16 Chinese Lotus Paste For Mooncake Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Chinese mooncakes are a staple dessert during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the star ingredient that gives these pastries their signature flavor is the rich and velvety lotus paste. This traditional filling is made from the seeds of the lotus plant, which are cooked down into a smooth and sweet paste. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of this beloved ingredient and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make your own homemade Chinese lotus paste for mooncakes.
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar Syrup, Alkaline Water, Peanut Oil, Lotus
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with this classic recipe for Traditional Baked Mooncake. This sweet treat is a staple in Chinese culture and is often given as a gift to family and friends. The rich and buttery crust is filled with a sweet lotus paste and a salted egg yolk for a perfect balance of flavors. Make this mooncake the centerpiece of your holiday feast and impress your loved ones with your baking skills.
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Sesame Balls
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Granulated Sugar, Boiling Water
Also known as Jian Dui, these deep-fried sesame balls are a popular dessert in Chinese cuisine. The crispy exterior is made with glutinous rice flour and the filling is typically made with red bean paste, but you can also use lotus paste or black sesame paste. These bite-sized treats are a must-try for any sweet tooth and are often served during celebrations and special occasions.
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Baileys Chocolate Snow Skin Mooncakes
Main Ingredients: Dark Chocolate, Salt, Baileys, Heavy Cream, White Lotus
Put a boozy twist on the traditional mooncake with this recipe for Baileys Chocolate Snow Skin Mooncakes. The delicate snow skin is made with glutinous rice flour and coconut milk, and the filling is a decadent mixture of Baileys Irish Cream and chocolate. These mooncakes are sure to be a hit at any party or gathering, and the adults will appreciate the added kick of alcohol.
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Date Lotus Jelly Mooncakes
Main Ingredients: Lotus Paste, Water, Sugar, Agar Agar, Dates, Longan
If you're looking for a healthier option, try these Date Lotus Jelly Mooncakes. The filling is made with a blend of dates and lotus paste, providing a natural sweetness without added sugar. The jelly-like exterior is made with agar-agar, a vegetarian alternative to gelatin, and gives these mooncakes a unique texture. Plus, the natural brown color from the dates gives these mooncakes a beautiful appearance.
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Traditional Baked Mooncake 中秋月饼 (2010)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar Syrup, Alkaline Water, Peanut Oil, Lotus
For a more traditional take on the mooncake, try this recipe from 2010. The crust is made with a combination of flour, golden syrup, and oil for a flaky and buttery texture, and the filling is a classic lotus paste with a salted egg yolk in the center. This recipe has stood the test of time and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Quick and Easy 4-Ingredients Sesame Ball / Jian Dui...
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Hot Water, Lotus Paste, White
If you're short on time but still craving some Jian Dui, try this quick and easy recipe for 4-Ingredients Sesame Balls. This recipe uses pre-made red bean paste and glutinous rice flour for a simple and delicious treat. Plus, the addition of sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and a nice crunch to these bite-sized balls.
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Taiwanese Style Lotus Mooncakes 台式莲蓉月饼 ~ 2015
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Milk Powder, Icing Sugar, Sugar Syrup
In Taiwan, mooncakes are often made with a flaky pastry crust and filled with a mixture of lotus paste, egg yolk, and nuts. This recipe for Taiwanese Style Lotus Mooncakes stays true to the traditional method and is sure to transport your taste buds to Taiwan. These mooncakes are a labor of love, but the end result is well worth it.
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Shanghai Mooncake 上海月饼
Main Ingredients: Black Sesame Seeds, Egg Yolk, Plain Flour, Baking
Originating from Shanghai, these mooncakes have a unique crust made with a combination of flour and lard, giving it a flaky and buttery texture. The filling is a mixture of red bean paste and nuts, making it a sweet and savory treat. If you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen, give this recipe for Shanghai Mooncake a try.
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Baked Red Yeast Mooncakes
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Yeast, Sugar Syrup, Peanut Oil, Alkaline
For a twist on the traditional mooncake, try these Baked Red Yeast Mooncakes. The crust is made with red yeast rice, giving it a beautiful red color and a subtle sweetness. The filling is a mix of red bean paste and lotus paste, creating a lovely combination of flavors. These mooncakes are a unique and delicious addition to any Mid-Autumn Festival celebration.
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Egg Yolk Lotus Paste Pastry
Main Ingredients: Pastry, Egg Yolk, Lotus Paste, Egg
If you're not a fan of the traditional mooncake crust, try this recipe for Egg Yolk Lotus Paste Pastry. The crust is made with a flaky puff pastry and the filling is a sweet and creamy lotus paste with a salted egg yolk in the center. These pastries are perfect for those who prefer a lighter and less dense mooncake.
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Mocha Mooncake
Main Ingredients: Golden Syrup, Butter, Coffee Granules, Alkaline Water
Coffee lovers, this one's for you. These Mocha Mooncakes are a modern twist on the traditional recipe, featuring a flaky and buttery crust with a rich and decadent mocha filling. The addition of coffee adds a nice depth of flavor and a slight caffeine kick to these mooncakes. Serve them with a cup of hot tea for a perfect pairing.
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Ginger Mooncake Biscuit
Main Ingredients: Golden Syrup, Palm Oil, Alkaline Water, Flour, Cinnamon
For a unique and flavorful mooncake, try these Ginger Mooncake Biscuits. The crust is made with a combination of flour and ginger juice, giving it a subtle spiciness. The filling is a blend of lotus paste and candied ginger, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. These mooncake biscuits are sure to be a hit with ginger lovers.
If you're craving some Chinese takeout, try making this Orange Chicken at home. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a crispy batter and then tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Serve it over a bed of rice for a delicious and satisfying meal that will rival any restaurant's version.
This classic dish is a staple in Chinese restaurants, but it's also easy to make at home. Thinly sliced beef is stir-fried with broccoli and a savory sauce, creating a flavorful and healthy meal. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying dinner.
If you have leftover rice, turn it into a delicious Chinese Fried Rice. This recipe is versatile and can be customized with your choice of protein and vegetables. The key to a good fried rice is using day-old rice and high heat to create a crispy and flavorful dish. It's a great way to use up leftovers and create a quick and tasty meal.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
For a simple and flavorful chicken dish, try this recipe for Chinese Chicken Thighs. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and spices, and then baked to perfection. It's a great alternative to the usual chicken breast and the marinade can also be used for other proteins like beef or pork.
This is another classic Chinese dish that is easy to make at home. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli are stir-fried in a savory brown sauce, creating a quick and healthy meal that the whole family will love. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.
If you're looking for a light and comforting soup, try making Chinese Egg Drop Soup at home. The broth is made with chicken broth and simple seasonings, and the egg is gently stirred in to create delicate ribbons. This soup is perfect for a cold day or as a starter to a Chinese-inspired meal.
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
Pork Fried Rice is a staple in Chinese takeout, but it's also easy to make at home. This recipe uses diced pork and a variety of vegetables to create a flavorful and colorful dish. The key is to use day-old rice and high heat to create a crispy and delicious fried rice.
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Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
For a basic and easy to make fried rice, try this Egg Fried Rice recipe. The rice is stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and a simple sauce, creating a quick and tasty meal. This recipe is perfect for beginners or for those nights when you need to whip up something quick and delicious.
The History of Lotus Paste in Chinese Cuisine
The Origins of Lotus Paste
The use of lotus paste in Chinese cuisine can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). During this time, lotus seeds were considered a delicacy and were often reserved for royalty and the wealthy. The seeds were highly prized for their nutritional value and were believed to have medicinal properties. As such, they were often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments.
The Rise of Mooncakes
During the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD), mooncakes were introduced as a way to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. These round pastries were traditionally filled with lotus paste and were given as offerings to the moon goddess Chang'e. Over time, mooncakes became a symbol of reunion and are now an essential part of the festival celebrations.
The Significance of Lotus Paste in Mooncakes
Aside from being a traditional filling for mooncakes, lotus paste also holds symbolic meaning in Chinese culture. The lotus flower is often associated with purity and perfection, as it grows out of muddy waters but remains untouched by its surroundings. Similarly, the lotus paste in mooncakes is seen as a representation of purity and unity, bringing families and loved ones together during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
How to Make Chinese Lotus Paste for Mooncakes
Ingredients You Will Need
To make homemade lotus paste for mooncakes, you will need the following ingredients:
• Lotus seeds
• Sugar
• Water
• Vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Soak the lotus seeds in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Drain the lotus seeds and remove the green germ in the center.
Step 3: In a pot, add the lotus seeds and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 1 hour.
Step 4: Drain the cooked lotus seeds and transfer them to a food processor. Blend until smooth.
Step 5: In a separate pot, combine the blended lotus seeds with sugar and vegetable oil. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns into a smooth paste.
Step 6: Let the lotus paste cool before using it as a filling for mooncakes.
Final Thoughts
Chinese lotus paste is not only a delicious filling for mooncakes, but it also holds a rich history and cultural significance in Chinese cuisine. By making your own lotus paste at home, you can not only enjoy the traditional flavors of the Mid-Autumn Festival but also appreciate the time-honored tradition behind this beloved ingredient. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade Chinese lotus paste mooncakes.
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