Recipe

Homemade Sweet Rice Cakes with a Delightful Surprise

Flavorful Songpyeon: Traditional Korean Rice Cakes with a Twist

4.7 out of 5

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Songpyeon, a traditional Korean rice cake that is commonly enjoyed during the harvest festival, Chuseok. These sweet treats are made with glutinous rice flour and filled with various ingredients, creating a burst of flavors in every bite.

Dumplings› Songpyeon

Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Korean cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

20 minutes

Total time

50 minutes

Yields

12 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (if using vegan fillings), Gluten-free (if using gluten-free fillings), Nut-free (if avoiding nut fillings), Dairy-free

Allergens

Sesame seeds (if using sesame seed filling), Chestnuts (if using chestnut filling)

Not suitable for

Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Raw food

Ingredients

2 cups (400g) glutinous rice flour 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice flour
1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling options: honey, sesame seeds, red bean paste, chestnuts, chocolate, fruit preserves Filling options: honey, sesame seeds, red bean paste, chestnuts, chocolate, fruit preserves
Sesame oil, for coating Sesame oil, for coating

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 0.5g, 0g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, water, and salt. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
2.
Divide the dough into small portions and shape each portion into a ball.
3.
Flatten each ball with your fingers to form a small disc.
4.
Place a small amount of your desired filling in the center of each disc.
5.
Fold the edges of the disc over the filling, creating a crescent shape. Pinch the edges to seal.
6.
Bring a pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket on top.
7.
Arrange the filled rice cakes in the steamer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
8.
Steam the rice cakes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they become translucent and slightly shiny.
9.
Remove the steamed rice cakes from the steamer and brush them lightly with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
10.
Let the rice cakes cool before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Glutinous rice flour — Make sure to use glutinous rice flour specifically, as regular rice flour will not yield the same sticky texture required for Songpyeon.

Tips & Tricks

To prevent the rice cakes from sticking to each other, place them on a piece of parchment paper or lightly greased surface.
Experiment with different fillings to create a variety of flavors.
Serve the Songpyeon at room temperature for the best texture and taste.
If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can lightly dust the rice cakes with powdered sugar before serving.
Store any leftover Songpyeon in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Songpyeon as a delightful dessert or snack during special occasions or as a sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful Songpyeon on a beautiful platter, showcasing their vibrant hues. Garnish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an elegant touch.