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Korean Gyeongdan Recipe
Colorful rice cake balls coated in various powders like sesame and soybean - a traditional Korean dessert that's both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Rice Cake Balls:
- 200g glutinous rice flour
- 180ml hot water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
For the Coatings:
- 50g black sesame seeds, toasted and ground
- 50g white sesame seeds, toasted and ground
- 50g roasted soybean powder (konggaru)
- 50g roasted peanuts, finely ground
- 30g powdered sugar (for each coating)
- Pinch of salt (for each coating)
Optional Natural Colorings:
- 1 tsp matcha powder (green)
- 1 tsp strawberry powder (pink)
- 1 tsp purple sweet potato powder
For Serving:
- Honey for drizzling
- Extra coating powders for presentation
Instructions
Prepare the Coatings:
- Toast sesame seeds in dry pan until fragrant.
- Grind toasted seeds in food processor until fine powder.
- Mix each coating powder with powdered sugar and salt.
- Set aside in separate bowls.
Make Rice Cake Dough:
- Mix glutinous rice flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
- Gradually add hot water while stirring.
- Mix until smooth dough forms.
- Knead for 2-3 minutes until elastic.
- Divide into 4 portions if making colored versions.
- Add natural colorings to separate portions if desired.
Shape and Cook:
- Roll dough into small balls about 2cm diameter.
- Bring a pot of water to boil.
- Drop rice balls into boiling water.
- Cook until they float to surface, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove with slotted spoon and drain briefly.
- While still warm, roll each ball in desired coating.
- Ensure balls are completely covered in coating.
- Arrange on serving plate by color.
- Drizzle lightly with honey if desired.
- Serve at room temperature.
Gyeongdan Artistry
Coating Technique
Roll the rice balls while they're still warm and slightly moist for the best coating adhesion.
Color Harmony
Arrange different colored gyeongdan in an aesthetically pleasing pattern for traditional Korean presentation.
Texture Balance
The rice balls should be chewy but not tough. Don't overcook or they'll become too soft.