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South Korea · Dessert

Half-Moon Rice Cakes

60 min
280 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · July 12, 2026

Half-Moon Rice Cakes🇰🇷AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

4 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Half-Moon Rice Cakes. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Compare these dishes: Kinako MochiSame technique: Glutinous dumpling20 recipes from 11 countriesSee all 4 matches

Chewy, steamed rice cakes shaped like half-moons, traditionally filled with red bean paste. They are a staple of the Korean harvest festival.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Half-Moon Rice Cakes from another cuisine is Fried Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste (China): the two share 57% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    In a large bowl, mix 200g sweet rice flour with a pinch of salt and enough boiling water to form a firm dough.

  • 2

    Knead the dough on a flat surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  • 3

    Divide the dough into 12 small balls, about the size of a walnut.

  • 4

    Flatten each ball into a shallow cup shape in your palm.

  • 5

    Place 1 tsp of red bean paste in the center of each dough piece.

  • 6

    Fold the dough over to seal the edges and pinch it into a classic half-moon shape.

  • 7

    Line a steamer basket with pine needles or parchment paper.

  • 8

    Steam the cakes over boiling water for 20-25 minutes until translucent and shiny.

  • 9

    Rinse briefly in cold water and coat with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Half-Moon Rice Cake?

Half-moon rice cakes are a Korean dessert made from sweet rice flour dough filled with red bean paste. Often prepared for the Chuseok harvest festival, these crescent-shaped steamed cakes are finished with a coating of sesame oil.

Can I use regular rice flour instead of sweet rice flour for these half-moon rice cakes?

No, you must use glutinous or sweet rice flour because regular rice flour lacks the necessary starch to create the chewy, elastic texture characteristic of this dessert.

How do I prevent the red bean paste from leaking out during the steaming process?

Ensure the edges of the half-moon are pressed firmly and tightly sealed; chilling the formed cakes for 10 minutes before steaming also helps them hold their shape.

How long should I steam the rice cakes to ensure they are fully cooked?

Steam the cakes over medium-high heat for 20 to 25 minutes until the dough turns translucent and shiny.

What is the best way to prevent the cooked rice cakes from sticking together?

Lightly brush the finished rice cakes with a small amount of sesame oil or vegetable oil immediately after removing them from the steamer.

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