Songpyeon
Korean Half-Moon Rice Cakes
Delicate, half-moon shaped rice cakes filled with a sweet sesame seed mixture and traditionally steamed over fragrant pine needles. Songpyeon are a quintessential treat enjoyed during Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups Sweet rice flour (glutinous rice flour)(Ensure it's glutinous rice flour for the correct chewy texture. Regular rice flour will not work.)
- 1 cup Hot water(Boiling water is ideal for activating the flour's properties.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt(Enhances the flavor of the dough.)
- 1/2 cup Sesame seed filling(Typically made with toasted sesame seeds, sugar or honey, and sometimes a pinch of cinnamon. Pre-made or homemade.)
- 1 large handful Pine needles(Fresh or dried pine needles, washed and rinsed. These impart a subtle, aromatic flavor and prevent sticking.)
- 2 tablespoons Sesame oil(For brushing the finished cakes.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet rice flour and salt. Gradually pour in the hot water while stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Be cautious as the water is hot.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Knead the dough: Once the dough is cool enough to handle, turn it out onto a clean surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and pliable. It should feel soft and slightly sticky, but not wet.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Divide and fill: Divide the dough into approximately 20 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small ball. Flatten each ball into a small disc, about 3 inches in diameter, making the edges slightly thinner than the center. Place about 1 teaspoon of sesame seed filling in the center of each disc.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 4
Shape the songpyeon: Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal, forming a half-moon shape. You can use your fingers to create pleats along the sealed edge for a decorative finish. Ensure the filling is completely enclosed.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 5
Prepare for steaming: Line a steamer basket or bamboo steamer with the washed pine needles, ensuring they are evenly distributed to prevent the rice cakes from sticking to the bottom. Add water to your steamer pot and bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Steam the songpyeon: Arrange the shaped songpyeon in the prepared steamer basket, leaving a little space between each cake to allow for even steaming. Place the basket over the boiling water, cover tightly, and steam for 15-20 minutes, or until the cakes are translucent and slightly puffed up.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 7
Finish and serve: Carefully remove the steamed songpyeon from the steamer. While still warm, brush them lightly with sesame oil. This adds a glossy sheen and a wonderful aroma. Serve warm.
⏱️ 3 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Songpyeon are traditionally made during Chuseok (Korean harvest festival) as a symbol of gratitude for the harvest.
- ✓The pine needles not only prevent sticking but also infuse the songpyeon with a subtle, fresh, pine aroma.
- ✓Making songpyeon is often a communal activity, with families gathering to prepare them together.
- ✓If the dough becomes too sticky while shaping, lightly dust your hands with a little extra rice flour.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Experiment with different fillings such as red bean paste, sweet potato, or a mixture of nuts.
- Add natural food colorings to the dough using ingredients like mugwort (for green), pumpkin (for yellow), or beet juice (for pink) for visually appealing songpyeon.