Sikhye
Korean Sweet Rice Punch
A traditional Korean sweet beverage made from malted barley and cooked rice, known for its refreshing sweetness and the delightful texture of floating rice grains. It's often enjoyed as a dessert drink or a digestive aid.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Malted barley powder (yeotgireum)(This is the key ingredient for fermentation. Available at Korean grocery stores.)
- 2 cups Cooked short-grain rice(Day-old, slightly firm rice works best. Ensure it's cooled.)
- 1 cup Sugar(Adjust to your preferred sweetness. White or brown sugar can be used.)
- 1 inch piece Fresh ginger(Peeled and thinly sliced.)
- 10 cups Water(Divided use.)
- to taste Optional garnishes(Pine nuts, blanched almonds, or jujube slices.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the malt water: In a large bowl, combine the malted barley powder with 2 cups of lukewarm water. Stir well to dissolve the powder. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes, then stir vigorously. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into another large bowl, squeezing out as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. You should have a cloudy, pale liquid.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 2
Begin fermentation: Add the cooled cooked rice to the strained malt water. Gently mix to separate the rice grains. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it ferment at room temperature for 4-6 hours. The goal is for the rice grains to float to the surface, indicating that fermentation has begun.
⏱️ 4-6 hours - 3
Strain and combine: Once the rice grains are floating, carefully scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set them aside in a separate bowl. Strain the remaining liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pot to remove any remaining solids. Add the reserved floating rice grains back into the pot.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Sweeten and simmer: Add the sugar and the sliced ginger to the pot. Pour in the remaining 8 cups of water. Stir everything together until the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30-45 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. The liquid should thicken slightly and become clear.
⏱️ 45 minutes - 5
Chill and serve: Remove the ginger slices from the pot. Let the sikhye cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly for at least 2-4 hours, or until very cold. Serve the sikhye cold in individual bowls or glasses, ensuring each serving has some of the floating rice grains. Garnish with optional pine nuts, almonds, or jujube slices if desired.
⏱️ 2-4 hours
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The floating rice grains are a key indicator that the fermentation process is complete and successful.
- ✓Sikhye should be pleasantly sweet, but not overly so. Adjust the sugar amount to your preference.
- ✓This drink is known for its digestive properties and is a popular after-meal refreshment.
- ✓For a clearer sikhye, you can strain it multiple times through cheesecloth.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a few pine nuts or slivered almonds to the finished drink for added texture and flavor.
- Garnish with thinly sliced jujubes (Korean dates) for a touch of color and sweetness.
- Some recipes include a small amount of cinnamon during the simmering process for a warm spice note.