Gut-Healing Korean New Year Rice Cake Soup (Tteokguk) — Allergen-Aware & Kid-Friendly

Gut-Healing Korean Rice Cake Soup (Tteokguk)

This simplified, top allergen-free version of Korean New Year rice cake soup focuses on deep nourishment, digestibility, and clean flavor. By using osso buco and bone marrow, we create a naturally rich broth that supports gut health without relying on soy sauce, sesame oil, or eggs.

This recipe is especially well-suited for:

• Kids

• Healing diets (i.e. those on the eczema elimination journey)

• Allergen-conscious families

INGREDIENTS

For Broth

• 2 ossobuco cuts (cross-cut shanks)

• 2 cups of bone broth

• 4-5 cups cold filtered water

• 1 small onion, halved

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt (start low, add more later)

Umami Options (Choose ONE or skip)

• Option A (Contains Fish):
  3-5 small dried anchovies, heads removed

• Option B (Contains Fish):
  1–2 tsp fish sauce

• Option C (Top-9 Allergen–Free):
  1–2 tsp coconut aminos + extra salt

⚠️ Note: Fish (anchovy, fish sauce) is a top-9 allergen. If strictly avoiding, use Option C or skip entirely—the marrow broth is still delicious.

Rice Cakes

• Korean rice cakes (tteok), pre-sliced and frozen

  • homemade is optimal for our allergy friends as rice cakes are usually made in a facility alongside sesame, tree nuts, soy, wheat, egg, dairy, etc.

  • homemade is also better for you as storebought garatteok (rice cakes) are packaged in plastic while it’s still hot… meaning you’re getting plastic melted in your food.

• Check out my homemade recipe if you’re looking to elevate your rice cake game ♡

Optional Garnish

• Thinly sliced green onion

INSTANT POT METHOD

1. Simmer/Make the Broth

• Place osso buco (soup bone) in an Instant Pot.

• Add broth & filtered cold water.

• Add anchovy or fish sauce or coconut aminos (your pick!)

• Add onion and garlic.

• Lid on → Pressure Cook (High) → 45 minutes

• Natural release 10 minutes, then quick release OUTSIDE (keep your indoor air clean)

2. Defrost & Soak the Rice Cakes

• Place frozen rice cakes in a large bowl.

• Cover with cold water.

• Soak 10 minutes, gently separating slices.

• Drain and set aside.

This prevents gumminess and helps them cook evenly.

3. Finish the Soup

• Remove anchovy, onion and bones.

• Scoop marrow from bones and return to broth. (Marrow is a nutrient gold mine!)

• Season with salt to taste.

• Add soaked rice cakes.

• Saute mode 5 minutes, until tender but chewy.

STOVETOP METHOD

1. Simmer/Make the Broth

• Place osso buco (soup bone) in a large pot.

• Add broth & fresh cold water.

• Add anchovy or fish sauce or coconut aminos

• Add onion and garlic. bring to a gentle simmer. Skim & discard foam / “scum” if desired / needed. Cover and simmer 2½–3 hours on low.

2. Defrost & Soak the Rice Cakes

• Place frozen rice cakes in a large bowl.

• Cover with cold water.

• Soak 10 minutes, gently separating slices.

• Drain and set aside.

This prevents gumminess and helps them cook evenly.

3. Finish the Soup

• Remove anchovy, onion and bones.

• Scoop marrow from bones and return to broth.

• Season with salt to taste.

• Add soaked rice cakes.

• Boil 5 minutes, until tender but chewy.

4. Serve

• Ladle broth, rice cakes, and meat into bowls.

• Garnish with green onion if desired.

• Serve warm with Korean side-dishes (i.e. kimchi, spicy dried radish, etc.)

  • PSA: locals in Oahu, get the freshest homemade Korean side-dishes from Mas Jjang

• Toppings: thin strips of roasted seaweed, egg (for those who tolerate it)

Why This Tteokguk Is Gut Healthier Than Most

1. Collagen & Gelatin Support Digestion
Ossobuco and marrow bones provide collagen, gelatin, and glycine, which help:

• Strengthen & repair the gut lining

• Support digestion

• Calm the nervous system

2. No Soy Sauce or Sesame Oil
Traditional versions rely heavily on soy and sesame, which can be inflammatory or allergenic for many people—especially kids / those struggling with hormone imbalance.

3. Clean Broth Technique
Blanching the bones first reduces histamines and bitterness, making this soup gentler for sensitive stomaches and more digestible for all.

4. Slow Simmer = Easier Absorption
Long, gentle cooking breaks down proteins and minerals into forms the body can absorb easily.

5. Simple Ingredients, Low Load
Fewer ingredients = less digestive stress, especially for healing guts or picky eaters.

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigerate up to 4 days

• Freeze broth separately for up to 3 months