Yak-Sik

Yak-Sik Recipe: A Traditional Korean Dessert with Glutinous Rice, Chestnuts, and Dates

Region / culture: Korea | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 5 hours | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Yak-Sik is a traditional Korean sweet rice cake that is often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays. This delicious and nutritious dish is made with glutinous rice, chestnuts, dates, sesame oil, cinnamon, raisins, honey, and pine nuts. It is a popular dessert that is loved by many for its unique flavors and textures.

History

Yak-Sik has been a part of Korean cuisine for centuries and is often served during Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival. This sweet rice cake is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who eat it. The combination of ingredients in Yak-Sik reflects the rich agricultural history of Korea, with chestnuts and dates being staple crops in the region.

Ingredients

3.33 cups glutinous rice
1 lb (454 g) chestnuts
5 oz (142 g) dates
3.5 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp cinnamon
5 oz (142 g) raisins
0.25 cup honey
2 tbsp pine nuts

Seasoning mixture

3 tbsp soy sauce
0.5 cup dark brown sugar
1.5 cups sugar
2 cups caramelized coconut milk

How to prepare

Wash the glutinous rice and soak it in water overnight.
Shell the chestnuts and cut them into halves.
Wash and pit the dates, and cut them into 2 or 3 pieces.
Drain the rice and place it in a steamer basket.
Make a hole in the center of the rice.
Steam the rice over high heat for about 30 minutes until cooked.
Sprinkle 0.5 cup of water over the rice during steaming.
Transfer the rice to a large bowl.
Add the Seasoning Mixture to the hot rice and mix well.
Add sesame oil and cinnamon, and mix thoroughly once more.
Gently stir in the raisins, dates, and chestnuts.
Place the bowl of rice pudding in the steamer and steam for about 5 hours until the chestnuts are cooked.
Add more boiling water as needed.
Sprinkle with honey and mix while steaming.
Sprinkle with pine nuts before turning off the heat.
The hot steamed rice pudding can be packed into a round cake pan, unmolded, and cut into pieces before placing on a serving dish.

Variations

Add dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the chestnuts with walnuts or almonds for a nutty twist.
Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a different sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the glutinous rice overnight helps to soften it and ensure a fluffy texture when steamed.

- Adding water to the rice while steaming helps to prevent it from drying out.

- Mixing the Seasoning Mixture into the hot rice ensures that the flavors are well incorporated.

- Steaming the rice pudding for a longer period of time allows the flavors to meld together and the chestnuts to fully cook.

Serving Suggestions

Yak-Sik can be served as a dessert or snack on its own, or paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee. It is also delicious when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming is the traditional cooking technique used to make Yak-Sik, as it helps to cook the rice evenly and infuse the flavors of the ingredients. It is important to steam the rice pudding for a longer period of time to ensure that the chestnuts are fully cooked.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find chestnuts, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds. You can also use dried cranberries or apricots instead of raisins for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Yak-Sik can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the rice pudding in the microwave or steamer before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Yak-Sik can be molded into different shapes using a round cake pan or silicone molds for a more decorative presentation. You can also garnish the rice pudding with additional pine nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Yak-Sik pairs well with a variety of beverages, including hot tea, coffee, or even a glass of sweet dessert wine. It can also be served alongside fresh fruit or a cheese platter for a more indulgent dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Yak-Sik in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the rice pudding for a few minutes or steam it until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Yak-Sik contains approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying and indulgent dessert option.

Carbohydrates

Yak-Sik is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the glutinous rice, dates, and honey. Carbohydrates provide energy to the body and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

The sesame oil and pine nuts in Yak-Sik provide healthy fats that are important for brain function and heart health. These fats also help to absorb fat-soluble vitamins in the body.

Proteins

While Yak-Sik is not a significant source of protein, the chestnuts and pine nuts do provide some protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Yak-Sik is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly from the chestnuts, dates, and sesame oil. Chestnuts are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, while dates are high in fiber, iron, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

Yak-Sik contains nuts (chestnuts and pine nuts) and sesame oil, which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to be mindful of any allergies when preparing or consuming this dish.

Summary

Yak-Sik is a nutritious and delicious dessert that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for those looking for a sweet treat that is also nourishing for the body.

Summary

Yak-Sik is a delicious and nutritious Korean sweet rice cake that is perfect for special occasions and holidays. Made with glutinous rice, chestnuts, dates, sesame oil, and honey, this dessert is a delightful treat for the whole family to enjoy. With its unique flavors and textures, Yak-Sik is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in South Korea. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special dish for a family gathering.

As we worked side by side, she began to tell me the story of Yak-Sik, a traditional Korean sweet rice cake that was often made for celebrations and holidays. She explained that the dish was believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who ate it, and that each family had their own unique recipe that had been passed down through generations.

I watched in awe as my grandmother deftly measured out the ingredients and mixed them together in a large bowl. She told me that the key to making Yak-Sik was to use the highest quality rice and honey, and to carefully follow each step of the recipe with precision and care.

As the sweet aroma of the cooking rice filled the kitchen, my grandmother shared with me the story of how she had learned to make Yak-Sik. She told me that as a young bride, she had traveled to a neighboring village to visit her husband's family for the first time. It was there that she had met an elderly woman who was renowned for her cooking skills.

The woman had taken my grandmother under her wing, teaching her the secrets of traditional Korean cuisine and passing down her most prized recipes. Among them was the recipe for Yak-Sik, which had been in her family for generations.

My grandmother spoke with such reverence and gratitude for the woman who had shared her knowledge with her, and I could see the pride in her eyes as she told me that she had since perfected the recipe and made it her own.

As we removed the steaming rice cake from the oven and let it cool on the counter, my grandmother handed me a piece to taste. The sweet, chewy texture and delicate flavor of the honey and nuts danced on my tongue, and I knew that this dish would become a favorite in my own cooking repertoire.

In the years that followed, I would often make Yak-Sik for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I prepared it, I would think of my grandmother and the woman who had taught her the recipe, and feel a deep connection to the generations of women who had come before me.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will take the time to savor the flavors and the memories that it holds. May it bring you as much joy and good fortune as it has brought to me and my family over the years. And may you always remember the importance of tradition, and the power of sharing recipes and stories with those you love.