Rice cakes, also known as tteok in Korean cuisine, are a popular snack that can be enjoyed both savory and sweet. Made from compacted rice flour, these cakes are not only easy to make but are also incredibly versatile in their cooking applications.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making rice cakes from scratch. We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about rice cakes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of glutinous rice flour
– 1 cup of hot water
– ½ teaspoon of salt
– Cooking oil
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, add in the glutinous rice flour and salt. Mix them well.
2. Gradually add in hot water into the mixture and stir it continuously until it forms into a smooth dough. The dough should not be too sticky or dry.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for at least 5 minutes until it becomes elastic and soft. Then divide the dough into two equal parts.
4. Roll each part of the dough into a cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 2 cm.
5. Cut the cylindrical dough into small sections that are about 1 cm in length.
6. Using a small rolling pin, flatten each section into the desired size and shape. The thickness of the cake can vary based on preference, but typically around 1/2 inch thick is a good starting point.
7. Heat up a non-stick skillet and brush it with cooking oil on medium heat.
8. Place the flattened dough onto the skillet and cook it for about 3-5 minutes on each side until both sides are golden brown.
9. Remove from the skillet and serve while it is still hot or let it cool down (it can be stored in an airtight container for future use).
Tips and Tricks:
– To give your rice cakes a more chewy texture, you can soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
– You can add flavors to your rice cakes by incorporating ingredients such as green tea powder, black sesame seeds, or sweet potato.
– If you prefer a sweeter variation, dust your rice cakes with cinnamon sugar or honey.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use regular rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour?
A: No, you cannot. Glutinous rice flour has a higher starch content, which is necessary to give the rice cakes their signature chewy texture.
Q: Can I use a rice cooker to make rice cakes?
A: While it is possible to use a rice cooker to cook rice cakes, you may not get the same results as cooking them on a skillet. A rice cooker tends to produce softer and less crispy rice cakes.
Q: How do I store leftover rice cakes?
A: After cooking, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Rice cakes can also be frozen for longer storage, but they will lose some of their texture when thawed.
Q: What dishes can I make with rice cakes?
A: Rice cakes can be used in a variety of dishes such as tteokbokki, a popular Korean street food made with spicy sauce, or sweet dessert dishes such as honey rice cakes or mochi ice cream.
In conclusion, making rice cakes can be a fun and easy activity with delicious results. With the above instructions and tips, you can create your own rice cakes with various flavors and textures. So, try it out and enjoy!
