16 Chinese Lunar Rice Cake Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Rice cakes, also known as Nian Gao, are a staple in Chinese cuisine and are especially popular during the Lunar New Year celebrations. These sweet and chewy delicacies are believed to bring good luck and prosperity, making them an important part of the festive season. While there are many variations of this traditional dish, this article will introduce you to a simple and easy-to-follow Chinese lunar rice cake recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Chinese rice cake soup, also known as niángāo tāng (年糕汤), is a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. Made with tender chunks of chicken, chewy rice cakes, and a flavorful broth, this soup is a delicious combination of textures and flavors. It's a favorite in Chinese households and is often served during special occasions like Chinese New Year.
To make this soup, start by cooking chicken broth with aromatics like ginger and scallions. Then, add in chicken pieces and let them cook until tender. Finally, add in the rice cakes and let them simmer until they are soft and chewy. The result is a hearty and satisfying soup that will warm you up from the inside out.
If you're looking for a light and refreshing dish to serve with your beer can chicken, look no further than Chinese chicken salad. This salad is a perfect balance of crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy dressing. It's a great way to use up leftover chicken and can be made in just a few minutes.
To make this salad, start by shredding your cooked chicken and combining it with a variety of vegetables like crunchy cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. Then, mix in a homemade dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Top it off with some crispy wonton strips for an extra crunch. It's a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Steak and Scallion Rice Cake Stir-Fry
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Oil, Cornstarch, Light Soy Sauce
If you're in the mood for some Asian-inspired flavors, try making a steak and scallion rice cake stir-fry. This dish is a tasty combination of tender pieces of steak, chewy rice cakes, and fresh scallions. It's a quick and easy meal that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
To make this stir-fry, start by cooking your steak in a hot skillet until it's cooked to your desired level of doneness. Then, add in your rice cakes and scallions and stir-fry until the rice cakes are soft and slightly crispy. Serve it with a drizzle of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a burst of flavor.
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Slow-cooked Pork Rib and Rice Cake
Main Ingredients: Pork Short Ribs, Oil, Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce, Sugar
If you have a slow-cooker, you can make a delicious and tender slow-cooked pork rib and rice cake dish. This recipe combines succulent pork ribs with chewy rice cakes and a flavorful sauce. It's a perfect dish for a lazy day when you want something delicious but don't want to do a lot of cooking.
To make this dish, start by slow-cooking your pork ribs until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Then, add in your rice cakes and let them cook in the flavorful sauce until they are soft and chewy. The result is a rich and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.
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Rice Cake Stir Fry (炒年糕, Chao Nian Gao)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Shaoxing Wine, Salt, Cornstarch, Oyster
If you're a fan of stir-fry dishes, you have to try making a rice cake stir fry. This dish, also known as chao nian gao, is a popular street food in China and is loved for its chewy texture and bold flavors. It's a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, making it a great way to use up leftover vegetables and meats.
To make this stir fry, start by stir-frying your choice of vegetables and protein in a hot wok. Then, add in your rice cakes and cook until they are soft and slightly crispy. Finally, season with a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili oil for a burst of flavor. It's a quick and easy dish that is perfect for busy weeknights.
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Stir-Fried Sticky Rice Cakes (Nian Gao)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Cornstarch, Soy Sauce, Oil, Rice Cakes
If you're a fan of sticky rice cakes, you'll love this stir-fried version. This dish, also known as nian gao, is a delicious combination of chewy rice cakes, vegetables, and a savory sauce. It's a popular dish in Taiwan and is often served as street food.
To make this dish, start by stir-frying your choice of vegetables and protein in a hot wok. Then, add in your rice cakes and let them cook until they are soft and slightly crispy. Finally, season with a sauce made with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce for a rich and savory flavor. Serve it with some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
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VEGETARIAN SHANGHAI RICE CAKES
Main Ingredients: Rice Cakes, Baby Bok Choy, Napa Cabbage, Garlic
If you're a vegetarian or looking for a meatless option, try making vegetarian Shanghai rice cakes. This dish is a tasty combination of chewy rice cakes, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and is perfect for a light and healthy meal.
To make this dish, start by stir-frying your choice of vegetables in a hot wok. Then, add in your rice cakes and let them cook until they are soft and slightly crispy. Finally, season with a sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar for a balance of savory and sweet flavors. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy.
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Spicy Stir-fried Rice Cakes
Main Ingredients: Oil, Pork Belly, Ginger, Garlic, Medium Onion, Jalapeno
If you love spicy food, you have to try making this spicy stir-fried rice cake dish. This recipe combines chewy rice cakes with a spicy and flavorful sauce made with chili paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It's a perfect dish for those who love a little heat in their food.
To make this stir fry, start by stir-frying your choice of vegetables and protein in a hot wok. Then, add in your rice cakes and let them cook until they are soft and slightly crispy. Finally, add in the spicy sauce and toss everything together until the rice cakes are evenly coated. It's a delicious and bold dish that will wake up your taste buds.
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Braised Rice Cakes with Napa Cabbage + Shiitake + Pork
Main Ingredients: Shiitake Mushrooms, Rice Cake, Pork Tenderloin, Napa
This braised rice cake dish is a popular Chinese dish that is loved for its hearty and comforting flavors. It combines chewy rice cakes with napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and tender pork for a tasty and satisfying meal. It's a great dish to make for a special occasion or when you want something a little more indulgent.
To make this dish, start by braising your pork in a flavorful broth until it's tender. Then, add in your vegetables and let them cook until they are soft. Finally, add in your rice cakes and let them cook in the sauce until they are soft and slightly crispy. It's a delicious and filling dish that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Stir-Fried Rice Cakes with Pork
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Pork Butt, Rice Cakes
This stir-fried rice cake dish is a popular street food in China and is loved for its bold flavors and chewy texture. It's a simple dish that combines tender pork, fresh vegetables, and chewy rice cakes for a delicious and satisfying meal. It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and can be made in just a few minutes.
To make this dish, start by stir-frying your choice of vegetables and pork in a hot wok. Then, add in your rice cakes and let them cook until they are soft and slightly crispy. Finally, season with a sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar for a balance of savory and sweet flavors. It's a delicious and easy dish that is perfect for a quick meal.
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Easy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes with XO Sauce
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Shallot, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Ginger
If you're a fan of XO sauce, you have to try making this easy stir-fried rice cake dish. XO sauce is a spicy and savory sauce made with dried seafood and chili peppers, and it adds a delicious depth of flavor to this dish. Combined with chewy rice cakes and fresh vegetables, it's a dish that is full of flavor and texture.
To make this dish, start by stir-frying your choice of vegetables and protein in a hot wok. Then, add in your rice cakes and let them cook until they are soft and slightly crispy. Finally, add in the XO sauce and toss everything together until the rice cakes are evenly coated. It's a dish that will impress your taste buds and your dinner guests.
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Easy Chinese Stir-fried Nian Gao Rice Cakes
Main Ingredients: Korean Rice Cake, Cooking Oil, Garlic, Boneless Chicken
This easy Chinese stir-fried nian gao rice cake dish is a popular street food in China and is loved for its simplicity and delicious flavors. It's a perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something quick and easy but still full of flavor. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover vegetables and protein.
To make this dish, start by stir-frying your choice of vegetables and protein in a hot wok. Then, add in your rice cakes and let them cook until they are soft and slightly crispy. Finally, season with a sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar for a balance of savory and sweet flavors. It's a dish that will become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation.
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Salmon Fried Rice Cake (Chao Nian Gao)
Main Ingredients: Sockeye Salmon, Korean Rice Cakes, Vegetable Oil
If you're a fan of seafood, you'll love this salmon fried rice cake dish. It combines tender pieces of salmon with chewy rice cakes and a flavorful sauce for a satisfying and tasty meal. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate more fish into your diet.
To make this dish, start by stir-frying your salmon with a variety of vegetables in a hot wok. Then, add in your rice cakes and let them cook until they are soft and slightly crispy. Finally, season with a sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste for a burst of flavor. It's a dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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Instant Pot Tteok Guk (Rice Cake Soup)
Main Ingredients: Tteok, Beef Stew Meat, Water, Sesame Oil, Onion
If you have an Instant Pot, you can make a delicious and comforting tteok guk, or rice cake soup, in just a fraction of the time it takes to make it on the stove. This soup is a traditional dish often served during Korean New Year, but it's also a great dish to enjoy any time of the year.
To make this soup, start by cooking your chicken broth with aromatics like garlic and ginger in your Instant Pot. Then, add in your rice cakes and cook on high pressure for a few minutes until they are soft and chewy. Finally, add in some shredded chicken and let it cook until it's heated through. It's a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day.
This spicy rice cake dish, also known as ddukbokki or tteokbokki, is a popular Korean street food that is loved for its bold and spicy flavors. It's a great dish to make when you're craving something with a kick, and it's also a great way to use up leftover rice cakes.
To make this dish, start by stir-frying your choice of vegetables and protein in a hot wok. Then, add in your rice cakes and let them cook until they are soft and slightly crispy. Finally, add in a spicy sauce made with gochujang, a Korean chili paste, for a burst of flavor. It's a dish that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
This tteokbokki dish is a popular Korean street food that is loved for its spicy and savory flavors. It's a great dish to make when you're in the mood for something bold and flavorful, and it's also a great way to introduce yourself to Korean cuisine.
To make this dish, start by stir-frying your choice of vegetables and protein in a hot wok. Then, add in your rice cakes and let them cook until they are soft and slightly crispy. Finally, add in a sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a balance of spicy and savory flavors. It's a dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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Dukbokki, spicy Korean rice cake dish
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Rice Cake, Dried Kelp, Shitake
This dukbokki dish, also known as tteokbokki, is a popular Korean street food that is loved for its chewy rice cakes and spicy sauce. It's a dish that is perfect for those who love a little heat in their food, and it's also a great way to use up leftover rice cakes.
To make this dish, start by stir-frying your choice of vegetables and protein in a hot wok. Then, add in your rice cakes and let them cook until they are soft and slightly crispy. Finally, add in a spicy sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a burst of flavor. It's a dish that is sure to become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation.
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Korean Cheesy Hot Cheese Rice Cake
Main Ingredients: Rice Cakes, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Hot Sauce, Korean
If you're a fan of cheese, you'll love this Korean cheesy hot cheese rice cake dish. It combines chewy rice cakes with a creamy and cheesy sauce for a dish that is rich and satisfying. It's a great way to switch up your usual rice cake dishes and try something new.
To make this dish, start by stir-frying your choice of vegetables and protein in a hot wok. Then, add in your rice cakes and let them cook until they are soft and slightly crispy. Finally, add in a cheese sauce made with cream cheese, milk, and a touch of gochujang for a balance of creamy and spicy flavors. It's a dish that will impress your taste buds and your dinner guests.
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Owl Rice Cake Snacks
Main Ingredients: Rice Cakes, Peanut Butter, Banana, Blueberries, Apple
If you're looking for a fun and creative way to use rice cakes, try making these adorable owl rice cake snacks. They are perfect for kids and adults alike and are a great way to add some fun to your daily snacks. Plus, they're a healthier alternative to traditional snacks like chips or cookies.
To make these snacks, start by cutting rice cakes into owl shapes using a cookie cutter. Then, top them with a variety of toppings like cheese, vegetables, and meat to create the owl's features. It's a fun and tasty way to enjoy rice cakes and is sure to put a smile on everyone's face.
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Caprese Rice Cake
Main Ingredients: Rice Cakes, Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella
If you're a fan of the classic caprese salad, you'll love this caprese rice cake dish. It combines chewy rice cakes with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese for a light and refreshing meal. It's a great way to use up leftover rice cakes and is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or light dinner.
To make this dish, start by topping your rice cakes with slices of tomato, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese. Then, drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a burst of tangy flavor. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed all year round.
The Ingredients:
Glutinous Rice Flour
The main ingredient in this recipe is glutinous rice flour, also known as sweet rice flour or sticky rice flour. It is made from short-grain glutinous rice that becomes sticky when cooked, giving the rice cakes their signature chewy texture.
Brown Sugar
Another key ingredient in this recipe is brown sugar, which gives the rice cakes their sweetness and distinctive dark color. Brown sugar is a common ingredient in Chinese cooking and is often used in desserts and sweet dishes.
Coconut Milk
To add a rich and creamy flavor to the rice cakes, coconut milk is used in this recipe. It also helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the rice cakes a smooth and silky texture.
Water
Lastly, water is needed to mix with the glutinous rice flour and brown sugar to create the batter for the rice cakes.
The Method:
Mixing the Batter
To start, combine the glutinous rice flour and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Gradually add in the coconut milk and water, stirring until a smooth and thick batter is formed.
Steaming the Rice Cakes
Next, pour the batter into a greased round baking dish and place it in a steamer. Steam the rice cake for about an hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving
Once the rice cake is cooked, remove it from the steamer and allow it to cool before cutting it into slices. You can serve the rice cake as is or pan-fry it for a crispy outer layer. Some popular toppings for rice cakes include shredded coconut, sesame seeds, and red bean paste.
Final Thoughts:
This Chinese lunar rice cake recipe is a simple and delicious way to bring a touch of tradition to your Lunar New Year celebrations. With just a few key ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delectable treat that will surely impress your loved ones. So why not give this recipe a try and add a little sweetness and good luck to your festivities?
