Korean rice cake, known as Tteok, is a beloved dessert in Korean cuisine, cherished for its unique sticky texture and sweet flavor. This delightful treat is often stuffed with a sweet red kidney bean paste, making it a perfect snack for those with a sweet tooth. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour and 15 minutes, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to master. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking to impress friends and family with your culinary skills, these delicious rice cakes are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love Korean Rice Cake
- Versatile Dessert: These rice cakes can be enjoyed on various occasions, from family gatherings to festive celebrations.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Customizable Flavors: You can experiment with different toppings and flavors to make each batch unique.
Ingredients
For the Rice Cake
- 1/2 cup soaked overnight red kidney beans
- Salt (as required)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 150 gm brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla syrup
- 1 cup rice flour
- 50 ml boiling water
For Garnishing
- 1 teaspoon green tea powder
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
How to Make Korean Rice Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Red Kidney Beans
- Rinse the Beans: Begin by rinsing the soaked red kidney beans thoroughly.
- Cook the Beans: In a medium pot, add the beans and pour in enough water to cover them. Boil over medium heat until the beans are tender.
- Blend the Beans: Once cooked, drain the excess water and transfer the beans to a blender. Blend until you achieve a fine puree.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Bean Filling
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the bean puree to a saucepan. Add brown sugar, vanilla syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the Mixture: Stir the ingredients together and cook over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens. Once done, set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the rice flour, a pinch of salt, and sugar.
- Add Water: Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing until you form a firm dough. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and soft. Set it aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Garnishes
- Mix Green Tea Powder: In a small bowl, combine green tea powder with a little sugar.
- Grind Black Sesame Seeds: Use a grinder to crush roasted black sesame seeds and transfer them to a separate bowl.
- Prepare Shredded Coconut: Place shredded coconut in another bowl for coating.
Step 5: Assemble the Rice Cakes
- Roll the Dough: Take a small portion of the rice dough and roll it out on a flat surface.
- Stuff with Bean Paste: Place a spoonful of the prepared bean paste in the center and carefully fold the dough edges inwards, sealing the filling inside.
- Shape the Rice Cakes: Gently press the edges with your fingers and roll them into a smooth ball shape.
Step 6: Cook the Rice Cakes
- Boil Water: In a large pot, add enough water and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Cook the Rice Cakes: Once the water is boiling, drop the rice cakes into the pot. Ensure they don’t stick to the bottom.
- Cool the Rice Cakes: When the rice cakes float to the top, remove them and transfer them to a bowl of cold water for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Dry the Rice Cakes: After cooling, place the rice cakes on a dry plate to remove excess water.
- Coat with Toppings: Roll each rice cake in your choice of garnishes: green tea powder, crushed black sesame seeds, or shredded coconut. You can also add food coloring to create vibrant variations.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once coated, your Korean rice cakes are ready to be served! Enjoy them as a sweet snack or dessert.
Conclusion
Korean rice cake is a delightful treat that brings the essence of Korean culture to your table. With its unique texture and sweet filling, this dessert is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether for special occasions or everyday indulgence, these rice cakes are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Try this easy recipe and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!