10 Korean Rice Cakes – 9. 약식 (Yaksik)

 

9. 약식 (Yaksik) (Sweet Rice with Nuts and Fruit)

약식은 이름에 ‘약’이 들어가지만 실제 약이 들어간 것은 아니고, 몸에 좋은 재료를 넣은 특별한 찹쌀 떡밥입니다. 찹쌀을 쪄서 간장, 꿀, 참기름에 조리고, 여기에 대추, 밤, 잣 등 영양 가득한 재료를 넣어 만듭니다.

주로 설날이나 정월대보름, 결혼식 등의 큰 행사 때 만들어지며, 약밥(약식)이라는 이름으로 도시락용으로도 인기가 많습니다.

맛은 달콤짭짤하며, 향긋한 기름과 대추향이 어우러져 독특하고 고급스러운 풍미를 자랑합니다. 오래 보관도 가능하고 건강식으로도 우수한 전통 음식이에요.

 

Description:
Yaksik, despite its name meaning “medicinal food,” does not contain medicine but rather healthy and auspicious ingredients. It is made by steaming glutinous rice with soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and add-ins like chestnuts, pine nuts, and jujubes.

Yaksik is traditionally eaten on the first full moon of the lunar year (Jeongwol Daeboreum) and during weddings or holidays. Its flavor is rich, sweet, and nutty, making it a perfect dessert or festive dish.

 

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 1½ cups glutinous rice (soaked)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 jujubes (sliced), 2 chestnuts (chopped), 1 tbsp pine nuts
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Steps:

1. Soak glutinous rice for at least 3 hours, then drain.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, sugar, and sesame oil.
3. Combine rice with the sauce mixture.
4. Add jujubes, chestnuts, pine nuts.
5. Mix gently to distribute ingredients.
6. Transfer to a heatproof container.
7. Steam for 40–50 minutes until fully cooked.
8. Stir once halfway through steaming.
9. Let cool for 10 minutes.
10. Serve in squares or scoops.