Sweet Soy Butter Korean Rice Cakes: A Delicious Comfort Food Your Family Will Love!

Name: Sweet Soy Butter Korean Rice Cakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound Korean rice cakes; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or vegetable); ¼ cup butter; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; Optional add-ins: sliced vegetables (bell peppers, green onions, bok choy) and protein (shredded chicken, beef, or tofu)

Posted on January 24, 2026

Trending

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Sweet Soy Butter Korean Rice Cakes comes together in about 30 minutes and requires just one skillet, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family is going to love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those leftovers. Trust me, these rice cakes will be a new favorite at your dinner table!

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s What You’ll Need

1 pound Korean rice cakes: These chewy, delicious rice cakes are the star of the show! If you can’t find them fresh, don’t worry, frozen ones work great too. Just soak them before cooking.
1 tablespoon neutral oil: I like to use canola or vegetable oil, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
¼ cup butter: Look, it’s butter, and we all know it makes everything better, so don’t skimp here!
2 tablespoons honey: This adds a delightful sweetness and pairs so well with the savory elements. If you’re out of honey, you can use maple syrup too!
2 tablespoons brown sugar: A little extra sweetness doesn’t hurt, right? You could also swap it out for coconut sugar if you’re feeling fancy!
2 tablespoons soy sauce: The umami richness from the soy gives these rice cakes that chef’s kiss flavor we’re all after.

Optional Add-ins:

Vegetables: Think sliced bell peppers, green onions, or bok choy. They add flavor and color, too!
Protein: Some shredded chicken, beef, or even tofu can make this dish heartier.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Ready to dive in? Let’s make these Sweet Soy Butter Korean Rice Cakes that I can totally guarantee will become your go-to recipe when you want something quick, easy, and packed with comforting flavors!

Prepare the rice cakes: If you’re using frozen or refrigerated rice cakes, soak them in water for about 20-30 minutes. This step helps them regain their chewy texture. After soaking, pat them dry with paper towels. Phew! Easy peasy so far.
Sear the rice cakes: Heat your neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot (not smoking!), toss in the rice cakes and let them sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes until they’re golden brown. Flip ‘em over and cook another 3 minutes until golden and crispy on both sides. Oh, can you smell that? It’s the aroma of possibilities! Once done, remove them to a plate.
Make the glaze: Lower the heat to medium and add in that glorious butter, honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until everything’s combined, smooth, and bubbly about 2-3 minutes. This is where the magic happens, y’all! The smells wafting from your stovetop will have everyone wandering into the kitchen, guaranteed.
Combine: Now it’s time to bring everything together! Return the seared rice cakes to the pan and toss them in the delicious glaze. Make sure to coat them well, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and coated in that glossy goodness. And remember to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan, don’t waste that flavor!
Serve hot: Serve those hot and douse ‘em with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Enjoy immediately, and prepare for requests for seconds!

Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly, this is my go-to recipe when I need something comforting and satisfying but I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I’m a real sucker for anything with chewy textures, rice cakes hit the spot every single time! Plus, the best part is how versatile this recipe is; you can easily mix in whatever you’ve got to make it your own. It’s a family favorite, and I love it for its simplicity and flavor. Sometimes I even whip it up for my weekly meal prep, works like a charm!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Harissa Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, my Glazed Baked Cau l iflower, or my Apricot Rugelach! They’re all crowd-pleasers just like this one.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to put something on the table fast without sacrificing flavor.

Comfort Food

Loaded with tons of flavor and that iconic chewy texture, these Sweet Soy Butter Korean Rice Cakes are the ultimate comfort food! Everyone at the table will be requesting this again and again. Promise!

Customizable

You can easily switch it up based on what you have in your pantry. If you’re missing the soy sauce, try teriyaki or even a homemade sauce. This flexibility will keep you coming back to this recipe.

Minimal Cleanup Required

Because it all gets done in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. A quick rinse and you are done! Perfect for busy moms like me.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

These rice cakes are fabulous on their own, but you could also serve them with some extra veggies on the side or alongside a simple salad for a complete meal. Honestly, they’re great just as a snack, too!

Storage

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh. (You know how it is, chewy rice cakes lose that magic texture after a day or two.)

Reheating Instructions

When it comes to reheating, I highly recommend using a skillet to bring them back to life. Just add a splash of water and cover to steam them gently, this will help them regain their softness.

Freezer Friendly?

You can freeze them, but I’d suggest not making the glaze in advance. Instead, freeze the cooked rice cakes on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them and make the glaze fresh.

And there you have it a delicious, quick, and easy Sweet Soy Butter Korean Rice Cakes recipe that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. Honestly, this dish is the bomb, and it comes together in a flash. You’ve got this! Happy cooking, friends!

Remember, food is more than just sustenance; it’s about bringing people together, sharing stories, and making memories. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.