentially, this dish is a delicious Korean rice cake stir-fry that tastes like a harmonious blend of Korean beef bulgogi and chewy Italian gnocchi. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s highly nutritious and absolutely perfect for kids who can't handle spicy food!

Gungjung Tteokbokki

Ingredients & US Measurements

Here is everything you need to recreate the exact dish featured in the K-drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty right at home.

Main Ingredients:

• Korean rice cakes (Tteokbokki tteok): 1 lb (approx. 450g)

• Beef (ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak): 1/2 lb (8 oz), thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces

• Shiitake mushrooms: 4 medium, sliced (fresh or rehydrated dried shiitake)

• Carrot: 1 small, julienned (about 1/2 cup)

• Green bell pepper: 1/2, sliced (can substitute with red/yellow bell pepper for color)

• Onion: 1/2 medium, sliced

• Green onions (scallions): 3 stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces

• Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tbsp (for garnish)

• Cooking oil: 1 tbsp (for stir-frying)

Royal Soy Sauce Glaze (Marinade):

• Soy sauce: 4 tbsp

• Brown sugar: 2 tbsp (or honey)

• Mirin (cooking rice wine): 1 tbsp

• Minced garlic: 1 tbsp

• Toasted sesame oil: 1 tbsp

• Black pepper: 1/4 tsp

• Water or vegetable broth: 1/2 cup

Where to Buy These Ingredients in the US

You don't necessarily have to drive to a massive Asian supermarket to make this dish. Look for these ingredients at your local American grocery stores:

• H Mart, 99 Ranch Market, Mitsuwa: You can find the highest quality ingredients here. Look for fresh Korean rice cakes in the refrigerated or frozen aisles.

• Trader Joe's: Pick up their frozen Korean Sliced Beef Bulgogi to make prep work a breeze! They also carry fresh shiitake mushrooms.

• Whole Foods & Target: The Asian/Global food aisles always stock high-quality soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and organic shiitake mushrooms. Vacuum-sealed rice cakes can also frequently be found here.

• Amazon: If you don't have these stores nearby, you can easily order shelf-stable vacuum-packed rice cakes and authentic Korean sesame oil online.

Genius Ingredient Substitutes for US Home Cooks

Can't find a specific ingredient? No worries! This easy K-food recipe is highly adaptable to Western pantry staples.

• Rice Cake Substitute (Ultimate Hack): If you absolutely cannot find Korean rice cakes, try using Italian Gnocchi or Rigatoni pasta! While the texture varies slightly, they absorb the sweet and savory royal soy sauce beautifully. Another viral TikTok hack is to dip Vietnamese rice paper in warm water, roll it tightly, and slice it into rice cake shapes.

• Beef Substitute: Swap the beef for sliced chicken breast, pork loin, or firm tofu (pressed and cubed) for an excellent vegetarian version.

• Shiitake Mushroom Substitute: Sliced Portobello or Crimini (Baby Bella) mushrooms work perfectly as a 1:1 substitute.

• Mirin Substitute: Use dry sherry wine or white wine mixed with a pinch of sugar.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide: Easy 30-Minute Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Rice Cakes

If using fresh, soft rice cakes, you can use them right away. If they are refrigerated or frozen, soak them in warm water for 10–15 minutes to soften. Drain well before cooking.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef and Mushrooms

In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the royal soy sauce glaze and stir until the sugar dissolves. Pour 2 tablespoons of this sauce over your sliced beef and shiitake mushrooms, tossing gently to coat. Let it marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes while you chop the vegetables.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Beef and Veggies

Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and shiitake mushrooms, stir-frying for 2–3 minutes until the meat changes color and is halfway cooked. Add the onion, carrot, and bell pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer and Sauce Coated

Add the drained rice cakes to the skillet, then pour in the remaining soy sauce glaze and 1/2 cup of water (or broth). Reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently so the rice cakes don't stick to the bottom. As the rice cakes absorb the sauce, the natural starches will thicken it into a gorgeous, glossy glaze.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch

Once the sauce reduces down to a thick glaze coating the rice cakes, toss in the green onions and stir-fry for 1 final minute. Turn off the heat. Drizzle a touch of extra sesame oil if desired, and generously garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

💡 Chef's Note: If you want to replicate the exact look from Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, make an egg garnish. Separate an egg into yolk and white, fry them into thin sheets, slice them into fine strips (called Jidan in Korean), and place them on top of the dish for a truly upscale, royal court presentation!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I store and reheat leftovers?

A: Yes! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, the rice cakes may have hardened. Simply add 2–3 tablespoons of water, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and microwave for 1–2 minutes until they become chewy again.

Q: Is Gungjung Tteokbokki gluten-free?

A: Korean rice cakes are naturally gluten-free because they are made from 100% short-grain rice flour. To make the entire dish completely gluten-free, substitute standard soy sauce with Tamari or any certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Enjoy this precious, historic royal dish that once delighted kings!

Which K-drama recipe should we feature next? Let us know in the comments below!