Moist and Fragrant Apple Steamed Rice Cake (Saegwalgil)
Easy Homemade Apple-Infused Steamed Rice Cake Recipe
Do you have leftover apples that are a bit plain to eat raw? This ‘Saegwalgil’ (Apple Steamed Rice Cake) recipe is perfect for using them up! The subtle, fragrant apple aroma makes it much softer and moister than plain white rice cake (Baekseolgi). It’s a delightful snack for kids and a wonderful dessert for adults. Let’s make this delicious apple steamed rice cake right now!
Key Ingredients for Apple Steamed Rice Cake
- 450g Wet Rice Flour (approx. 3 cups)
- Less than 1 apple (1 medium-sized apple)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, take half of the apple and grate it, or process it in a blender or juicer to extract only the clear juice. Set this juice aside. (We’ll use the other half for texture!)
Step 2
Peel the remaining half of the apple, remove the core, and dice it into very small pieces. These small apple chunks will add a delightful texture to your steamed cake.
Step 3
Sift the wet rice flour (preferably freshly ground) through a fine-mesh sieve. This step is crucial to break up any lumps and ensure a silky-smooth texture for your steamed cake.
Step 4
Gradually add the reserved apple juice to the sifted rice flour, gently mixing with your hands. A good starting ratio is about 1 tablespoon of apple juice per cup of rice flour. Adjust the amount of juice until the flour is moist. The flour should hold its shape when squeezed into a fist and crumble slightly but not fall apart easily when tossed. Be careful not to make it too wet, or the cake might become sticky.
Step 5
Sift the flour mixture containing the apple juice once more through a fine sieve. Discard any coarse bits that don’t pass through the sieve. This ensures a perfectly smooth texture.
Step 6
Fill your steaming mold (like a mousse ring or a cake tin) with about two-thirds of the prepared rice flour mixture. Evenly sprinkle the finely diced apple pieces over this layer. Then, cover with the remaining rice flour mixture. Layering the apple pieces ensures you get a burst of apple flavor with every bite.
Step 7
After filling the mold with the flour mixture, gently insert a chopstick or spatula along the inside edges of the mold, between the mold and the flour. This creates small gaps, allowing steam to circulate better and ensuring the cake cooks evenly.
Step 8
Place the filled mold onto a preheated steamer. Cover with a lid and steam for approximately 25 minutes. Once steamed, turn off the heat, keep the lid on, and let it rest (steam) for another 5 minutes. This resting period allows the cake to become even more moist and tender. Your delicious Apple Steamed Rice Cake is ready!
