Nutritious and Healthy Sweet Rice Cake (Yaksik) Made in a Rice Cooker
Nutritious and Healthy Sweet Rice Cake (Yaksik) Made in a Rice Cooker
Discover the Secret to Making a Deliciously Healthy Sweet Rice Cake (Yaksik) with Barley Syrup, Perfect for Any Occasion! Includes Easy Rice Cooker Instructions and Storage Tips!
I made this Yaksik (sweet rice cake) for my son’s birthday instead of a traditional cake! It’s a wonderfully healthy and delicious treat that the whole family can enjoy together. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for everyone!
Main Ingredients- 2 cups glutinous rice (approx. 360g)
- 300ml water
- 100g peeled chestnuts (about 5-7 chestnuts)
- 2 Tbsp dried cranberries
- 2 Tbsp walnuts
- 10 pitted dates
Sweet Seasoning Mix- 100g brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp barley syrup (jocheong)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 100g brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp barley syrup (jocheong)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 2 cups of glutinous rice. It’s important to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking.
Step 2
Rinse the glutinous rice well and then soak it in plenty of water for about 1 hour until it is fully softened. Soaking the rice makes it tender and ensures a delicious, fluffy texture when cooked.
Step 3
After soaking, drain the glutinous rice in a sieve, allowing all excess water to drip away. This step should take about 1 minute. Properly draining the rice prevents it from becoming clumpy.
Step 4
Now, pour 300ml of water into the inner pot of your electric rice cooker.
Step 5
Add 100g of brown sugar for a rich sweetness. Brown sugar imparts a deeper, more nuanced sweetness to the dish.
Step 6
Stir in 3 Tbsp of soy sauce to add a savory umami flavor. Soy sauce helps to balance and harmonize all the flavors in the Yaksik.
Step 7
Add 1 Tbsp of barley syrup (jocheong) for a healthy, natural sweetness and a lovely sheen.
Step 8
Pour in 2 Tbsp of perilla oil (deulgireum) for a nutty, aromatic flavor. Perilla oil significantly enhances the overall aroma and taste of the Yaksik.
Step 9
Finally, add 1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder. Using a spatula, mix all the seasoning ingredients thoroughly until well combined and no lumps remain. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed among the rice grains.
Step 10
Add the prepared 100g of peeled chestnuts. Chestnuts add a delightful chewiness and sweetness, making them an essential ingredient for Yaksik.
Step 11
Incorporate 2 Tbsp of dried cranberries for a burst of tartness and vibrant color. The cranberries also add a pleasant chewy texture.
Step 12
Add 2 Tbsp of walnuts for their rich, nutty flavor. Walnuts provide a satisfying crunch and a delicious nutty taste with every bite.
Step 13
Finally, arrange the 10 pitted dates attractively on top. Dates contribute their natural sweetness and create a beautiful presentation, making the Yaksik look like blooming flowers.
Step 14
After adding all ingredients, gently mix everything together with a spatula, being careful not to mash the rice grains. Then, select the ‘Mixed Grains’ or ‘Brown Rice’ setting on your electric rice cooker and start cooking. The ‘Mixed Grains’ setting cooks at a higher temperature and allows for longer steaming, which is key to achieving a perfectly chewy and delicious Yaksik. Once cooking is complete, let it rest for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld further – this is optional but highly recommended for the best taste.
Step 15
Voila! Your Yaksik is ready, steaming hot from the rice cooker. As you open the lid, you’ll be greeted by a wonderful aroma of sweetness and nuttiness. The dates arranged on top look just like beautiful flowers, making it incredibly appetizing!
Step 16
Try making this healthy and delicious Yaksik at home! Wishing you a sweet and satisfying day. Enjoy your meal!
