Yaksik (Korean Sweet Glutinous Rice with Jujubes, Chestnuts, and Pine Nuts)
Yaksik is a traditional Korean dessert that's both sweet and chewy. Made with glutinous rice, it features delicious jujubes, chestnuts, and pine nuts, making it a delightful treat for special occasions or any day you want to indulge. This dish beautifully represents the flavors of Korea and is sure to impress your family and friends.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Rinse 2 cups of glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 4 hours or overnight.
- 2
After soaking, drain the rice and add it to a steamer lined with cheesecloth. Steam over boiling water for about 30 minutes until the rice is cooked and slightly sticky.
- 3
Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine 1/2 cup chopped jujubes, 1/2 cup cooked and chopped chestnuts, and 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts. Set aside.
- 4
Once the rice is steamed, transfer it to a large bowl and mix in 1/3 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil until well combined.
- 5
Gently fold in the mixture of jujubes, chestnuts, and pine nuts until evenly distributed throughout the rice.
- 6
Press the mixture into a lightly greased square dish to set. Allow it to cool for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Cook notes
Tips
Using fresh jujubes yields the best flavor, but dried ones work if soaked beforehand.
Ensure the glutinous rice is soaked long enough to achieve the right texture during steaming.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover Yaksik in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Yaksik in the microwave, covered, for a few seconds to soften.
Substitutions
- Use diced dried apricots instead of jujubes for a different flavor.
- Replace chestnuts with cooked sweet potatoes for a variation.
What to Serve With
- Korean tea for a warm pairing.
- Fresh fruits like lychee or melon for a refreshing side.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Common Mistakes
- Not soaking the glutinous rice long enough, which can affect texture.
- Overcooking the rice can make it mushy instead of chewy.
Recipe FAQ
What is Yaksik?
Yaksik is a sweet Korean dessert made from glutinous rice mixed with jujubes, chestnuts, and pine nuts.
Can I make Yaksik ahead of time?
Yes, Yaksik can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What is glutinous rice?
Glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice, is a type of rice that becomes sticky when cooked, making it perfect for desserts.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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