How To Properly Store And Freeze Korean Rice Cakes (2024)

simone gerber

·2 min read

How To Properly Store And Freeze Korean Rice Cakes (1)

StoringKorean rice cakes, or tteok, is essential if you are a fan of Korean cuisine. This staple ingredient has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a fantastic chewiness that will keep you coming back for more. It is a base for many popular dishes, such as spicy tteokbokki, in which the rice cakes are heated and served in a savory gochujang sauce. No matter how you like to eat your rice cakes, they will be at their best when kept fresh. But what's the best way to do that?

The most convenient way to store Korean rice cakes in the short term is by putting them in the refrigerator. When doing so, it's best to either keep them in their original packaging or place them in an airtight container. The container should also be rigid, such as those made of glass, rather than a flimsier plastic bag, as this will allow you to stack them in the fridge without worrying about them being squished under the weight of other foods. When stored this way, freshly maderice cakes will last a few days, while store-bought versions will last for a week or two.

Read more: 21 Delicious Ways To Use Up Leftover Rice

How To Make Korean Rice Cakes Last Longer

How To Properly Store And Freeze Korean Rice Cakes (2)

If you will not be using your tteok right away, it is best to move them from the fridge to the freezer in order to increase their longevity. To do so, place the rice cakes in a rigid, sealable container and stow them away in the freezer. There, they will last for up to three months or more. When you're ready to thaw your rice cakes, simply transfer them back to the refrigerator. Still, even with proper storage, Korean rice cakes will eventually expire.

It's important to keep a sharp eye out for signs of spoilage in order to prevent yourself from accidentally consuming harmful pathogens that have the potential to make you sick. Examine your tteok with your senses of sight and smell. If you notice a sudden change in color or visible mold growth, or if the cakes have a strong, unpleasant odor, they have likely gone bad. Another sign of declining quality, while not necessarily a sign of expiration, is tteok that is hard or crumbly rather than moist and springy. If you notice any of these traits, it's best to dispose of the cakes rather than eating them.

Read the original article on Tasting Table

How To Properly Store And Freeze Korean Rice Cakes (2024)

FAQs

How To Properly Store And Freeze Korean Rice Cakes? ›

To do so, place the rice cakes in a rigid, sealable container and stow them away in the freezer. There, they will last for up to three months or more. When you're ready to thaw your rice cakes, simply transfer them back to the refrigerator. Still, even with proper storage, Korean rice cakes will eventually expire.

How to freeze Korean rice cakes? ›

Place the rice cake in freezer bag. Place them in storage bags and freeze. You can store them about one one month.

How do you store unopened Korean rice cakes? ›

The most convenient way to store Korean rice cakes in the short term is by putting them in the refrigerator. When doing so, it's best to either keep them in their original packaging or place them in an airtight container.

How long do Korean rice cakes last in the fridge? ›

Thaw your rice cakes in the fridge for 1 day before you eat them and try to use them within 3 months. Even if your rice cakes are unopened, you should still try to eat them within 3 months so they don't go bad.

Are Korean rice cakes frozen? ›

These are most popularly used in tteokbokki — the Korean street food of rice cakes cooked in a spicy gochujang-based sauce — and sometimes called tteokbokki-tteok. Rice cakes can be found fresh, refrigerated or frozen from Korean, international and other specialty grocery stores, and even online.

How to defrost frozen Korean rice cakes? ›

Thaw the Rice Cakes

You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes. Thawing them will make them easier to cook and prevent them from sticking together.

Do you need to defrost Korean rice cakes? ›

Place the frozen rice cakes in a bowl of cold water and let them thaw for about 20 minutes. This will help soften the outer layer and ensure even cooking. Gather the rest of the ingredients for your chosen dish.

Do sealed rice cakes go bad? ›

Understanding Rice Cake Shelf Life

Unopened rice cakes, kept in their original airtight packaging, can remain safe for consumption up to 6 months. It is crucial to store them in a dry place, away from sunlight and heat, which ensures that the products retain their quality.

How long do vacuum sealed rice cakes last? ›

Vacuum packed rice cakes can last for 45 days. The main function of vacuum packaging is to remove oxygen in order to help prevent food deterioration. Its principle is relatively simple, because the mildew and deterioration of food is mainly caused by the activities of microorganisms.

How to tell if Korean rice cakes are bad? ›

If you notice a sudden change in color or visible mold growth, or if the cakes have a strong, unpleasant odor, they have likely gone bad. Another sign of declining quality, while not necessarily a sign of expiration, is tteok that is hard or crumbly rather than moist and springy.

Do Korean rice cakes reheat well? ›

Unfortunately, these rice cakes don't reheat well in the microwave. They can get dry and hard. Your best option is to simmer the leftovers in a sauce pan, covered, with some water or broth over medium low heat. Stir once in a while.

Are Korean rice cakes supposed to be chewy? ›

Koreans relish the chewy texture of the rice cake with very little garnish and side ingredients.

How healthy are Korean rice cakes? ›

Rice cakes are healthy.

It's also low in calories (about 100 calories per serving) so you don't feel bloated after eating it! In addition to all that goodness, rice cakes are also high in protein—one serving will give you about 2 grams of protein.

Why do frozen rice cakes crack? ›

If your tteokbokki keep splitting and cracking, it's because your rice cakes are too dry and freezer burnt. They may have been frozen and defrosted more than once. If you have problems with them splitting, try soaking them in cold water and letting them defrost slowly overnight in the fridge.

What is the difference between mochi and Korean rice cake? ›

Korean rice cake or tteok, is made from steamed flour. The flour can come from any type of grain, including glutinous rice. Unlike mochi, which can't be made with regular rice, tteok can be created with non-glutinous rice.

How do you freeze homemade rice cakes? ›

The best method is to freeze your rice cakes. You can line them on a baking sheet or a large plate (freezer safe). Make sure that the rice cakes do not touch each other. Then, you just place the baking sheet straight into the freezer.

Do frozen rice cakes need to be soaked? ›

If the rice cakes are freshly made and soft they do not need to be soaked. Otherwise, soak them in warm water for 10-20 minutes to rehydrate them a bit. Some rice cakes that have been refrigerated or frozen are very dry. These can be soaked for a few hours to overnight.

Do you thaw frozen rice cakes? ›

When you use freshly made rice cake, it takes shorter time. If you use frozen rice cake, thaw it out and soak in cold water to soften it before cooking. Remove from the heat and serve hot. If you have any leftovers, just keep them in the fridge and reheat them when you want to eat.

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