Under the Queen's Umbrella Yaksik (약식)
Why this food?
Yaksik is a golden, sweet sticky rice cake studded with jujubes, chestnuts, and pine nuts—a beloved Joseon royal court delicacy that symbolized celebration and prosperity. Under the Queen's Umbrella brings this historical dessert to life, showing how queens used refined food to demonstrate power and taste. Make this stunning rice cake at home with simple Walmart ingredients and transport yourself to the Korean palace.
🇰🇷 K-Culture Tip
Yaksik dates back to the Goryeo dynasty and was traditionally served at royal banquets and ceremonial occasions. The combination of five flavors (sweet, nutty, chewy, sticky, aromatic) represents harmony in Korean court cuisine. Today, yaksik remains a popular dessert for Korean holidays like Chuseok and New Year, passed down through generations as a symbol of family prosperity.
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Substitute Ingredients
All available at Walmart
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
Short-grain white rice 쌀 | Great Value Short Grain White Rice Great Value (Walmart) Use short-grain for authentic sticky texture. Do not use long-grain rice. Shop at Walmart |
Jujubes, chestnuts, pine nuts 대추, 밤, 잣 | Dried Cranberries, Roasted Chestnuts (canned), Roasted Peanuts or Almonds Ocean Spray, Mann Lake, or Great Value Dried cranberries or apricots replace jujubes. Canned/roasted chestnuts easier than fresh. Peanuts/almonds substitute for expensive pine nuts. Shop at Walmart |
Honey, soy sauce, sesame oil 꿀, 간장, 참기름 | Sue Bee Honey, Kikkoman Soy Sauce, Kadoya Sesame Oil Sue Bee, Kikkoman, Kadoya These create the signature sweet-savory glaze. Essential for authentic flavor. Shop at Walmart |
🛒 Can't find it at Walmart? Try a Korean grocery store
Your Shopping List
Walmart edition
- 2 cups uncooked Great Value Short Grain White Rice
- 1/3 cup each (or mixed) Dried Cranberries, Roasted Chestnuts (canned), Roasted Peanuts or Almonds
- 1/3 cup honey + 2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp sesame oil Sue Bee Honey, Kikkoman Soy Sauce, Kadoya Sesame Oil
Instructions
- 1
Step 1: Rinse 2 cups short-grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. Cook rice with 2.5 cups water using a rice cooker or pot until fully cooked and slightly sticky (about 15 minutes). Let cool for 5 minutes.
- 2
Step 2: While rice cooks, combine 1/3 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until well mixed.
- 3
Step 3: Roughly chop 1/2 cup roasted chestnuts (or canned), 1/3 cup dried cranberries or diced dried apricots (substitute for jujubes), and 1/4 cup roasted peanuts or almonds (substitute for pine nuts). Set aside.
- 4
Step 4: Transfer warm cooked rice to a large mixing bowl. Pour honey mixture over rice and fold gently but thoroughly until all rice is coated. Add chopped nuts and dried fruit, folding gently to distribute evenly.
- 5
Step 5: Press rice mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 8x8 inch baking pan or loaf pan. Let cool to room temperature (about 20 minutes), then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve chilled or at room temperature.
