Name: Vegan Jjajang Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 3 tbsp (45 g) black bean sauce; 3 tbsp (37 g) sugar; 1/2 tsp (2 ml) soy sauce; 14 ounces (400 g) Korean rice cakes; 1/2 onion, sliced; 2 cups (500 ml) water; Toasted sesame seeds to sprinkle; Additional chopped green onions for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 56 reviews

If you have a soft spot for Korean comfort food but want to skip the heat, you are going to fall head over heels for this Vegan Jjajang Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe. This dish is a vibrant celebration of chewy Korean rice cakes enveloped in a luscious, garlicky black bean sauce that is both deeply savory and satisfyingly sweet. It’s an amazing way to experience the rich umami flavors of Korean cuisine without any spiciness, making it perfect for those who crave something hearty yet gentle on the palate. Plus, it’s all done in one pan with just a handful of simple ingredients—talk about effortless indulgence!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate with a brown rim holds many white, cylindrical rice cakes arranged in a slightly overlapping manner. Surrounding the plate are small white bowls placed on a white marbled surface: one contains a dark brown soy sauce, another holds bright green chopped scallions, a gray bowl has thinly sliced white onions, another bowl is filled with a dark, shiny, thick paste, and a small brown bowl holds white sugar. Two garlic cloves rest near the scallions, and there is a crumpled pink cloth to the left side. The overall setup is neat and colorful. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Vegan Jjajang Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe truly special is how uncomplicated the ingredient list is. Each item plays a key role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, creating a perfectly balanced dish that feels both homey and special.

1 tbsp oil: A neutral oil helps to lightly sauté the aromatics, building a flavorful base.
2 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic brings a wonderful pungency that infuses the sauce.
1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a mild sharpness and pretty green pops of color.
3 tbsp black bean sauce: The star ingredient that gives this dish its signature rich, savory depth.
3 tbsp sugar: Balances the saltiness with a hint of sweetness to round out the flavors.
1/2 tsp soy sauce: Enhances the umami notes, tying the sauce together beautifully.
14 ounces Korean rice cakes: The chewy, soft texture of these rice cakes makes the dish comforting and filling.
1/2 onion, sliced: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture contrast when simmered in the sauce.
2 cups water: Helps the rice cakes cook perfectly while allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken.

How to Make Vegan Jjajang Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your minced garlic and chopped green onions. Let them cook gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. This step infuses the oil with the essential aromatics that form the flavorful backbone of your black bean sauce.

Step 2: Build the Black Bean Sauce

Next, stir in 3 tablespoons of black bean sauce, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce right into the skillet. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring regularly. This cooking step helps the flavors meld and intensifies the sauce’s savory-sweet character that so wonderfully complements the rice cakes.

Step 3: Add Rice Cakes, Onion, and Water

Now, it’s time for the chewy stars of the show: add your 14 ounces of Korean rice cakes and the sliced half onion directly to the pan. Pour in 2 cups of water to create the perfect simmering liquid for the rice cakes to plump up and soften, absorbing all those delicious sauce flavors.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, leaving the pan uncovered. Let it cook for about 15 to 17 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice cakes are fork-tender and the sauce has thickened into a glossy, clingy coating that beautifully envelops every bite.

How to Serve Vegan Jjajang Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe

This image shows a metal pan filled with a dark, glossy sauce and many orange rice cakes floating in it. The sauce has a shiny, thick texture with small bits of spices visible throughout. The orange rice cakes are cylindrical and smooth, evenly coated with the sauce. A wooden spoon is partially submerged on the right side, resting inside the sauce. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded rust-colored cloth underneath it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Once off the heat, sprinkle the top with toasted sesame seeds and a few extra chopped green onions. These simple garnishes add delightful texture and a fresh burst of color, making your Vegan Jjajang Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a lightly pickled cucumber salad or some blanched and seasoned spinach to provide a crisp, refreshing contrast. A bowl of steamed rice or a simple kimchi can also play well alongside, rounding out the meal with extra layers of flavor and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the rice cakes over a bed of sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. You can even drizzle a little toasted sesame oil on top for added aroma. This dish also shines on communal platters, inviting everyone to dig in and savor each chewy, saucy bite together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vegan Jjajang Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The rice cakes will continue to soak up the sauce, making the flavors even more intense overnight. Just be aware the texture might firm up slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for longer storage by placing cooled portions into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 1 month, though the rice cakes might become a bit softer after thawing. It’s perfect for prepping meals ahead when you want a quick comfort fix.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through and the sauce is glossy again. Avoid microwaving to keep the best chewy texture of the rice cakes.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice cakes instead of Korean rice cakes?

While Korean rice cakes (tteok) have a specific chewy texture that makes this dish special, regular tubular rice cakes can work in a pinch. Just ensure they are fresh or appropriately thawed, and cook them until tender.

Is black bean sauce spicy?

Traditional black bean sauce has a rich and salty flavor but is not inherently spicy. This recipe is carefully crafted to keep things non-spicy, making it accessible if you prefer to avoid heat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to choose gluten-free soy sauce and verify that the black bean sauce does not contain wheat. Many Korean black bean sauces are naturally gluten-free, but labels vary.

What can I use if I can’t find black bean sauce?

Look for fermented black bean paste or chunjang at Asian markets. If unavailable, you might experiment with miso paste mixed with a touch of soy sauce and sugar, though the flavor will be similar but not identical.

Can I add vegetables or tofu to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or cubed tofu to boost the dish’s nutrition and texture. Add them during the simmering step so they absorb the sauce’s flavors well.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Jjajang Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a busy day but is elegant enough to share with friends and family. Its simplicity, cozy textures, and rich flavors make it a new staple for anyone who loves Korean food minus the heat. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how just seven ingredients come together to create such a comforting, satisfying meal that will quickly become a favorite.

Vegan Jjajang Tteokbokki (Non-Spicy) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need