Homemade Injeolmi: Traditional Korean Rice Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120g) roasted soybean powder 1 cup (120g) roasted soybean powder
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• Water, for soaking and steaming Water, for soaking and steaming

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 57g, 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 2 hours.
2. 2.
   Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to a steamer. Steam the rice over medium heat for 30-40 minutes, or until it becomes soft and fully cooked.
3. 3.
   While the rice is still hot, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add salt and sugar to the rice and mix well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
4. 4.
   Allow the rice to cool slightly before starting the pounding process. Using a wooden pestle or a clean rolling pin, pound the rice until it becomes a smooth and sticky dough.
5. 5.
   Dust a clean surface with roasted soybean powder. Transfer the pounded rice dough onto the surface and shape it into a rectangular block, about 1 inch thick.
6. 6.
   Cut the rice dough into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch by 1 inch.
7. 7.
   Roll each piece in the roasted soybean powder until fully coated. Shake off any excess powder.
8. 8.
   Serve the Injeolmi immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Glutinous rice — Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for a better texture.
• Roasted soybean powder — Look for finely ground roasted soybean powder for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, lightly toast the roasted soybean powder before using it.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe.
• For a twist, you can add fillings such as sweetened red bean paste or chopped nuts to the rice dough before shaping.

Serving advice

Serve Injeolmi at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. It can be enjoyed as a standalone dessert or paired with a cup of Korean green tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Injeolmi pieces on a serving plate and sprinkle some additional roasted soybean powder on top for an appealing presentation. You can also garnish with edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.