Do Korean Rice Cakes Need To Be Refrigerated? Explained

Last Updated on September 15, 2024 by Shari Mason

To keep those **delicious Korean rice cakes** called “Tteok” tasting fresh and yummy, follow these simple steps. Store them in an **airtight container** to keep away moisture. **Freeze** them if you don’t plan on eating them soon, as this keeps them just as **chewy** and **soft** as the first day. **Reheating in the microwave** with a bit of water will make them tender again, just like magic! For the best taste, try to eat within a month.

Do Korean cakes need to be refrigerated?

In this guide, we’ll discuss whether Korean rice cakes need refrigeration, based on food safety standards and practical experience, in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner.

Is It Okay To Refrigerate Korean Rice Cakes? 

Yes, refrigerating Korean rice cakes [1] is not only okay but generally recommended, especially if you plan to wait to consume them. 

Storing Korean rice cakes in the refrigerator helps to maintain their freshness and extends their shelf life, making them safe to eat for a more extended period. 

“I love Korean rice and Korean food in general. Korean barbecues are cool – there’s a table with a hole in it with fire coming through, and we throw meat on it.”

– Son Heung-Min, South Korean Footballer

However, refrigeration can slightly alter their texture, making them more challenging. You can reheat them before eating to restore their soft and chewy texture.

Read:

• Is It Bad To Eat Too Much Kimchi?
• How Long Can You Keep Kimbap Out?
• Does Eel Sauce Need To Be Refrigerated?

How Long Can They Last In The Refrigerator?

Korean rice cakes can last for about a week when stored correctly in the refrigerator. However, their texture and flavor are best when consumed within a few days of purchase or preparation. 

Over time, even in the fridge, the rice cakes can lose their characteristic chewiness and become hard. 

How Can You Tell If Korean Rice Cakes Have Gone Bad?

1. Smell: A sour or off smell indicates the rice cakes have spoiled. Fresh rice cakes should not have a strong or unpleasant odor.
2. Appearance: Check for visible signs of mold, which may present as fuzzy spots in colors like white, green, or black. Also, if the color of the rice cake has darkened significantly, it could indicate spoilage.
3. Texture: Fresh Korean rice cakes have a soft and chewy texture. They’re likely past their prime if they’ve become overly hard, dry, or crumbly.
4. Taste: While it’s better not to taste the food you suspect has gone bad, if you’ve eaten a bit and it tastes sour, stale, or otherwise off, it’s best to discard the rest.
5. Time: If the rice cakes have been stored in the fridge for over a week or left at room temperature for over a day, it’s safer to assume they might have gone bad.

Can You Freeze Korean Rice Cakes?

Yes, you can freeze Korean rice cakes for extended storage. Freezing can significantly prolong the shelf life of these delicacies without greatly affecting their texture or taste. 

To freeze, ensure they’re tightly wrapped in cling film or placed in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality. 

“In the dance of preservation, the Korean rice cake twirls to the cool rhythm of the fridge, ensuring its steps of freshness and quality are maintained for your enjoyment.”

– Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

They can be stored in the freezer for several months. When you’re ready to eat them, it’s best to let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

Related Posts:

• How Long Do Wedding Cakes Last?
• How To Cook Store-Bought Crab Cakes?
• How Long Do Store-Bought Cupcakes Last?

How Do You Reheat Korean Rice Cakes?

1. Microwave: Place the rice cakes in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle some water over them to create steam, and heat them in short intervals, usually 20-30 seconds, until they become soft.
2. Steamer: If you have a steamer, you can steam the rice cakes for 5-10 minutes until they regain their chewiness.
3. Boiling Water: Blanch rice cakes in boiling water [2] for a few minutes. Be careful not to leave them too long, as they can become overly soft.
4. Pan-frying: Some types of Korean rice cakes can be pan-fried. This method gives them a nice crispy exterior while the inside remains chewy.

FAQs

In Conclusion

Korean rice cakes, or “tteok,” should ideally be refrigerated if they are not to be consumed immediately. 

Refrigeration helps maintain their freshness and extend their shelf life, with the potential to last up to a week, although for the best quality and taste, it’s recommended to eat them within a few days. 

Freezing is also an option for long-term storage. Be aware of the signs of spoilage, and always reheat your rice cakes appropriately to enjoy their characteristic soft and chewy texture. 

Proper storage is critical to enjoying your Korean rice cakes at their best.

References:

1. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/265318/tteokbokki-korean-spicy-rice-cakes/
2. https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-boil-water-1705694