Authentic Korean Songpyeon: A Traditional Rice Cake Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of sweet rice flour (also known as glutinous rice flour)
  • 1/2 cup of hot water
  • 1/2 cup of cold water
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 200 grams of sesame seeds
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1 cup of dried beans (you can use any kind)
  • 1/2 cup of honey
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Pine needles (washed and dried, optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Combine the sweet rice flour with the hot water in a mixing bowl until it forms a dough. Gradually add the cold water while continuing to mix.
  2. Add the salt to the dough and knead it until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  3. Divide the dough into several portions and add food coloring if desired.
  4. Prepare the filling by grinding the dried beans into a fine powder. Add the sesame seeds, sugar, and honey, and mix until well combined.
  5. Take a portion of the dough and flatten it into a circle. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center and fold the dough over to enclose the filling. Pinch the edges to seal and shape it into a half-moon shape.
  6. Repeat the process until all the dough and filling are used up.
  7. Arrange the songpyeon on a steamer lined with pine needles, if available. Steam them over high heat for about 20 minutes.
  8. Remove the songpyeon from the steamer and let them cool before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the ingredients and kneading the dough.
  • Steamer - A pot or steaming device for cooking the songpyeon.
  • Pine Needles - Optional, but traditional method for lining the steamer and adding flavor to the songpyeon.
  • Spoon - For scooping and measuring the filling.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to flatten the dough into circles.
  • Knife - For cutting and shaping the songpyeon.
  • Grinder or Blender - To finely grind the dried beans for the filling.

Recipe variations

  • Use different colors of food coloring to create a vibrant assortment of songpyeon.
  • Replace the sweet rice flour with regular rice flour for a non-glutinous version.
  • Experiment with different fillings such as red bean paste, chestnut paste, or sweet potato filling.
  • Add a twist by incorporating crushed nuts or dried fruits into the filling mixture.
  • Create a savory version by substituting the sweet filling with seasoned ground meat or vegetables.
  • Try using alternative sweeteners like brown sugar or maple syrup instead of white sugar.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free rice flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Make a vegan version by omitting honey and using a plant-based sweetener like agave nectar or maple syrup.
  • Experiment with different shapes and sizes for a unique presentation.
  • Instead of steaming, you can also try boiling the songpyeon in water until they float to the surface.

Recipe overview

Songpyeon is a traditional Korean dessert that is often enjoyed during the Chuseok holiday. These small, half-moon shaped rice cakes are made from glutinous rice flour and are typically filled with sweet ingredients such as sesame seeds, beans, sugar, and honey. The process of making songpyeon is a cherished tradition in many Korean homes, often bringing together family members for a collective cooking session. In this recipe, we'll guide you step-by-step through the process of making your own homemade Songpyeon. Optionally, you can enhance the experience and the flavor by steaming the rice cakes on a bed of pine needles. Enjoy the delicious taste of these sweet treats while immersing yourself in a beautiful cultural tradition.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to steam the songpyeon? The songpyeon should be steamed for about 20 minutes over high heat.
  2. Can I use regular rice flour instead of sweet rice flour? No, sweet rice flour (or glutinous rice flour) is necessary to achieve the desired texture of songpyeon.
  3. Can I use a different type of filling? Yes, you can experiment with different fillings according to your preference. Traditional songpyeon fillings include sesame seeds, sugar, and honey.
  4. Do I have to use food coloring? No, food coloring is optional. It is used to add visual appeal to the songpyeon.
  5. Are pine needles necessary for steaming? No, pine needles are optional. They are traditionally used to add a subtle fragrance to the songpyeon. If you don't have access to pine needles, you can still steam the songpyeon without them.
  6. How should I store the songpyeon? To keep the songpyeon fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Consume within a few days.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the rice flour and water to make the dough.
  • Steamer - A pot or steamer basket for steaming the songpyeon.
  • Grinder - A kitchen appliance or tool for grinding the dried beans into a fine powder.
  • Spoon - Utensil for scooping and measuring the filling ingredients.
  • Rolling Pin - A tool for flattening the dough into circles.
  • Pine Needles - Optional: Pine needles can be used to line the steamer and add aroma to the songpyeon.

Origin stories

Songpyeon is a type of Korean rice cake that is traditionally made during Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival. The word "Songpyeon" itself derives from the Korean word, 'song', which means a pine tree, and 'pyeon', meaning rice cake. They are named so because the cakes are steamed over a layer of pine needles. The pine needles not only give the rice cakes their distinctive shape but also infuse them with a light, woodsy aroma. A unique and sentimental tradition surrounds these sweet treats. It's said that shaping and making Songpyeon is a way for Koreans to send their wishes to the sky. The artistry of the molding process is also said to determine the future of one's offspring, with the most beautifully shaped Songpyeon predicting good-looking descendants.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.