16 Chinese Glutinous Rice Cake Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 20, 2024
The Chinese glutinous rice cake, also known as nian gao, is a traditional delicacy that is often enjoyed during the Chinese New Year. Made from glutinous rice flour and sugar, this sticky and sweet cake is a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the coming year. In this article, we will explore the history of this beloved dessert and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make your own delicious Chinese glutinous rice cake at home.
Glutinous Rice and Chinese Sausage Wrapped in Banana...
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Rice, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Sesame Oil
If you're looking for a traditional Chinese dish to pair with your beer can chicken, this recipe is a must-try. Glutinous rice is mixed with Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and other flavorful ingredients, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. The result is a fragrant and delicious side dish that complements the beer can chicken perfectly.
For a unique twist on the classic beer can chicken, try this recipe for Chinese glutinous rice cake. The chicken is marinated with Chinese five spice and soy sauce, then cooked on the grill with a beer can inside. The result is a flavorful and juicy chicken with crispy skin, perfect for slicing and serving with the sticky rice cake.
This recipe for Chinese sticky rice is a simple and delicious side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. The sticky rice is cooked with chicken broth, soy sauce, and other seasonings, resulting in a flavorful and fragrant dish that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
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Chinese Pearl Balls
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Dried Shitake Mushrooms, Ground Pork
These Chinese pearl balls are a unique and delicious way to enjoy your beer can chicken. Ground pork is mixed with sticky rice, water chestnuts, and other flavorful ingredients, then formed into balls and steamed. The result is a savory and satisfying dish that can be served alongside your beer can chicken or as an appetizer.
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Chinese Steam Pork Meatball
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Minced Pork, Green Onions, Minced
This recipe for Chinese steam pork meatballs is a flavorful and juicy side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. Ground pork is mixed with sticky rice, garlic, and other seasonings, then steamed to perfection. The result is a succulent and flavorful meatball that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Chinese-inspired side dish with your beer can chicken, this recipe is for you. Using an Instant Pot, you can easily cook Chinese sausage and sticky rice together for a flavorful and convenient side dish that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
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Instant Pot Chinese Sticky Rice with Sausage
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Glutinous Rice, Chinese
Another great Instant Pot recipe for a quick and easy side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, this Chinese sticky rice with sausage is a must-try. The sticky rice is mixed with Chinese sausage and other flavorful ingredients, then cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with the beer can chicken.
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Sticky Rice Stuffing (A Chinese-Inspired Thanksgiving)
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Unsalted Butter, Shallots, Dried
This recipe for sticky rice stuffing is a unique and delicious way to enjoy your beer can chicken for a Chinese-inspired Thanksgiving feast. The sticky rice is mixed with Chinese sausage, chestnuts, and other flavorful ingredients, then stuffed inside the chicken and cooked on the grill. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken with a hearty and savory stuffing.
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Chinese Pearl Meatballs with Sticky Rice (珍珠丸子)
Main Ingredients: Bamboo Leaves, Glutinous Rice, Ground Pork, Water
This recipe for Chinese pearl meatballs is a unique and flavorful way to enjoy your beer can chicken. Ground pork is mixed with sticky rice and other seasonings, then formed into balls and steamed. The result is a succulent and juicy meatball that can be served alongside the savory chicken for a complete meal.
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Chinese Sweet Almond Dessert Soup (with Egg White)- 杏仁露
Main Ingredients: Almonds, Glutinous Rice, Water, Rock Sugar, Salt, Egg
If you're looking for a sweet and refreshing dessert to enjoy after your beer can chicken, this Chinese sweet almond dessert soup is the perfect choice. Made with almond milk and egg whites, this soup is light and creamy and pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
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Steamed Glutinous Rice with Dried Shrimps, Chinese...
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Dried Shitake Mushrooms, Dried Shrimps
This recipe for steamed glutinous rice is a classic Chinese dish that is perfect to serve with your beer can chicken. The sticky rice is cooked with dried shrimps, Chinese mushrooms, and Chinese sausage, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful side dish that complements the chicken perfectly.
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Asian Sticky Rice
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Dried Shitake Mushrooms, Vegetable Oil
This recipe for Asian sticky rice is a simple and delicious side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. The sticky rice is cooked with soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings, resulting in a flavorful and fragrant dish that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
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Lo Mai Gai (Steamed Glutinous Rice with Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Rice Wine, Soy
This traditional Chinese dish is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. Lo mai gai is a steamed dish made with glutinous rice, chicken, and other flavorful ingredients, resulting in a savory and satisfying side dish to serve with your chicken.
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Sticky Rice
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Dried Shrimp, Chinese Sausage, Bacon
This recipe for sticky rice is a simple and delicious side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. The sticky rice is cooked with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings, resulting in a flavorful and fragrant dish that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
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Yunnan Style Pineapple Rice (菠萝饭)
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Pineapple, Sugar, Salt, Raisins
This Yunnan-style pineapple rice is a unique and flavorful dish to enjoy with your beer can chicken. The sticky rice is cooked with pineapple, Chinese sausage, and other seasonings, resulting in a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
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Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf
Main Ingredients: Lotus Leaves, Glutinous Rice, Dried Black Mushrooms
This recipe for sticky rice in lotus leaf is a traditional Chinese dish that is perfect to serve with your beer can chicken. The sticky rice is cooked with Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and other flavorful ingredients, then wrapped in a lotus leaf and steamed to perfection. The result is a fragrant and delicious side dish that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
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Chestnut and Mushrooms Sticky Rice
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Water, Chestnut, Shiitake Mushrooms
This recipe for chestnut and mushrooms sticky rice is a delicious and hearty side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. The sticky rice is cooked with chestnuts, mushrooms, and other flavorful ingredients, resulting in a savory and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
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Stir-fried Glutinous Rice (生炒糯米飯)
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Chinese Sausage, Dried Scallop, Dried
This recipe for stir-fried glutinous rice is a unique and flavorful way to enjoy your beer can chicken. The sticky rice is stir-fried with Chinese sausage, eggs, and other seasonings, resulting in a savory and satisfying side dish that complements the chicken perfectly.
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Chestnut Mushrooms Sticky Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Roasted Chestnuts, Shiitake Mushrooms
This recipe for chestnut mushrooms sticky rice bowl is a delicious and filling way to enjoy your beer can chicken. The sticky rice is cooked with chestnuts, mushrooms, and other flavorful ingredients, then topped with the savory chicken for a complete meal in a bowl.
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Lobster Sticky Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Lobsters, Flour, Cornstarch, Glutinous Rice, Vegetable
This recipe for lobster sticky fried rice is a luxurious and flavorful dish to enjoy with your beer can chicken. The sticky rice is cooked with lobster, Chinese sausage, and other seasonings, resulting in a rich and savory dish that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
The History of Chinese Glutinous Rice Cake
Ancient Origins
The origins of Chinese glutinous rice cake can be traced back to ancient China, where it was traditionally used as an offering to the gods. The cake was believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who consumed it. Over time, it became a popular treat during the Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing the hope for a sweet and prosperous year ahead.
Symbolism
Aside from its association with good luck and prosperity, Chinese glutinous rice cake also holds symbolic meaning. The word "nian gao" is a homophone for the Chinese phrase meaning "higher year," which signifies a desire for improvement and progress in the new year. The cake's sticky texture also represents family unity and the idea of "sticking together" through thick and thin.
How to Make Chinese Glutinous Rice Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, water, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until a smooth batter forms.
2. Add in the baking powder and mix again.
3. Grease a round cake pan with oil and pour in the batter.
4. Steam the cake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.
Variations:
While the traditional Chinese glutinous rice cake is made with just a few simple ingredients, there are variations of this recipe that you can try. Some people like to add grated coconut, red bean paste, or even egg custard to the batter before steaming. These additions add a unique flavor and texture to the cake.
In conclusion, the Chinese glutinous rice cake is not just a delicious dessert, but also a symbol of tradition, hope, and prosperity. With this recipe, you can now make your own version of this sweet and sticky treat at home and share it with your loved ones during the Chinese New Year festivities. Happy cooking and may the new year bring you much joy and abundance!