Korean rice water, also known as byeo-ttang or mi-su, is a traditional Korean beauty remedy that can be used for a variety of purposes, including skincare. It's said to have many benefits, including brightening, hydrating, and smoothing the skin. Here's how to make it:
- Rinse the rice: Start by rinsing 1/2 cup of organic white or brown rice thoroughly. This removes any impurities and helps to create a clearer, more potent rice water.
- Soak the rice: Transfer the rinsed rice to a separate bowl and soak it in 2 cups of water for approximately 2 hours.
- Strain the rice: After soaking, strain the rice, reserving the water in an airtight container or bottle.
- Ferment overnight: Let the rice water ferment overnight at room temperature. This process allows the beneficial bacteria to break down the starches, resulting in a more potent and effective solution.
Tips and Variations:
- You can adjust the ratio of rice to water to create a stronger or weaker solution.
- Some recipes recommend adding a pinch of sugar or honey to the rice water to encourage fermentation.
- For a less fermented version, you can simply rinse and soak the rice without letting it ferment. This version is ideal for creating a hydrating toner or a natural thickener for soups and stews.
- You can also use the leftover rice to create a rice flour mask by blending it into a paste.
Uses for Korean Rice Water:
- Skincare: Use it as a toner, a face mask, or a hair rinse.
- Cooking: Add it to soups, stews, and sauces as a natural thickener.
Resources:
- Santilondon.com provides a comprehensive guide to making Korean rice water.
- Chopsticksandflour.com includes information on how to use rice water in Korean dishes.
- Beyondkimchee.com explains the use of rice water as a natural thickener.
