Supernatural Romance Tteokguk (떡국)
Why this food?
Tteokguk is a traditional Korean rice cake soup eaten especially during New Year celebrations, but its ethereal appearance makes it iconic in supernatural romance K-dramas. The delicate white rice cakes floating in crystalline broth create an otherworldly aesthetic that mirrors themes of spirits, reincarnation, and crossing between realms—making it the perfect comfort food for fans of spooky K-drama romance.
🇰🇷 K-Culture Tip
Tteokguk is traditionally eaten on New Year's Day in Korea, and eating a bowl is believed to add one year to your age. The dish dates back to the Joseon Dynasty and symbolizes purity and new beginnings. In K-dramas, it's often used metaphorically to represent characters making peace with their past lives or crossing into new spiritual dimensions.
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Substitute Ingredients
All available at Walmart
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
Beef broth 소고기 육수 | Swanson Beef Broth Swanson Use low-sodium broth to control salt level. Each can is typically 14.5 oz. Shop at Walmart |
Rice cakes (sliced oval sheets) 떡 | Dynasty Sliced Rice Cakes Dynasty Fresh or frozen work equally well. Thaw frozen cakes before adding to keep broth clear. Shop at Walmart |
Beef (sliced thin) 소고기 | Walmart Deli Roast Beef Walmart Deli Ask the deli counter to slice thin. Cooks instantly in hot broth—add in final 2 minutes to keep tender. Shop at Walmart |
🛒 Can't find it at Walmart? Try a Korean grocery store
Your Shopping List
Walmart edition
- 6 cups (48 oz, about 4 cans) Swanson Beef Broth
- 2 cups (about 8 oz) Dynasty Sliced Rice Cakes
- 4 oz (about 8-10 slices) Walmart Deli Roast Beef
Instructions
- 1
Step 1: Pour 6 cups of beef broth into a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- 2
Step 2: Add the sliced rice cakes to the boiling broth and stir occasionally until they float to the surface (about 5-7 minutes).
- 3
Step 3: While cakes cook, slice the deli roast beef into thin strips and add to the pot in the final 2 minutes of cooking.
- 4
Step 4: Season with salt and white pepper to taste—keep the broth clear and light for that signature ghostly appearance.
- 5
Step 5: Pour into bowls and serve hot as a standalone soup or side dish. The floating white rice cakes should glisten like spirits in the broth.
