Korean White Steamed Rice Cakes

Spring is here so get together with friends and enjoy eating outdoors this season by indulging in these delicious rice cakes.

korean sweet rice cake

Traditionally made in China, each region has its own unique way of making rice cakes and the methods differ from region to region.

Lotus cakes, New Year cake, and Hangzhou’s version known as the ‘cloud’ cake are examples of different rice cakes.

Longyou and Shaoxing regions are also well known for producing their own versions of the rice cake.

Rice cakes are also a popular dessert in South Korea, and are regarded as one of the most popular festive foods.

Rice Cake is a healthy, traditional Korean pastry. These sweet melt-in-your-mouth rice cakes are delectably soft with a slightly waxy texture.

The method of making Korean rice cake is similar to the way the Chinese make their rice cakes, however, a superior product is produced by the Korean method.

In Korea, two methods of making rice cake are used: the “steamed cake” and “hit cake”. South Korean rice cakes are reputed to be superior both in appearance and taste.

Korean Rice Cakes are simple and quick to make, and are absolutely delicious! Our recipe is for a steamed Korean rice cake.

Korean Rice Cakes

Ingredients

250g rice flour

50 g glutinous rice flour

60g granulated sugar

50 ml (approx.) water, plus or minus to gain the right dough consistency (see the example of below)

dried fruit for decoration

How to make Korean rice cake recipe

Step 1

Place the rice flour in a large bowl, gradually adding small amounts of water and rubbing it into the flour with your fingers until fully blended and it holds together when the bowl is lightly tapped.

Put the mixture through the sieve.

korean sweet rice cake step1-3

Step 2

Add the granulated sugar to the sifted rice flour/water mixture and mix evenly with a scraper.

Prepare the steamer, covered with steamer paper, and place the mixture gently into the steamer.

Smooth and flatten the surface using chopsticks.

Using a ruler, mark eight even portions on the surface and cut through them with a knife.

This will allow the cake to pull apart easily after it is cooked.

korean sweet rice cake step4-6

 

Step 3

Decorate each portion with dried fruit and place the lid on the steamer.

Steam for 20 minutes, then simmer for 5 minutes.

korean sweet rice cake step7-9

korean sweet rice cake

korean sweet rice cake

korean sweet rice cake

korean sweet rice cake

korean sweet rice cake

korean sweet rice cake recipe

4.67 from 9 votes
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Ingredients

  • 250g rice flour
  • 50 g glutinous rice flour
  • 60g granulated sugar
  • 50 ml water
  • dried fruit

Instructions

  • Place the rice flour in a large bowl, gradually adding small amounts of water and rubbing it into the flour with your fingers until fully blended and it holds together when the bowl is lightly tapped.
    Put the mixture through the sieve.
  • dd the granulated sugar to the sifted rice flour/water mixture and mix evenly with a scraper.
    Prepare the steamer, covered with steamer paper, and place the mixture gently into the steamer.
    Smooth and flatten the surface using chopsticks.
    Using a ruler, mark eight even portions on the surface and cut through them with a knife. This will allow the cake to pull apart easily after it is cooked.
  • Decorate each portion with dried fruit and place the lid on the steamer.
    Steam for 20 minutes, then simmer for 5 minutes.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Instagram!Do you make this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @yumofchina.

Tips for the Perfect Rice Cakes

  1. Add only the amount of water to bring the flour together enough so that it will not spread when the bowl is shaken.
  2. The proportion of rice flour and glutinous rice flour can be adjusted according to taste.  A higher proportion of glutinous rice flour will produce a waxier texture to the cake.
  3. If you do not have a steamer you can use a bowl, covered with gauze. Sprinkle the gauze with some of the sugar to prevent it from sticking.
  4. Covering the bowl with a piece of steamer cloth will prevent water dripping onto the surface of the rice cake and will make sure it maintains a nice smooth appearance.
  5. It is best to cut rice cakes before being steamed, as the steaming will naturally split the portions making it easy to divide.

5 thoughts on “Korean White Steamed Rice Cakes”

  1. 5 stars
    My Family Loved it. I am definitely sharing Guys, Thanks For sharing this Great Recipe. this recipe and this website with my friend. Hope they also love it. Thank you again for sharing such a great recipe.

    Reply
    • 3 stars
      I disagree Koreans make this rice cake more superior than the Chinese. There are many varieties and one can adapt and change recipies. Origin of this type of cake is from China. To claim yours is superior than another country’s is not acceptable and disrespectful.

      Reply
  2. 5 stars
    Thanks For Sharing this Amazing Recipe. My Family Loved It. I will be sharing this Recipe with my Friends. Hope They will like it.

    Reply
  3. The amount of water (50ml) for 300g of dry rice flour is far too low. You are citing the water amount meant for wet rice flour. In Korea, people go to neighbourhood mills to grind soaked rice grains or buy wet-milled rice flour from the frozen section of supermarkets.

    Reply
  4. 4 stars
    Making this was much easier than anticipated. It takes a lot of time to sift but overall quite easy. I added quite a lot more water than stated in the recipe. I also found it to be on the sweet side- I would reduce the sugar next time.

    Reply

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