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Nian Gao (New Year Rice Cake)

Nian Gao (New Year Rice Cake)
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Nian Gao (New Year Rice Cake) is a traditional Chinese sticky and sweet rice cake enjoyed during Lunar New Year for its symbolism of growth, progress, and good fortune. Made from simple ingredients like glutinous rice flour and brown sugar, this chewy treat can be steamed, fried, or customized with creative flavors perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup glutinous rice flour
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup water, warm
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Optional Flavorings and Variations

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or pandan extract (optional)
  • Chopped nuts such as walnuts or peanuts (optional)
  • Grated ginger or citrus zest (optional)
  • Chopped mushrooms and soy sauce for savory version (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sugar Syrup: Start by dissolving the brown sugar in warm water, stirring gently until fully melted. This syrup forms the sweet base that gives Nian Gao its lovely caramel color and flavor.
  2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour with the sugar syrup and vegetable oil. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth with no lumps, resembling a thick liquid batter. Add optional flavorings here if desired.
  3. Prepare the Steaming Setup: Fill a large pot or wok with water and bring it to a boil. Grease your cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then pour in the batter evenly.
  4. Steam the Cake: Place the cake pan over boiling water and cover tightly. Steam the batter for about 45 to 60 minutes until it becomes firm and slightly translucent. Avoid opening the lid during steaming to retain moisture.
  5. Cool and Set: Once steamed, remove the cake from heat and let it cool completely to room temperature. This step is essential for the cake to fully set and develop its sticky texture.
  6. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice the Nian Gao into desired shapes. You can enjoy it fresh, or pan-fry it for a crispy exterior with a soft center.

Notes

  • Stir the batter well to avoid lumps and get a smooth finish.
  • Do not rush the steaming process; proper timing ensures the cake sets with the right texture.
  • Use a tight lid to trap steam and cook the cake evenly.
  • Grease or line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
  • Dip the knife in hot water before slicing for clean cuts without tearing the cake.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nian Gao, New Year Rice Cake, Lunar New Year dessert, glutinous rice cake, traditional Chinese cake, steamed rice cake, sticky rice cake

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/nian-gao-new-year-rice-cake/