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    Home » Recipes » Asian Recipes

    Easy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes (15-Minute Recipe!)

    Oct 12, 2023 • Author: Joyce Lee • 24 Comments • This post may contain Amazon affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    5 from 11 votes

    Who can resist the charm of a delicious Stir Fried Rice Cake? This dish, with its chewy rice cakes, thin slices of pork, and the tangy kick of kimchi, is absolutely delicious! What’s best is that you can make it in only 15 minutes from scratch!

    Closeup of stir-fried kimchi rice cakes
    Table of Contents
    • What is Stir Fried Rice Cake?
    • Why You’ll Love This Stir Fried Rice Cake Recipe 
    • Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Stir Fried Rice Cake
    • How to Make Stir Fried Rice Cake (Step by Step)
    • Joyce’s Tips For Making the Best Stir Fried Rice Cake 
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe Variation Ideas for Stir Fried Rice Cake
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How to Store Leftover Stir Fried Rice Cake
    • Recipes To Use Up Leftover Kimchi
    • More Easy Recipes You May Like
    • Did You Make This Recipe?
    • Recipe Card

    Stir fried rice cakes are a classic Asian dish that’s delicious and satisfying. The chewy rice cakes with savory, delicious pork and tangy kimchi take it to the next level. If you have leftover meat, it'll make this recipe even quicker and easier to make! If you don't have any leftovers, then pork shoulder/pork butt, bacon, or pork belly will work as well.

    The star of the dish is definitely the Chinese rice cakes, or Nian Gao, that are made from pounded rice and have a deliciously sticky and chewy texture. They’re thick and oval-shaped and go great with the flavors in this recipe. This is about to become your new favorite recipe I’m sure of it!

    If you're looking for something a bit more saucy and spicy, then definitely try out my classic Easy Tteokbokki (Korean Spicy Rice Cakes) recipe, where I show you how to make it the traditional way and a shortcut way as well so you can make it in 20 minutes!

    Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious stir fried rice cake recipe today!

    Stir-Fried Kimchi Rice Cakes in a bowl with a platter of garnishes on the counter

    What is Stir Fried Rice Cake?

    Stir fried rice cake is a delicious Asian dish that is both hearty and satisfying. It’s a recipe that involves rice cakes, a variety of vegetables like onions and carrots, flavorful kimchi, and tender pork. The ingredients are stir-fried together in a pan, creating a combination that's both comforting and delicious.

    In Chinese culture, they’re commonly enjoyed around Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) since rice cakes symbolize good fortune and prosperity. But, of course, you can enjoy it any time of the year. I like to omit the kimchi and make it with just pork during Lunar New Year as a rice cake dish for my family.

    It’s also popular in Korea, where it’s known as Gungjung Tteokbokki.

    Making stir-fried rice cake at home is a fantastic idea for several reasons. First of all, it’s a great way to explore Asian cuisine in your own kitchen. Plus, the taste is simply out of this world. The combination of the spicy kimchi, the tender pork, and the chewy rice cakes creates a combo that's hard to beat. 

    So, if you're looking for a new recipe to try, stir fried rice cake might just be the one for you!

    Why You’ll Love This Stir Fried Rice Cake Recipe 

    Quick and Easy: This stir-fried rice cake recipe is straightforward and simple, making it perfect for those who are new to cooking or short on time. With kimchi, thin slices of pork, and a handful of other ingredients, you can whip up this delicious dish in just about fifteen minutes.

    Delicious: Beyond being easy and quick to make, this stir-fried rice cake recipe is downright delicious. The combination of kimchi, pork, and a flavorful sauce creates a mouth-watering dish that will leave you craving for more and the kimchi gives this dish a lot of extra flavor.

    Versatile: This recipe allows for a lot of flexibility. You can substitute the pork shoulder for pork belly, bacon, or any type of protein you prefer. This makes it a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit various dietary preferences and needs.

    Cozy One Bowl Meal: If you're like me, and love cozy one bowl meals you can enjoy in front of the tv, then this recipe is it. It's quick to put together so you can quickly make this, sit down with a big bowl and cozy up and watch some tv!

    Great Way to Use Up Kimchi: If you have old kimchi in the fridge, this is a great way to use it up.

    Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Stir Fried Rice Cake

    Ingredients for Stir-Fried Kimchi Rice Cakes (rice cakes, kimchi, soy sauce, carrots, onions, pork shoulder, butter, green onions, mirin)

    For this kimchi rice cake recipe, most of these ingredients will be found at your local Asian supermarket.

    Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

    • Kimchi: This fermented cabbage adds a tangy, spicy kick to the dish. It is full of flavors that permeate the rice cakes, giving them a unique taste.
    • Carrot: Carrots provide a lovely crunch and a pop of color to the stir fry. They also add a subtle sweetness that balances out the spiciness of the kimchi.
    • Onion: Onions lend a sweet, slightly onion flavor that compliments the other ingredients. They also add a nice texture to the dish.
    • Rice Cake: This is the star of this dish. Rice cakes are chewy and absorb the flavors of the sauce and the other ingredients. They provide a satisfying, hearty texture. For this recipe, I like to use the frozen rice cake slices instead of the tubular ones since they are more bite-sized and cook more quickly. Rice cakes are usually located in the freezer aisle of any Asian grocery store, but they can also be found in the fridge section as well with the fresh noodles. 
    • Butter: A small amount of butter adds a rich, creamy note to the dish and helps sauté the vegetables and meat.

    For the Pork Marinade:

    • Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt: This adds a savory, meaty element to the stir fry. You can substitute it with pork belly, bacon, or any type of protein according to your preference.
    • Soy Sauce: It is used both in the marinade and the sauce. It gives a salty, umami flavor that deepens the taste of the dish.

    For the Sauce:

    • Sesame Oil: A key ingredient in the sauce, sesame oil adds a toasty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stir fry.
    • Mirin: This sweet rice wine adds a hint of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
    • Hondashi Dashi Powder: This Japanese soup stock powder adds a depth of flavor to the sauce, giving it a delicious umami taste. I added dashi powder to this dish for additional smokiness and umami but that is completely optional as well but highly recommended. Dashi powder stores very well and lasts a long time and is a staple in a lot of Asian recipes to give it a boost in flavors so it's worth it to keep a small jar around.
    • Hot water: Used to dissolve the dashi powder and create a flavorful sauce that coats every element of the stir fry.

    For the Toppings (Optional):

    • Sesame Seeds: This is an optional topping that’ll add a delicious nutty crunch to your stir fry. 
    • Green Onions: Another optional ingredient that will provide a fresh, sharp contrast to all the flavors in this dish. 
    • Bonito Flakes: They lend a smoky, fishy flavor. Bonito flakes are paper-thin shavings of fermented and smoked tuna that are high in umami and smoky flavors. They go great as a garnish on any kind of dish to give it a nice smoky flavor.

    How to Make Stir Fried Rice Cake (Step by Step)

    Making this incredible stir fried rice cake recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:

    Preparing the Ingredients

    Kimchi and vegetables being prepped for Stir-Fried Kimchi Rice Cakes on a counter with pork marinating and rice cakes on the side.

    Slice the onions: Start by slicing the onions into thin slices, then put them aside for later use. 

    Julienne the carrots: Next, julienne the carrots into matchstick-like pieces and set them aside as well. 

    Chop the kimchi: Take your kimchi and chop it up, then place it aside. 

    Prepare the rice cakes: Place the rice cakes in a colander or strainer and run them under hot tap water for about a minute. 

    Marinate the pork: Slice your pork and let it marinate in soy sauce for a few minutes. 

    Stir Frying the Ingredients

    Heat up the pan: Set your stove to medium-high heat and add some oil and butter into a frying pan. 

    Cook the pork: Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add in the pork. Cook it until the meat has been browned and fully cooked, which should take approximately five minutes. 

    Add the vegetables: Add in the chopped kimchi, carrots, and onions, and let them cook for another five minutes. 

    Stir fry the rice cakes: Add the rice cakes and sauce into the pan, then stir fry until the rice cakes turn soft, which should take around three minutes. 

    Garnish and serve: Finally, garnish your stir fried rice cake with your choice of toppings, then enjoy your delicious homemade meal!

    Stir-Fried Kimchi Rice Cakes in a bowl on a table

    Joyce’s Tips For Making the Best Stir Fried Rice Cake 

    Use Fresh or Frozen Rice Cake: You can use either fresh or frozen rice cake for this recipe. If you're using frozen, remember to run it under hot tap water for a minute to thaw it.

    Marinate the Pork: To ensure your pork is flavorful, marinate it in soy sauce for a few minutes before cooking. You can substitute pork shoulder for pork belly, bacon, or any type of protein.

    Add the Rice Cakes and Sauce Last: Add in the rice cakes and sauce towards the end of your cooking process and stir fry until the rice cakes are soft. This prevents the rice cakes from getting too mushy.

    Don't Forget the Toppings: Toppings like sesame seeds, green onions, and bonito flakes not only add an extra layer of flavor but also make your dish visually appealing.

    Enjoy the Versatility: This stir-fried rice cake recipe is not only easy to make but also versatile. You can experiment with different proteins and vegetables based on your preferences and dietary needs.

    Serving Suggestions

    • For a satisfying lunch, pair this dish with a side of Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim). The cool, refreshing salad compliments the warm, spicy rice cake perfectly.
    • Stir-fried rice cake can also be a wonderful dinner option. Try serving it with Korean Fried Popcorn Turkey Nuggets. The nuggets add a crunchy contrast to the chewy rice cakes.
    • Why not make a savory snack out of this dish? Enjoy it with a side of Korean Corn Cheese. The cheese adds a creamy texture that blends well with the chewy rice cakes.
    • If you're in the mood for a light dinner, pair this dish with an Easy Corn Egg Drop Soup. The soup will provide a soothing balance to the spicy and savory rice cake.
    Stir-fried rice cakes with bonito flakes on top served in a black bowl.

    Recipe Variation Ideas for Stir Fried Rice Cake

    This delicious stir-fried rice cake recipe is so flavorful and easy to make you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:

    Try it with Tofu: If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, this variation is perfect for you. Simply replace the pork shoulder with tofu. Remember to press the tofu before cooking to remove excess water and achieve a firmer texture.

    Add some Mushrooms: If you're a fan of mushrooms, simply add a cup of sliced mushrooms to the stir-fry. Mushrooms will add an earthy flavor and extra texture to the dish, making it even more satisfying. Shiitake mushrooms will go great in this recipe.

    Use Beef or Chicken: Switch up the pork for slices of pork or chicken!

    Spice it up: If you like your food spicy, add a teaspoon or two of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the stir-fry. This will give your stir-fried rice cake a fiery kick that you’ll love!

    Omit the Kimchi: For Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year), I skip the kimchi and make this with just the pork for a delicious New Year rice cake dish.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is kimchi?

    Kimchi is a popular, traditional Korean banchan that’s made with salted and fermented vegetables, which is most commonly napa cabbage or Korean radish.

    What is the best type of rice cake to use for this recipe?

    You can use either fresh or frozen rice cakes for this recipe. If you're using frozen rice cakes, be sure to thaw them first by running them under hot tap water for a minute.

    Can I substitute the pork with other types of meat?

    Absolutely! You can substitute pork shoulder for pork belly, bacon, beef, chicken, or any type of protein. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

    What is hondashi dashi powder and can I skip it?

    Hondashi dashi powder is a type of Japanese soup stock that adds a rich umami flavor. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with other types of dashi or even chicken or vegetable stock.

    How long should I stir fry the rice cakes?

    You should stir fry the rice cakes until they are soft, which typically takes around three minutes. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become mushy.

    What can I use as toppings for this stir fried rice cake recipe?

    You can garnish your stir fried rice cake with sesame seeds, green onions, and bonito flakes. Feel free to add your own twist with other toppings like chopped nuts or even a drizzle of spicy mayo!

    How to Store Leftover Stir Fried Rice Cake

    To store leftover stir fried rice cakes, first allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer the cooled rice cake into an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

    To reheat, you can use either a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, heat on medium power to avoid drying out the rice cake. Stir every minute until thoroughly warmed.

    If using a stovetop, add a little bit of oil to the pan to prevent the rice cake from drying out. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

    Unfortunately, stir-fried rice cake doesn't freeze well. The texture of the rice cake tends to become overly chewy and tough when frozen and thawed. Therefore, it’s best to enjoy your stir-fried rice cake fresh or store it in the fridge as instructed above.

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    Did You Make This Recipe?

    If you made this stir fried rice cake recipe, I want to see! Follow Pups with Chopsticks on Instagram, snap a photo, and tag and hashtag it with @pupswithchopsticks and #pupswithchopsticks. I love to know what you are making!

    Please also consider leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a comment to tell me how it went! I'd love to hear from you if you made this!

    If you like my recipes and want to be updated on when new ones come out, please consider subscribing to my newsletter (we don't spam) and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for all of my latest recipes!

    Recipe Card

    Closeup of stir-fried kimchi rice cakes

    Stir-Fried Kimchi Rice Cakes

    Easy to make and delicious, chewy stir-fried rice cakes recipe made with kimchi and thin slices of pork. Ready to eat in 15 minutes!
    Print Pin Email Rate
    Course: Main, Side
    Cuisine: Asian, Korean
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    4 Servings
    5 from 11 votes
    Made with ♡ by Joyce

    Joyce's Recipe Notes

    • You can substitute pork shoulder for pork belly, bacon or any type of protein.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 ½ cups kimchi (roughly chopped)
    • 1 small carrot (cut into thin match sticks)
    • 1 onion (sliced)
    • 1 ½ cups rice cake (frozen or fresh)
    • 1 tablespoon butter

    Pork Marinade

    • 1 lb pork shoulder or pork butt (sliced)
    • 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce (to marinate the pork)

    Sauce

    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
    • 2 teaspoons mirin
    • 5 teaspoons soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon hondashi dashi powder (optional)
    • 1 tablespoon hot water

    Toppings (Optional)

    • sesame seeds
    • green onions
    • bonito flakes

    Instructions
     

    Preparation

    • Slice the onions into thin slices and put aside
    • Julienne the carrots into matchsticks and put aside
    • Chop the kimchi and put aside
    • If you are using frozen rice cakes, put the rice cakes in a colander or strainer and run under hot tap water for 1 minute.

    Marinate the Pork

    • Slice pork and and add it to a small bowl.
    • Add 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce to the pork slices, and mix well. Set it aside for later.

    Make the Sauce

    • Add in a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 teaspoons mirin, 5 teaspoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon hondashi dashi powder (optional), and 1 tablespoon hot water and set it aside for later.

    Stir Frying Everything Together

    • Set stove to medium-high heat and put some oil and 1 tablespoon butter into a frying pan
    • When the butter has melted and the pan is hot add in the pork and cook it until it the meat has been browned and cooked. (approximately 5 minutes)
    • Add in the kimchi, carrots and onions and cook for another 5 minutes
    • Add in the rice cakes and sauce then stir fry until the rice cakes are soft (approximately 3 minutes)
    • Garnish with toppings and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 591mg | Potassium: 345mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 2mg

    *Nutritional information is calculated using online tools and is an estimate*

    Did you try this recipe?I'd love to hear from you! Let me know how it was and consider giving it a rating! Tag me on Instagram with @pupswithchopsticks to show me!

    Disclaimer: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, however I provide these links
    to make items easier to find if you cannot purchase this locally and I would never recommend anything I don’t own myself or highly recommend. I would prefer you buy your items locally if possible to support your local shops (and chances are they are cheaper locally as well!)

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. LK says

      October 14, 2020 at 6:05 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious and so easy!

      Reply
      • Joyce Lee says

        November 24, 2020 at 2:39 pm

        Hi LK!
        I'm so happy this was easy to follow and that you liked it! This is usually my easy weeknight dinner as well.

        Reply
    2. Kaitlyn says

      May 26, 2018 at 4:29 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is a winner. I doubled the amount of rice cakes (felt like more was needed to make 3 main meals, it ended up making 4+), but kept everything else the same, and it was bloody awesome!

      This was my first time using rice cakes, and I'm tempted to make the half hour trip to the Korean store for the second time this weekend just so I can make this again asap.

      Reply
      • Joyce says

        May 27, 2018 at 8:47 pm

        Aweeeesome! 🙂 So happy you liked it! Rice cakes are definitely one of my fave things to eat, isn't the chewiness amaaazing? Buy a few packs (I assume you bought them frozen?) and store them in the freezer so you can have them anytime in a snap! That's what I do! I store 3 packs in the freezer haha! 😀 and they last foreveeer in the freezer!

        Reply
    3. Fiona says

      November 28, 2017 at 7:21 pm

      5 stars
      Just tried this recipe and it's sooo good! I think the addition of dashi really works here. The result reminds me a lot of the kimchi yaki udon dish that is common in Japanese izakayas!

      Reply
      • Joyce says

        November 28, 2017 at 7:56 pm

        Makes me super duper happy to hear you liked it Fiona! 🙂 I totally agree with you, the dashi gives it that something special - I especially love the smokiness in it. I love adding a bit of this to all my noodle dishes, you should try that out too! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Heather @ Dredge and Drizzle says

      March 17, 2017 at 3:07 pm

      Hi Joyce. This dish looks so delicious! And it has interesting ingredients I haven't tasted before so you have piqued my interest for sure. I love trying new things. Also, your photography is gorgeous!

      Reply
      • Joyce says

        March 21, 2017 at 1:12 pm

        Thanks so much for your kind words Heather! 🙂 I love trying new things myself so anything I do I love spreading it to everyone around! 😀 I'm so happy you thought this was interesting! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Josie says

      February 21, 2017 at 12:10 pm

      5 stars
      Your cooking with food technique is really amazing! I love the way you created the food like ingredients, food styles etc etc.
      This time it's the Kimchi stir mix with rice noodles is absolutely stunning, reason being the way you made the Kimchi ( I would have said is your fantastic homemade Kimchi !! I do believe you have put an outstanding effort into it --- A STAR WINNER !! ) Because that your tasty Kimchi is very different from outside there. I'm a fancy Kimchi lover. I can tell that I would be obsessed to it.
      I would do follow your way to do it. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Joyce says

        February 22, 2017 at 12:23 pm

        Thank you for your kind words. I am so glad you find my steps useful! I am a very visual person myself so I like to see how things are done and the type of ingredients are used 🙂 and yes! I made the kimchi! I'm surprised you caught that!

        Reply
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