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Injeolmi | Traditional Rice Dish From South Korea, East Asia | TasteAtlas

Injeolmi

(인절미, Pat Injeolmi, 팥인절미, Kkaeinjeolmi, 깨인절미, Ssuk Injeolmi 쑥인절미, Surichwi Injeolmi, 수리취인절미)

Injeolmi are traditional South Korean steamed rice cakes. They are prepared by steaming and pounding rice into a pliable dough which is then rolled and generously dusted with roasted soybean powder. The varieties include ssuk injeolmi, which incorporates mugwort powder, or kkaeinjeolmi, which is dusted with black sesame.


According to a legend, these cakes were invented by a commoner Yim who offered them to the king Injo after he fled Seoul due to a rebellion. To show his appreciation, the king named the dish after its inventor. Nowadays, injeolmi is mainly enjoyed on special occasions, and it is usually served sliced into bite-sized rectangular pieces.