Description
Yaksik, a traditional Korean dessert, is a sweet and sticky rice cake infused with honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. This flavorful treat is enriched with dried fruits and nuts, creating a delightful balance of chewy and crunchy textures. Often served during festive occasions, Yaksik is both satisfying and healthy, thanks to its natural sweetness and nutrient-rich ingredients. Perfect for dessert or a midday snack!
Ingredients
- Sweet Rice (Glutinous Rice): 2 cups, rinsed and soaked for 2 hours
- Water: 2 cups
- Honey: 4 tbsp
- Dark Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp
- Sesame Oil: 2 tbsp
- Brown Sugar: 3 tbsp
- Cinnamon Powder: 1 tsp
- Chestnuts (peeled): ½ cup
- Jujubes (Korean dried dates): ½ cup, pitted and sliced
- Raisins: ¼ cup
- Pine Nuts: 2 tbsp
- Salt: 1 pinch
Instructions
-
Prepare the Rice:
- Drain the soaked sweet rice and steam it in a rice cooker or steamer with 2 cups of water until fully cooked, about 25-30 minutes.
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Make the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, and salt. Heat over low heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked rice with the sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat every grain evenly.
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Add the Toppings:
- Fold in the chestnuts, jujubes, raisins, and pine nuts, ensuring an even distribution throughout the rice mixture.
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Shape and Set:
- Line a square or rectangular pan with parchment paper. Transfer the rice mixture into the pan, pressing it firmly to compact the cake.
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Steam Again:
- Place the filled pan in a steamer and steam for an additional 20 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and ensures a cohesive texture.
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Cool and Serve:
- Allow the rice cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing it into squares or rectangles. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Yaksik can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle lightly toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
- Substitute dried fruits and nuts to your preference, such as apricots or almonds.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Korean dessert, Yaksik, sweet rice cake, traditional Korean recipe, healthy dessert