10 Korean Rice Cakes – 7. 시루떡 (Sirutteok)

 

7. 시루떡 (Sirutteok) (Layered Red Bean Rice Cake)

시루떡은 **시루(전통 찜기)**에 쌀가루와 팥 등을 층층이 넣고 찐 전통 떡입니다. 고운 쌀가루와 삶은 팥을 교차로 넣어 층을 만들어 찌는 방식이 일반적이며, 외형이 투박하면서도 단아한 느낌을 줍니다.

팥은 나쁜 기운을 막아준다는 민간신앙이 있어, 시루떡은 행사나 제사, 고사 등에서 복을 기원하는 용도로 많이 사용됩니다. 특히 집을 새로 지었을 때, 시루떡을 나눠 먹는 풍습이 있죠.

맛은 담백하고 고소하며, 전통적인 느낌이 강해 한국인의 정서를 잘 담고 있는 떡입니다.

 

Description:
Sirutteok is a layered steamed rice cake made in a traditional steamer called a siru. It typically alternates layers of rice flour and sweetened red beans.

This rice cake is often used in ancestral rites, home blessing rituals, or ceremonial offerings, as red beans are believed to ward off bad spirits. Sirutteok is subtly sweet and hearty, representing tradition and community.

 

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 2 cups rice flour
• ½ cup boiled red beans (unsalted)
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 tbsp water

Steps:

1. Soak and steam red beans, then drain.
2. Mix rice flour with salt and a bit of water until crumbly.
3. Sift to remove clumps.
4. Layer flour and red beans alternately in a steaming bowl.
5. Lightly flatten each layer.
6. Wrap lid with cloth and cover the steamer.
7. Steam over high heat for 30–35 minutes.
8. Let cool slightly before removing.
9. Slice into squares with a plastic knife.
10. Serve warm or room temperature.