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Yaksik (Korean Sweet Rice Cake)
Yaksik is a beloved traditional Korean sweet rice cake that brings the warmth of home and the joy of celebration to your table. Made with glutinous rice, a blend of sweet and slightly salty notes, and studded with crunchy nuts and chewy dried fruits, this delightful treat is often enjoyed during special occasions, such as holidays and family gatherings. Its luscious texture and enchanting flavors will transport you to the heart of Korean culture, where food is a heartfelt expression of love and tradition.
Ingredients
- Glutinous rice
- 2 cups, rinsed and soaked for 2 hours
- Water
- 2 cups (for cooking rice) + additional for soaking
- Brown sugar
- 1/2 cup
- Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons
- Sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons
- Cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon
- Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon
- Dried dates
- 1/2 cup, chopped
- Dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup
- Pine nuts
- 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 2 hours, then drain.
- In a large pot, add the soaked rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover, allowing it to simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and sticky.
- While the rice is cooking, in a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, cinnamon powder, and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to the saucepan with the sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sweet sauce.
- Add the chopped dried dates, dried cranberries, and pine nuts to the rice mixture. Gently fold them in until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the yaksik mixture to a greased baking dish (approximately 8x8 inches) and press it down firmly to compact the mixture.
- Allow the yaksik to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cut it into small squares or rectangles for serving.
- Serve the yaksik as a sweet treat or dessert, and enjoy the delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Tips
- For a nut-free version, you can omit the pine nuts and substitute with additional dried fruits or seeds.
- Experiment with different dried fruits like raisins or apricots to create your unique flavor profile.
- Yaksik can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Dietary Information
Servings: 12 Dish Type: Dessert Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including soaking time) Calories: 180 Fat: 5g Carbs: 32g Protein: 3g Sodium: 150mg Sugar: 10g
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