Yaksik

Name: Yaksik
Yield: 9
Cuisine: North Korea
Ingredients: Glutinous rice, soaked overnight — 550 g (1.2 lb); Chestnuts, peeled and halved — 70 g (2.5 oz); Dried jujubes, pitted and halved — 70 g (2.5 oz); Pine nuts — 35 g (1.25 oz); Brown sugar — 100 g (3.5 oz); Soy sauce — 2 tbsp; Sesame oil — 2 tbsp; Ground cinnamon — 1 tsp; Water — 240 ml (8 fl oz)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

Glutinous rice, soaked overnight — 550 g (1.2 lb)
Chestnuts, peeled and halved — 70 g (2.5 oz)
Dried jujubes, pitted and halved — 70 g (2.5 oz)
Pine nuts — 35 g (1.25 oz)
Brown sugar — 100 g (3.5 oz)
Soy sauce — 2 tbsp
Sesame oil — 2 tbsp
Ground cinnamon — 1 tsp
Water — 240 ml (8 fl oz)

Method

Steam the soaked glutinous rice for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
While the rice steams, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, cinnamon and water in a bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Transfer the steamed rice to a large bowl and pour over the sugar-soy mixture, mixing thoroughly.
Fold in the chestnuts, jujubes and pine nuts.
Steam the mixture for a further 40–45 minutes, stirring once or twice, until deeply coloured and the flavours have melded.
Let cool slightly before pressing into a dish and cutting into squares to serve.

Introduction: A rich, sweet steamed rice dessert studded with chestnuts, jujubes and pine nuts, a festive Korean treat for special occasions.

Cultural Background: Yaksik ('medicinal food') is traditionally prepared for celebrations and holidays, its combination of glutinous rice, dried fruit and nuts believed historically to have restorative, nourishing qualities.

Tips: Stir the mixture once or twice during the second steaming to ensure even colour and flavour distribution. Let the yaksik cool slightly before cutting for the neatest pieces.

Variations: Add a few raisins alongside the jujubes for extra sweetness. Adjust the cinnamon and sugar to taste.

Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Reheat by steaming for 5–10 minutes, or enjoy at room temperature.

FAQs:

Q: What does 'yaksik' mean?

A: 'Medicinal food', reflecting a traditional belief in the nourishing, restorative qualities of its rich ingredients.

Q: What occasions is yaksik traditionally made for?

A: Celebrations, holidays and special family gatherings, given its rich, festive character.