Nutritious and Easy Sweet Rice Cake (Yaksik) Made with a Rice Cooker
Simply put the ingredients into your rice cooker and you’re done! Make this incredibly simple and delicious sweet rice cake (Yaksik) with ease. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a healthy snack.
Whip up this nutritious Yaksik effortlessly using just your rice cooker! Packed with wholesome ingredients like glutinous rice, chestnuts, dates, and dried persimmons, this chewy and subtly sweet rice cake is a delightful treat for all ages. Enjoy a taste of tradition made simple.
Main Ingredients
- 550g glutinous rice (approx. 3 cups)
- 40g raisins
- 100g cooked red beans (store-bought or home-cooked)
- 50g dried persimmon slices (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 80g prepared chestnuts (about 10-12 chestnuts, cut into 2-4 pieces each)
- 6 pitted dates (cut into 2-4 pieces each)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, place the 550g of glutinous rice in a bowl. Rinse it gently 2-3 times until the water runs clear. Be careful not to break the rice grains.
Step 2
After rinsing, drain the glutinous rice thoroughly in a colander for about 30 minutes. Ensuring the rice is well-drained will prevent it from becoming too mushy and will result in a chewier texture.
Step 3
Prepare 100g of cooked red beans. You can use store-bought cooked beans or soak and boil them the day before.
Step 4
Cut the 50g of dried persimmon slices into bite-sized pieces. If they are too large, they might not mix well with the rice.
Step 5
Rinse the 40g of raisins briefly and pat them dry. Separate any clumps.
Step 6
Cut the 80g of prepared chestnuts into 2-4 pieces each, depending on their size. Larger pieces might take longer to cook.
Step 7
Cut the 6 pitted dates into 2-4 pieces each, similar to the chestnuts. Removing the seeds makes them easier to eat.
Step 8
To the well-drained glutinous rice, add 400ml of water, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, and 3 Tbsp brown sugar. Mix thoroughly with a spatula to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
Step 9
Add all the prepared ingredients – cooked red beans, dried persimmons, raisins, chestnuts, and dates – to the seasoned glutinous rice. Gently mix everything together with a spoon or spatula, ensuring an even distribution without clumping.
Step 10
Transfer the mixture into the inner pot of your rice cooker and spread it evenly. Make sure it’s not sticking to the bottom.
Step 11
Set your rice cooker to the ‘Cook’ or ‘White Rice’ setting and cook for approximately 35 minutes. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your rice cooker model.
Step 12
Once cooked, drizzle 2 Tbsp of sesame oil, add 2 pinches of salt, and 2 pinches of cinnamon powder over the warm Yaksik. Gently mix it all together with a spatula. The sesame oil and cinnamon add a wonderful aroma.
Step 13
Transfer the warm Yaksik into a desired mold (e.g., a square pan). Press the top flat with a spoon to shape it. Let it cool slightly; this will help it firm up for easier cutting.
Step 14
Once cooled, lightly grease a knife or cover it with plastic wrap, then cut the Yaksik into your desired size and shape. Enjoy your delicious homemade Yaksik! It tastes even chewier and more delicious when cooled.
