Intro

Think about food that I like the most, it was such a happiness when I drawing it. Now, I want to eat it, hope that this illustration can be magically become real food! lol

Since this is my favorite childhood food, I wanted to draw it and share a procedure on how to make it. Here’s how I create Tteokbokki in my illustration. Let’s get started!

1). Search for a Reference

Since I don’t have my own photo of this food and haven’t taken any food photos before, I used a search engine to find a reference.

2). Insert Photo to the Layer

Here’s how to insert a photo for smartphone users.

3). Start Make A Sketch

When make a sketch, I prefer to use Real G-Pen because the result is clearer and sharper.

4). Add Color

You can add color using the Fill tool, which quickly fills your sketch.

Although the result might not look perfect, it’s just the beginning. When filing the color, it’s better to start with a base color. For example, since tteokbokki is kinda orange-red, I use that as the base. Even though the final color is a bit darker, starting with a lighter shade allows for easier blending later on the next step.

5). Blend the Color

This step is important because it will make your drawing look more alive and realistic.

# First, I add a darker color with watercolor and blend it smoothly.

# Then, I use a pencil to enhance realism by adding highlights and texture—make it look like the tteokbokki is under spotlight.

6). Finishing

Because I don’t make the drawing exactly match the reference, I use it just for guidance. In this step, check for any gaps in the drawing and make sure everything is fully colored. Like in every edge of the drawing.

7). Create A New Bowl

Since I use separate layers for the tteokboki and the bowl, you can easily edit the bowl without affecting the food layer.

# Draw the bowl using the Direct Draw and choose Ellipse.

# Add color using Fill and use Blend if you want to create a gradient.

The result

8). Final Touches

For the final step, you can add a background based on your needs. This is optional. You can find backgrounds on assets.clip-studio.com

This is the one asset that I prefered.

Here’s the result

Additional Tteokbokki Recipe

This is the tteokbokki recipe, in case you want to make it

1). Prepare the Ingredients.

 

1. Tteok (Cylindrical rice cake) – 900 gram

2. Gochujang (Korean red chili paste) – 2 tablespoons

3. Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) – 1 tablespoons (you can add more for extra spice)

4. Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon

5. Sugar – 1 tablespoon

6. Garlic – 3 cloves, minced

7. Eomuk (Fish cakes) – 150 gram, cut into strips (optional)

8. Green Onion – 2—3 stalks, chopped

9. Anchovy stock – 2 cups

10. Hard boiled egg – 2 (optional)

11. Sesame Seeds – For garnish

 

2). Here are the steps to make tteokbokki:

1. Prepare the rice cakes:

# If using frozentteok, soak the tteok with warm water for 10—15 minutes until soften.

# You can also use homemade ricecakes.

2. Make the broth:

# In a large pan, add 2 cups anchovy stock and bring it to a boil.

#Once the stock is boiling, add 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean red chilipaste), 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (chiliflakes), 1 tablespoon of soysauce, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir until the gochujang is fully dissolved and the sauce is well combined.

#If you want more spiciness you can add more gochugaru (chiliflakes)

3. Add tteok (rice cakes) and eomuk (fish cakes):

Add the softened tteok and sliced fish cakes into the pan. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the rice cakes become soft and chewy.

4. Add garlic and green onions:

Add minced garlic and chopped green onions into the mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

5. Optional additions:

If you like, add boiled eggs or other ingredients like cabbage or dumplings at this point.

6. Serve:

Once the sauce has thickened and the rice cakes are tender, remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and more chopped green onions or cheese if desired. Serve hot.

 

Enjoy your delicious tteokbokki!

Last but Not Least

That’s all my process and some tips for make illustration from food (tteokbokki), hope that’s can help you and thank you!

Have a nice day!