02.02.2026

Tteokguk (떡국) – Korean Rice Cake Soup Recipe for Lunar New Year

Tteokguk (떡국) is more than just a comforting bowl of Korean rice cake soup. It’s a meaningful tradition enjoyed during Seollal (설날), the Korean Lunar New Year. On this day, families gather to share steaming bowls rice cake soup as a way to welcome a fresh start, good fortune, and prosperity in the year ahead.

The snowy-white oval rice cakes symbolize purity and renewal, while their coin-like shape represents wealth and abundance. There’s even a well-known Korean saying: “You must eat tteokguk to gain a year.” Hence, enjoying this soup isn’t just about flavor. It’s a ritual that marks the passing of time and the beginning of something new.

If you’re looking for an authentic Korean New Year recipe, this easy homemade tteokguk is the perfect dish to celebrate Lunar New Year with warmth and tradition.

Recipe: Korean Tteokguk (Rice Cake Soup)

Course: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Servings: 4–5 people

Total Cook Time: ~20 minutes

🧾Ingredients

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the rice cakes

– Rinse the sliced rice cakes under cold water 2–3 times, then drain and set aside. This removes excess starch and prevents sticking.

*If using frozen rice cakes, soak them in cold water for 10–15 minutes before cooking.

Step 2: Marinate the beef

– In a bowl, combine beef, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and black pepper.

– Mix well and set aside for a few minutes.

Step 3: Build the broth

– Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

– Add the marinated beef and sauté for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned.

– Pour in water or stock, skim off any foam, cover, and boil for about 15 minutes to develop a clean, savory broth.

Step 4: Add the egg (simple version)

– Lightly whisk the eggs

– Slowly drizzle them into the gently boiling soup in a circular motion, similar to egg drop soup.

Step 5: Add rice cakes and dumplings (optional)

– Add the rice cakes (and dumplings, if using).

– Boil for 3–4 minutes, until the rice cakes become soft and tender.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

– Top with seaweed flakes and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Egg Jidan – Traditional Topping (Optional)

Traditionally, tteokguk is finished with jidan – a colorful egg garnish made by separating egg whites and yolks, pan-frying each into thin sheets, then slicing them into delicate strips.

You can skip this step for simplicity and rely on the egg-drop method above (Step 4), or go traditional for a more festive presentation.

💡 Tips: Where to find the ingredients

Delivery K – Rice cake soup ingredients

And that’s it – your homemade rice cake soup is ready! ✨

Whether you’re celebrating Korean Lunar New Year, exploring traditional Korean food, or simply craving a light yet deeply comforting soup, tteokguk is a dish that delivers both flavor and meaning. Each spoonful carries wishes for health, prosperity, and a bright new beginning.

This Lunar New Year, let Delivery K bring a taste of Korea to your table, because sometimes, welcoming a new year starts with a warm bowl of rice cake soup.

Delivery K

Korean Kimchi Culture and Popular Kimchi Dishes

OG Korean Winter Snacks You HAVE to Try