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: November 10, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of total cooking time, you can whip up these rice cakes in no time.
Flavorful Combination: The blend of honey and butter creates a rich taste that elevates the simple rice cakes.
Versatile Dish: Serve them as a snack, side dish, or even dessert; they fit many occasions.
Cheaper Than Restaurants: Make this popular Korean delicacy at home for a fraction of the cost!
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add spices to suit your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Honey Butter Rice Cakes effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure everything goes smoothly while cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skillet
Spatula
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Kitchen towel

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet: A good non-stick skillet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking when frying the rice cakes.
Spatula: Helps in flipping and separating the rice cakes without damaging them.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to perfect flavor balance in your honey butter sauce.

Ingredients

To make the Honey Butter Rice Cakes, gather the following 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: Prepare 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. Afterward, dry them with a kitchen towel. If you’re using fresh rice cakes, this step can be skipped.

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 initially. Fry for two minutes until the bottom becomes crispy and slightly golden.
Flip the rice cakes using a spatula to get color on all sides. This should take another 3 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium.
Add butter, honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce to the pan.
Cook and stir for about 1 minute until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the fried rice cakes to the pan with the sauce.
Toss gently to coat each piece evenly in the glaze.
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce reduces to a thick glaze.
Serve immediately for best texture and flavor!

How to Serve Honey Butter Rice Cakes

These Honey Butter Rice Cakes make a delightful addition to any meal or snack time. Their sweet and savory flavor pairs well with various side items, making them versatile.

As a Snack

Enjoy them warm as a quick treat. They are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or late-night indulgence.

With Fresh Vegetables

Pair the rice cakes with sliced cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers. The freshness of the veggies complements the sweetness of the honey butter.

In a Salad

Chop the rice cakes and toss them into a vibrant salad with mixed greens and your favorite dressing. This adds a unique texture and flavor contrast.

Alongside Grilled Chicken

Serve the rice cakes next to grilled chicken breast for a satisfying meal. The flavors meld beautifully when enjoyed together.

How to Perfect Honey Butter Rice Cakes

To elevate your Honey Butter Rice Cakes, consider these helpful tips that ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

Soak rice cakes properly: If using frozen or refrigerated rice cakes, soaking them helps achieve that desired chewy texture.
Do not overcrowd the pan: Frying too many rice cakes at once can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure there’s space for each piece.
Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey and brown sugar according to your taste preferences for a sweeter or less sweet option.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butter and high-quality soy sauce will enhance flavors significantly, making your dish even more delicious.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Rice Cakes

Pairing side dishes with your Honey Butter Rice Cakes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

Grilled Vegetables: Mix seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant drizzled with olive oil for a healthy complement.
Spicy Kimchi: The heat from kimchi contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the rice cakes, adding depth to your meal.
Crispy Tempura: Lightly battered and fried vegetables offer a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with chewy rice cakes.
Sesame Spinach Salad: A simple salad with sesame dressing provides a fresh balance to the rich flavors of honey butter.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: These skewers bring savory umami flavors that work harmoniously alongside sweet rice cakes.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comfort and enhances the overall dining experience without overpowering the sweet dish.
Pickled Radishes: Their tangy flavor cuts through sweetness, adding an exciting element to each bite of honey butter rice cake.
Coconut Curry Dip: Creamy coconut curry provides an exotic twist that pairs well with the sticky texture of rice cakes, creating an enjoyable fusion dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Honey Butter Rice Cakes can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping Soaking Frozen Rice Cakes: Not soaking your frozen rice cakes can lead to uneven cooking. Always soak them in water as per package instructions to ensure they fry up perfectly.
Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many rice cakes at once will result in steaming instead of frying. Fry them in batches for that desired crispy texture.
Not Monitoring Heat Levels: Cooking on high heat may burn the butter and sugar. Keep the heat at medium to allow for even cooking and prevent burning.
Ignoring Glaze Consistency: If you don’t reduce the sauce enough, it will be too runny. Cook until the sauce thickens into a glaze that coats the rice cakes nicely.
Serving Cold: These rice cakes are best enjoyed warm. Serving them cold can diminish their flavor and texture appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Honey Butter Rice Cakes in an airtight container.
They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Honey Butter Rice Cakes

Place cooled rice cakes in a freezer-safe container or bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Honey Butter Rice Cakes

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding a little oil if necessary. Reheat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Honey Butter Rice Cakes, read on for answers!

What are Honey Butter Rice Cakes?

Honey Butter Rice Cakes are sweet and savory treats made from Korean rice cakes, butter, honey, and soy sauce, providing a chewy texture that’s hard to resist.

Can I customize my Honey Butter Rice Cakes?

Absolutely! You can add different toppings such as sesame seeds or nuts for added crunch and flavor.

How do I know when my rice cakes are done frying?

Rice cakes should be crispy on the outside with a slightly golden color. This usually takes about 5 minutes of frying time.

What is the best way to store leftover Honey Butter Rice Cakes?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag.

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Rice Cakes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different toppings or serve them as snacks or side dishes. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors!

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