Homemade Acorn Jelly (Dotorimuk): Chewy and Healthy
Homemade Acorn Jelly (Dotorimuk): Chewy and Healthy
Taste of Nature: How to Make Chewy Acorn Jelly at Home
This acorn jelly, or ‘Dotorimuk’, brings back warm memories of my mother’s cooking from childhood. It started appearing on our dinner table when my mom began hiking. Rest assured, we always leave enough acorns for the squirrels to last through winter – it’s a gesture of respect for nature. The acorn powder used here comes from acorns gathered around my mother’s farm, where the air is so pure and clean, making the resulting jelly incredibly delicious. Now that I live far away, I can’t enjoy my mom’s cooking as often. I keep the acorn powder she sent me in the freezer, sometimes wondering what I’ll make with it. A friend taught me an easy method, and I also called my mom for advice. I decided to try making it myself! It’s quite simple, and I truly believe anyone with enough arm strength to stir with a ladle can make this. It might be a little tiring, but the chewy texture of the finished product is so worth it!
Acorn Jelly Ingredients- 1 cup acorn powder (packed down firmly)
- 5.5 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cooking oil (for shine)
Seasoning Sauce Ingredients- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon plum extract (for sweetness and flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon plum extract (for sweetness and flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, accurately measure 1 cup of acorn powder using a standard measuring cup. Fill the cup to the brim and gently press down the surface with your finger to level it. This ensures you have the correct amount of powder.
Step 2
Pour the measured acorn powder into a pot to gauge the volume. It might seem like a small amount at first, but it will expand significantly when mixed with water. Be careful not to add too much water initially, as an overly liquid mixture will require prolonged and strenuous stirring, potentially tiring your arms. Getting the water-to-powder ratio right is key!
Step 3
Slowly add 5.5 cups of water to the acorn powder in the pot. It might not dissolve completely at first, so stir thoroughly for about 20 seconds. Let it sit for approximately 5 minutes; the acorn powder will settle slightly at the bottom. Give it another stir before you begin heating.
Step 4
Start heating over high heat. We’ll progress from high to medium, and then low heat. After about 1 minute, lumps will begin to form in the mixture. If you stop stirring, these lumps can become quite large and affect the texture and appearance. From this point on, continuous and vigorous stirring is essential! Delicious acorn jelly doesn’t form effortlessly; a little effort goes a long way. You’re nearing the finish line, so keep going!
Step 5
You’ll see the mixture nearing completion. Notice how dark the color has become. My family prefers a chewier texture, so I cooked it a bit longer. When the jelly is thick enough that it doesn’t easily slide out of an inverted pot, it will have a satisfying bite. Finally, add 1/2 teaspoon of cooking oil and give it a quick stir to give the acorn jelly a glossy, appealing sheen.
Step 6
Carefully transfer the hot, freshly made acorn jelly into a glass dish. Some jelly might still be clinging to the bottom of the pot. Feeling wasteful, I waited for it to cool slightly and then scraped out every last bit with a spoon. Thinking of my mother making this for me, I couldn’t bear to waste any – I’m sure many home cooks can relate! It’s simpler than you might think! With just about 10 minutes of focused effort, you can create wonderful homemade acorn jelly. Avoid cooking for too long, as it can become difficult.
