Yihwaju Recipe is a sweet Korean rice drink. It tastes smooth, mild, and a little creamy. This recipe is simple and fun to make. The drink is loved in Korean families.
It has natural sweetness from rice fermentation. You can drink it warm or cold. It feels soft and very comforting to enjoy. Let’s make the Yihwaju Recipe step by step.
What is a Yihwaju Recipe?
Yihwaju is a Korean drink made from rice. It is made using rice and nuruk starter. The flavor is sweet, soft, and light.
It is a traditional Korean fermented drink. Fermentation makes it smooth and tasty. It is refreshing and good for special meals.
Recipe Details
Detail | Information |
Servings | 4 |
Prep Time | 15 mins |
Cook Time | 20 mins |
Total Time | 2 days (with fermentation) |
Course | Drink |
Cuisine | Korean |
Calories | 150 kcal per serving |

Equipment Needed
Equipment | Buy Here |
Steamer | Buy on Amazon |
Large pot | Buy on Amazon |
Mixing bowl | Buy on Amazon |
Strainer | Buy on Amazon |
Wooden spoon | Buy on Amazon |
Measuring cups | Buy on Amazon |
Glass jar | Buy on Amazon |
Ingredients For Yihwaju Recipe
Ingredient | Amount |
Short-grain rice | 2 cups |
Nuruk (fermentation starter) | 1 ½ tbsp |
Water | 4 cups |
Sugar (optional) | 2 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Wash rice well until water looks clear.
- Soak rice in water for two hours.
- Steam rice until soft and well cooked.
- Cool rice until it feels lukewarm.
- Put rice in a clean mixing bowl.
- Add nuruk starter and mix gently.
- Pour in water and stir slowly.
- Cover bowl with a clean cloth.
- Let ferment for two days at room temperature.
- Strain liquid, add sugar if needed, and serve.

Pro Tips
- Use short-grain rice for best results.
- Keep all tools very clean.
- Do not use hot rice with a starter.
- Stir one time during fermentation.
- Chill drink before serving for best taste.
Nutrition Information
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 150 kcal |
Carbs | 32 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Fat | 0.5 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sugar | 5 g |
Sodium | 5 mg |
10 Sides That Go Well With Yihwaju Recipe
- Kimchi
- Korean pancakes
- Bulgogi
- Japchae noodles
- Grilled fish
- Tteokbokki
- Pickled radish
- Korean fried chicken
- Steamed dumplings
- Fresh fruit
FAQs About Yihwaju Recipe
Q1: What is nuruk?
It is a Korean starter for fermentation.
Q2: How long does Yihwaju take?
It ferments for two days.
Q3: Can I skip sugar?
Yes, it is naturally sweet.
Q4: How do I store it?
Keep in a fridge in a jar.
Q5: Can kids drink it?
Yes, alcohol is very low.
Conclusion!
Yihwaju Recipe is a sweet Korean rice drink. It is simple and easy to prepare. The drink is smooth and light to taste.
Fermentation makes it healthy and special. It pairs well with many Korean foods. Enjoy Yihwaju with family and friends.
Recipe Card!

Yihwaju Recipe
Equipment
- Steamer
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Strainer
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Glass jar
Ingredients
- 2 cups short-grain rice
- 1 ½ tbsp nuruk fermentation starter
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp sugar optional
Instructions
- Wash rice well until water looks clear.
- Soak rice in water for two hours.
- Steam rice until soft and well cooked.
- Cool rice until it feels lukewarm.
- Put rice in a clean mixing bowl.
- Add nuruk starter and mix gently.
- Pour in water and stir slowly.
- Cover bowl with a clean cloth.
- Let ferment for two days at room temperature.
- Strain liquid, add sugar if needed, and serve.
Notes
- Use short-grain rice for best results.
- Keep all tools very clean.
- Do not use hot rice with a starter.
- Stir one time during fermentation.
- Chill drink before serving for best taste.

Hi, I’m Olivia Carter! I started Eat n Whisk to share simple, tasty recipes that bring joy to everyday cooking. From quick family meals to sweet treats, I believe anyone can cook with a little guidance. When I’m not in the kitchen, I love exploring farmers’ markets and trying new flavors.
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