Chewy Rice Cake Pepero with Nuts & Pizza Flavor
A Unique Pepero Day Gift! The Perfect Harmony of Chewy Rice Cakes, Nutty Crunch, and Savory Pizza Tteokbokki.
Looking to add a special touch to your Pepero Day celebration? Instead of the usual store-bought treats, why not try making your own unique Pepero using chewy Korean rice cakes (garaetteok)! This recipe features two delightful flavors: a rich, nutty version that fills your mouth with savory goodness, and a crowd-pleasing pizza flavor that even kids will adore. When you coat freshly grilled rice cakes with sweet yuzu jam and a generous mix of nuts, each bite offers a symphony of textures and tastes. The pizza flavor, based on tomato sauce and ketchup, is guaranteed to tantalize everyone’s taste buds. This Pepero Day, express your affection with homemade rice cake Pepero, lovingly crafted with your own hands!
Essential Ingredients- 6 Garaetteok (Korean rice cakes)
- 4 Tbsp Yuzu Jam
- 2 Tbsp Pine Nuts
- 8 Walnuts
- 2 Tbsp Sliced Almonds
- 8 Dried Red Dates
- 3 Tbsp Tomato Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tsp Parmesan Cheese Powder
- Pinch of Parsley Flakes
- 2 Strips Bacon
Seasoning & Oils- 1 Tbsp Oligodang (Corn Syrup)
- 3 Tbsp Grapeseed Oil
- 1 Tbsp Oligodang (Corn Syrup)
- 3 Tbsp Grapeseed Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, meticulously prepare all the ingredients for the nutty flavored Pepero. Cut the garaetteok in half lengthwise, each piece about 5-7cm long. For the dried red dates, remove the seeds, peel them using the “dollyeotgagi” technique, slice thinly, and then mince. Finely grind the pine nuts. For the walnuts, blanch them briefly in boiling water to remove any impurities, then lightly toast them in a pan to enhance their nuttiness before grinding finely. Similarly, lightly toast the sliced almonds in a pan for a fragrant aroma before grinding them finely.
Step 2
Don’t worry if the cut rice cakes aren’t perfectly uniform. Using scissors might result in slightly uneven shapes, but this is easily fixed! When you’re applying the coatings and skewering them, you can gently shape them by hand to make them look even more appealing. A natural, slightly irregular look can be quite charming. Now, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of grapeseed oil. Place the prepared rice cakes in the pan and grill them until they turn golden brown on both sides, developing a slightly crispy exterior.
Step 3
Once the rice cakes are nicely grilled, transfer them to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. The key to this recipe is achieving a perfect balance: golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside, yet wonderfully chewy on the inside. Ensure they are grilled thoroughly.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the nutty flavored garaetteok Pepero! Pour the sweet commercial yuzu jam into a wide bowl. Dip each grilled rice cake into the jam, ensuring it’s coated evenly on all sides. The subtle tartness of the yuzu jam will complement the sweetness and nuttiness.
Step 5
In a separate bowl, combine the finely ground pine nuts, walnuts, sliced almonds, and minced dried red dates. Mix these nutty ingredients thoroughly. Gently roll the jam-coated rice cakes in this nutty mixture, making sure every surface is well-covered. Press lightly to help the nuts adhere.
Step 6
Carefully arrange the nut-coated rice cakes on a serving plate, separating each piece. The variety of nuts creates a visually appealing presentation, and the nutty aroma will be wonderfully enticing.
Step 7
Initially, I experimented by coating some rice cakes with just the red date powder and tried various combinations. I was curious about the resulting flavors. However, I discovered that mixing all the nuts together yielded the most harmonious and richest taste. The deep nuttiness that fills your mouth is truly exceptional!
Step 8
Next, we’ll create the pizza-flavored garaetteok Pepero, which is sure to be a hit with children. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce onto the grilled rice cakes. To make the sauce: finely chop the bacon and fry it in a pan over low heat until crispy, then drain off excess fat. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, and oligodang to the pan with the crispy bacon. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer before turning off the heat. This process creates a delicious pizza base sauce.
Step 9
After spreading the pizza sauce on the rice cakes, sprinkle them generously with parmesan cheese powder. Finish with a scattering of fresh parsley flakes for a vibrant look. Your delightful pizza-flavored garaetteok Pepero is now ready! For an extra touch, you can lightly bake them in an oven or air fryer.
Step 10
The sweet and tangy pizza-flavored garaetteok Pepero is complete! The chewy texture of the rice cake combined with the savory sauce creates a truly fantastic taste sensation.
Step 11
The nutty garaetteok Pepero, with its rich, mouth-filling nuttiness, is also perfectly finished. These homemade treats are so delicious, they rival any store-bought version! Why not surprise your loved ones with this heartfelt and flavorful homemade rice cake Pepero? It’s sure to create a cherished memory.
