Chinese rice cakes are a popular and delicious dish, often served as a snack or a side dish. They are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. Making Chinese rice cakes from scratch is easier than you might think. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to make these tasty treats at home.
What are Chinese Rice Cakes?
Chinese rice cakes, also known as “Nian Gao” (年糕), are a traditional dish in Chinese cuisine. They are made from glutinous rice flour, which gives them their chewy texture. The rice cakes can be savory or sweet, depending on the recipe. They are often enjoyed during festivals, especially around the Chinese New Year, as they symbolize good luck and prosperity.
Ingredients for Chinese Rice Cake
Before we start making the rice cakes, let’s gather all the ingredients you will need:
- 2 cups of glutinous rice flour (you can find this at most Asian grocery stores)
- 1/4 cup of sugar (optional, if making sweet rice cakes)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of water
- Cornstarch (for dusting)
Equipment You Will Need
To make Chinese rice cakes, you will need a few kitchen tools:
- A mixing bowl
- A steamer or a pot for boiling water
- A rolling pin
- A flat surface for rolling the dough
- A sharp knife or pizza cutter
- A steaming tray or a heatproof plate
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chinese Rice Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Flour Mixture
Start by mixing the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. These ingredients create the base of your rice cakes. Stir the dry ingredients well so they are evenly combined.
Step 2: Add Water and Mix
Gradually add water to the rice flour mixture. Start with 1/2 cup of water, and then mix it in using your hands or a spatula. You are aiming for a smooth, slightly sticky dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water, but be careful not to add too much. The dough should be moist but not too wet.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Once the dough has come together, knead it for about 5-7 minutes. This will help activate the gluten in the flour and give the rice cakes their chewy texture. Be sure to knead the dough thoroughly to ensure a smooth consistency.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Now it’s time to shape the rice cake dough. Dust your working surface with a little cornstarch to prevent the dough from sticking. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a log, about 1/2 inch thick. Once you have a long log of dough, cut it into small pieces. You can make the pieces as long or as short as you like, but traditionally, Chinese rice cakes are about 2 inches long.
If you prefer, you can also shape the dough into round balls instead of logs.
Step 5: Prepare the Steamer
Next, you’ll need to steam the rice cakes. Set up a steamer over a pot of boiling water. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a heatproof plate and place it inside a pot with a lid, ensuring the water does not touch the plate. Make sure the water is boiling before you start steaming.
Place the rice cake pieces in a single layer on the steaming tray or heatproof plate. Ensure that there is some space between each piece so they do not stick together while cooking.
Step 6: Steam the Rice Cakes
Cover the steamer and steam the rice cakes for about 30-40 minutes. You will know they are done when they turn soft and slightly translucent. If you want the rice cakes to be extra chewy, you can steam them for a little longer, but be careful not to overcook them.
Step 7: Cool the Rice Cakes
Once the rice cakes are done steaming, remove them from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will be soft and chewy, and you can enjoy them as they are or move on to the next step for making savory or sweet variations.
How to Serve Chinese Rice Cake
Chinese rice cakes can be enjoyed in several different ways. Here are a few ideas for serving them:
Savory Chinese Rice Cake
For a savory version, you can stir-fry the rice cakes with some vegetables and meat. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients for Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup of sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup of sliced onions
- 1/2 cup of chicken or beef (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions for Stir-Fry:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken or beef (if using) and cook until browned.
- Add the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, and stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
- Add the steamed rice cakes and soy sauce, oyster sauce, and stir everything together.
- Cook for another 5 minutes until the rice cakes are well coated with the sauce and heated through.
Sweet Chinese Rice Cake
If you prefer a sweet version, you can make sweet rice cakes with sugar and coconut milk. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients for Sweet Rice Cake:
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of coconut milk
- A pinch of salt
Instructions for Sweet Rice Cake:
- In a saucepan, heat the coconut milk over low heat.
- Add the sugar and salt, and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the sweet mixture over the steamed rice cakes and let them soak for a few minutes before serving.
You can also add sesame seeds or dried coconut flakes on top for extra flavor.
Tips for Making Perfect Chinese Rice Cakes
Use glutinous rice flour: Make sure to use glutinous rice flour and not regular rice flour. Glutinous rice flour gives the rice cakes their signature chewy texture.
Don’t overcook: Steaming the rice cakes for too long can make them too soft and mushy. Keep an eye on the time and check for doneness.
Add flavor: If you want your rice cakes to have extra flavor, try adding a little sesame oil or soy sauce into the dough before steaming. This will give them a richer taste.
Storage: You can store steamed rice cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam them again for a few minutes.
Variations of Chinese Rice Cakes
Chinese rice cakes are highly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some variations:
Spicy Rice Cakes: Add chili paste or chili oil to the stir-fry for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Rice Cakes: For a vegetarian option, use tofu or mushrooms instead of meat in the stir-fry.
Crispy Rice Cakes: After steaming, you can pan-fry the rice cakes in a little oil for a crispy texture on the outside.
Conclusion
Making Chinese rice cakes at home is a fun and rewarding process. Whether you choose to make them savory or sweet, the chewy texture and delicious flavor make them a favorite dish in Chinese cuisine. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this traditional treat any time you like. Experiment with different flavors and enjoy your homemade Chinese rice cakes!
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