Sotteok Sotteok (Rice Cake and Sausage Skewers) Recipe

If you’ve ever strolled through the lively markets of Seoul, you’ll know there’s something entirely irresistible about the hot, sweet, and savory aroma coming from the street food stands. Sotteok Sotteok (Rice Cake and Sausage Skewers) is one of Korea’s finest grab-and-go bites, featuring chewy rice cakes alternating with juicy sausages, all glazed in a sticky, spicy sauce. This recipe brings that unmistakable flavor home—perfect as a snack, party appetizer, or a fun weeknight treat. Each bite is wonderfully balanced in texture and taste, sure to be a hit with anyone looking to experience the playful spirit of Korean street food.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sotteok Sotteok (Rice Cake and Sausage Skewers) recipe relies on just a handful of simple ingredients, but every choice matters for authentic texture, bold flavors, and vivid color. Let’s break it down so you know why each one counts.

• Korean rice cakes (garaetteok): These have a satisfyingly chewy texture—the backbone of the skewers. If they’re refrigerated or frozen, soak in warm water before cooking for the perfect bite.
• Korean mini sausages (or cocktail sausages): Juicy and savory, these bring a delicious contrast to the rice cakes. Look for the classic Korean kind for the full experience.
• Gochujang (Korean red chili paste): This bold, fermented ingredient gives the sauce its signature spicy-sweet kick.
• Ketchup: Adds tang and a touch of sweetness, rounding out the sauce’s flavor.
• Honey: Thickens the glaze and gives the perfect sticky finish everyone craves.
• Soy sauce: Offers a rich, salty depth that ties the sauce together.
• Sesame oil: A little goes a long way, bringing warmth and aroma to every bite.
• Sugar: Balances the heat of gochujang with gentle sweetness.
• Minced garlic: Infuses the whole skewer with punchy, savory notes.
• Water: Just enough to thin out the sauce for easy glazing and even coverage.
• Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for crunch and a nutty finish.
• Green onion, finely chopped: A vibrant garnish bringing color and fresh contrast.
• Wooden skewers: The signature street-food look! Soak in water if grilling to prevent burning.

How to Make Sotteok Sotteok (Rice Cake and Sausage Skewers)

Step 1: Prep the Rice Cakes

If your rice cakes have been living in the fridge or freezer, wake them up with a 10-minute soak in warm water. This step softens them and gives you that perfect chewy texture instead of a hard, rubbery bite. Once they’re plump, blanch the rice cakes in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly puffed and tender. Drain well and set aside—they’ll be ready to soak up all the delicious sauce later.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Sauce

While the rice cakes rest, it’s sauce-making time! Combine gochujang, ketchup, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and water in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until it’s completely smooth and glossy. This thick, spicy-sweet sauce is the soul of Sotteok Sotteok (Rice Cake and Sausage Skewers), coating each skewer with bold, crave-worthy flavor.

Step 3: Skewer Assembly

Grab your wooden skewers and start threading. Alternate rice cake and sausage—think: rice cake, sausage, rice cake, sausage—until each stick is pleasingly full. The eye-popping stripes of white and rosy sausage will already look inviting. This pattern also ensures every mouthful comes with just the right mix of savory and chewy goodness.

Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place your assembled skewers in the pan and let them cook, turning now and then for even browning. You’re looking for deeply browned sausages and rice cakes with crispy edges—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. The contrast in textures is what makes Sotteok Sotteok (Rice Cake and Sausage Skewers) so satisfying, so don’t rush this step!

Step 5: Glaze and Finish

Once everything is golden and fragrant, brush the skewers generously with your prepared sauce. Return to the heat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, turning carefully so every side gets sticky and caramelized. You’ll see the sauce bubbling as it clings—pure magic! Right before serving, sprinkle each skewer with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onion for a final pop of flavor and color.

How to Serve Sotteok Sotteok (Rice Cake and Sausage Skewers)

Garnishes

For that classic street-vendor look and flavor, scatter a hearty pinch of toasted sesame seeds over each skewer. Add a sprinkle of finely chopped green onion for a bit of freshness and vibrant color—this finishing touch makes the skewers look as good as they taste. If you love extra heat, a light dusting of chili flakes or a drizzle of extra gochujang can spice things up even more.

Side Dishes

Sotteok Sotteok (Rice Cake and Sausage Skewers) are deliciously satisfying on their own, but they pair brilliantly with classic Korean sides. Try serving them alongside kimchi to cut through the richness, or a simple cucumber salad for a crisp, cooling complement. Even a handful of pickled radishes brightens the plate and refreshes your palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

This fun treat is ideal for parties, picnics, or family gatherings. For a playful spin, make mini skewers for kids or party platters, or arrange full-length skewers upright in a mason jar for a festive, street-food-inspired centerpiece. If you want to offer some variety, alternate the rice cakes and sausages with cubes of mozzarella for a melty, fusion twist that never fails to delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Sotteok Sotteok (Rice Cake and Sausage Skewers), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—the flavors continue to meld and stay perfectly delicious when reheated.

Freezing

To make ahead or freeze extra skewers, assemble and cook as directed, but skip the final sauce-glazing step. Let them cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat, glaze with sauce, and finish with the garnishes for that fresh, from-the-pan taste.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Sotteok Sotteok (Rice Cake and Sausage Skewers) in a non-stick pan over medium heat until warmed through, brushing with extra sauce if needed to restore that glistening finish. Microwave reheating is quick, but can make rice cakes a bit softer—cover loosely and heat in short intervals for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Snack

Definitely! While Korean mini sausages offer the most authentic touch, you can use cocktail sausages or any mild, juicy sausage you like. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy skewering.

What if I can’t find garaetteok rice cakes?

If Korean rice cakes aren’t available, try using cylindrical rice cakes from your local Asian market or even mozzarella cheese sticks for an inventive twist. Freshly made or store-bought both work well—just be sure to soak and blanch as instructed for maximum chewiness.

Is there a way to make Sotteok Sotteok (Rice Cake and Sausage Skewers) less spicy?

Absolutely. Simply reduce the amount of gochujang in the sauce or swap in a bit of extra honey or ketchup for a gentler, sweeter flavor. You can also offer extra sauce on the side for those who want to dial up the heat.

Can I bake the skewers instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can! Place the skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway. After that, brush with sauce and return to the oven for a couple more minutes until sticky and glazed.

Do I need to soak the skewers first?

It’s a good idea to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes if you’re grilling or broiling to prevent them from burning. If you’re cooking in a skillet as outlined, soaking isn’t necessary, but it doesn’t hurt to play it safe if you’re multitasking.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something infectious about the vibrant spirit of Korean street food at home, and Sotteok Sotteok (Rice Cake and Sausage Skewers) is pure joy on a stick. With its delightful layers of chewy, juicy, sweet, and spicy, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a snack that promises fun, flavor, and a dash of culinary adventure, don’t hesitate to try Sotteok Sotteok (Rice Cake and Sausage Skewers) in your own kitchen—you won’t regret it!

Print