Honey Butter Rice Cakes

Name: Honey Butter Rice Cakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound Korean rice cakes; 1 tablespoon neutral oil; 1/4 cup butter; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Published: December 4, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up these delicious rice cakes in no time.
Affordable: Skip the expensive restaurant prices and make your own delightful treat right at home.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and butter creates a unique flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory.
Versatile Snack: Enjoy them on their own or pair with other dishes for a complete meal.
Chewy Delight: The texture of Korean rice cakes provides a satisfying chew that keeps you coming back for more.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes all the difference when creating these Honey Butter Rice Cakes. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Kitchen towel
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: Allows for even heating and enough space to fry the rice cakes without overcrowding.
Kitchen towel: Helps dry the rice cakes after soaking, ensuring they fry properly.
Spatula: Ideal for flipping the rice cakes gently without breaking them apart.

Ingredients

For the Rice Cakes

1 pound Korean rice cakes
1 tablespoon neutral oil

For the Honey Butter Sauce

1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce

How to Make Honey Butter Rice Cakes

Step 1: Soak the Rice Cakes

If you’re using frozen or refrigerated rice cakes, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes or as per package instructions. After soaking, dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel. If you’re using fresh rice cakes, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Fry the Rice Cakes

Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the rice cakes without touching them.
Fry for two minutes until the bottom is crispy and slightly golden.
Flip each rice cake to get some color on both sides; this should take about 3 minutes.
Use a spatula to gently separate any that are sticking together.
Remove the fried rice cakes to a plate once done.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium.
In the same skillet, add butter, honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
Cook while stirring for about 1 minute until the sugar dissolves.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the fried rice cakes to the pan with the sauce.
Toss everything together to coat evenly.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce reduces into a glaze.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Honey Butter Rice Cakes!

How to Serve Honey Butter Rice Cakes

These Honey Butter Rice Cakes make for a delightful snack or side dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience with this delicious treat.

As a Snack

Enjoy them plain for an easy and satisfying snack.
Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

With Fresh Fruits

Serve alongside sliced strawberries or mangoes to add a fresh, juicy contrast.
Create a fruit platter with seasonal fruits for a colorful presentation.

Drizzled with Extra Honey

Add an extra drizzle of honey on top for those who love sweetness.
Combine with a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the flavors.

With Ice Cream

Top warm rice cakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Try pairing them with matcha or green tea ice cream for a unique flavor twist.

In a Bento Box

Include Honey Butter Rice Cakes in your bento box along with veggies and protein.
They make for an excellent addition to lunch, providing energy and satisfaction.

As Party Appetizers

Cut into smaller pieces and serve on toothpicks as bite-sized appetizers at gatherings.
Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped nuts for added texture.

How to Perfect Honey Butter Rice Cakes

To achieve the best results when making Honey Butter Rice Cakes, consider these helpful tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your rice cakes and other ingredients are fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
Control the Heat: Maintain medium-high heat while frying to achieve that perfect crispy exterior without burning.
Be Patient: Allow the rice cakes to fry undisturbed initially to develop crispiness before flipping them.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of honey and sugar based on your taste preferences.
Experiment with Toppings: Try adding chopped nuts or sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy them right after cooking when they are hot and glazed for the best experience.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Rice Cakes

Honey Butter Rice Cakes pair wonderfully with several side dishes. Here’s a list of some ideal accompaniments:

Kimchi: The spicy and tangy flavors of kimchi complement the sweetness of the rice cakes perfectly.
Bulgogi: Marinated beef adds savory richness that balances the sweet elements of the dish.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides crunch and acidity, enhancing overall enjoyment.
Spicy Tofu Stew: This hearty stew offers warmth and spice, making it an excellent pairing.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or carrots add color and nutrients to your meal without overpowering flavors.
Egg Fried Rice: The savory notes from egg fried rice make it a filling side that complements the sweetness well.
Seaweed Salad: A light seaweed salad can offer a briny taste that contrasts beautifully with honey butter flavors.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds umami depth, rounding out your dining experience nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Butter Rice Cakes, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out great.

Skipping the soaking step: If you’re using frozen rice cakes, it’s important to soak them. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender. Always follow package instructions for best results.
Overcrowding the pan: If you add too many rice cakes at once, they won’t fry properly. Cook them in batches to achieve that perfect crispy texture on each cake.
Not stirring the sauce enough: When combining butter, honey, and brown sugar, be sure to stir well. This prevents the sugar from burning and helps create a smooth glaze.
Ignoring cooking times: Pay close attention to cooking times when frying and glazing the rice cakes. Overcooking can lead to a tough texture instead of a chewy one.
Using low-quality ingredients: The flavor of your Honey Butter Rice Cakes depends on the quality of your ingredients. Use high-quality butter and pure honey for the best taste.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Honey Butter Rice Cakes in an airtight container.
They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Honey Butter Rice Cakes

You can freeze these rice cakes for up to 2 months.
Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Honey Butter Rice Cakes

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rice cakes on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place rice cakes in a microwave-safe dish with a damp paper towel on top. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add rice cakes and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Honey Butter Rice Cakes?

Honey Butter Rice Cakes are a delightful Korean snack made from chewy rice cakes coated in a sweet glaze made of honey, butter, and brown sugar.

Can I customize my Honey Butter Rice Cakes?

Absolutely! You can add toppings like sesame seeds or chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch.

How do I make my Honey Butter Rice Cakes spicier?

To add some heat, consider mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes into the glaze while cooking it.

Are there any substitutes for Korean rice cakes?

Yes! You can use other types of chewy rice cakes or even mochi as alternatives if you can’t find Korean rice cakes.

Final Thoughts

These Honey Butter Rice Cakes are irresistibly sweet and savory, making them a perfect snack or side dish. Their chewy texture combined with the rich glaze creates an unforgettable experience. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or spices for added flair!

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