Golmok - Toppoki Mala 700g Frozen Meal Kit

Mala Toppoki (마라 떡볶이) is a bold and spicy twist on the traditional Korean dish Toppoki (떡볶이), combining the rich flavors of Korean rice cakes with the Mala flavor profile, which is popular in Chinese cuisine, particularly from the Sichuan region.

What is Mala Toppoki?

• Mala (麻辣): "Mala" is a Chinese term derived from two characters: 麻 (má) meaning "numbing" and 辣 (là) meaning "spicy". This refers to the unique flavor created by Sichuan peppercorns, which cause a numbing sensation, paired with the heat from chili peppers.
• Toppoki (떡볶이): Toppoki is a beloved Korean dish made from chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy sauce, traditionally based on gochujang (Korean chili paste), giving it a deep, sweet, and spicy flavor.

How is Mala Toppoki Different from Traditional Toppoki?

Mala tteokbokki takes the traditional Toppoki and infuses it with the distinctive Mala flavor, resulting in a spicy and numbing sensation. Instead of just using gochujang, this variation incorporates Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili peppers that give it the characteristic numbing feeling (麻) and an intense spiciness (辣).

Key Ingredients in Mala Toppoki:

1. Rice Cakes: Like traditional Toppoki, mala Toppoki uses chewy rice cakes, which soak up the spicy and numbing sauce, making each bite satisfying.

2. Mala Sauce: The star of this dish, the Mala sauce, is made by combining Sichuan peppercorns and chili pepperswith garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and chili oil, creating a spicy and numbing sauce that coats the rice cakes and other ingredients.

3. Gochujang: While gochujang (Korean chili paste) is often used in traditional tteokbokki, it is also included in mala tteokbokki to balance out the intense heat from the Sichuan peppercorns, adding a sweet and savory base to the sauce.

4. Other Add-ins: In some versions of mala tteokbokki, you'll find additional ingredients such as:

   • Fish cakes (eomuk, 오뎅)
   • Boiled eggs
   • Cheese (for a creamy contrast)
   • Vegetables like cabbage or onions
   • Tofu
   • Meats like beef or chicken

Taste Profile of Mala Toppoki:

• Spicy: The chili peppers provide a fiery, intense heat.
• Numbing: The Sichuan peppercorns create a distinct tingling or numbing sensation on your tongue, which is an integral part of the Mala flavor.
• Savory: The addition of gochujang and soy sauce creates a savory, umami-rich base that balances the heat and numbing sensation.
• Slightly Sweet: The gochujang and other seasonings add a subtle sweetness to the dish, making it complex and well-rounded in flavor.

Why Try Mala Toppoki?

1. Unique Flavor: If you're a fan of spicy food, mala tteokbokki offers a new and exciting flavor with its spicy and numbing combination that’s different from traditional Korean tteokbokki.
2. Exciting Sensation: The numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns adds a layer of complexity to the dish that is not typically found in regular tteokbokki.
3. Perfect for Spice Lovers: If you love Sichuan cuisine or are a fan of spicy, bold flavors, mala Toppoki will be an exciting twist on the classic Korean dish that pushes the limits of heat.