19 Chinese Red Bean Rice Cake Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
Chinese red bean rice cake, also known as "nian gao," is a traditional Chinese dessert that is typically served during the Lunar New Year. This sweet and sticky rice cake is a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and longevity. Made with simple ingredients such as red beans, glutinous rice flour, and sugar, this recipe has been passed down for generations and is a staple dish in many Chinese households. In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step process on how to make this delicious and auspicious dessert.
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Milk, Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Brown
If you're looking to add a unique twist to your Chinese New Year celebrations, why not try making these delicious Nian Gao cupcakes? Nian Gao, also known as Chinese New Year cake, is a traditional sticky rice cake that is typically eaten during the holiday. But by turning it into cupcakes, you can enjoy this sweet treat in a fun and portable way.
To make these cupcakes, you'll need a few key ingredients such as glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and red bean paste. The end result is a moist and flavorful cupcake that is perfect for sharing with friends and family during the festive season.
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Sticky Rice Cake with Red Bean Paste
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Red Bean Paste, Vegetable Oil
If you're a fan of the classic Nian Gao, then you'll love this variation that incorporates red bean paste. The combination of the sweet and nutty red bean paste with the chewy texture of the sticky rice cake is simply irresistible. Plus, the vibrant red color of the red bean paste makes these cakes the perfect addition to any Chinese New Year spread.
To make this recipe, you'll need to steam the sticky rice cake before adding a layer of red bean paste on top. Then, you can choose to either steam it again or pan-fry it for a crispy exterior. Whichever method you choose, the end result will be a delicious and festive treat.
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NIAN GAO PUFF
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Nian Gao, Meat, Slivered Almond, Chopped
If you're a fan of puff pastry, then you'll love this fusion of Western and Chinese flavors. These Nian Gao puffs are made with store-bought puff pastry and filled with a mixture of red bean paste and Nian Gao. The combination of the flaky pastry and the sticky filling makes for a delightful treat that will leave you wanting more.
To make these puffs, simply cut the puff pastry into squares, add a spoonful of red bean paste and Nian Gao mixture, and fold it into a triangle shape. Then, brush the tops with an egg wash and bake until golden brown. These puffs are perfect for serving as a sweet appetizer or dessert during your Chinese New Year celebrations.
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Sticky Rice Cake With Red Bean Paste
Main Ingredients: Azuki Bean, Sugar, Butter, Rice Flour, Mashed Potato
This recipe is a twist on the traditional Nian Gao, but with a different filling – coconut! The combination of the creamy coconut and the chewy sticky rice cake is a match made in heaven. Plus, the addition of shredded coconut on top gives these cakes a nice crunch.
To make this recipe, you'll need to mix coconut milk into the sticky rice cake batter before steaming it. Then, cut the cake into squares and top each one with a dollop of red bean paste and shredded coconut. This dessert is perfect for those who enjoy a tropical twist on traditional Chinese flavors.
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Sticky Rice Cake with Coconut–Nuomici
Main Ingredients: Desiccated Coconut, Mango, Red Bean Paste, Glutinous
Nuomici, also known as coconut glutinous rice balls, are a popular Chinese dessert. They are typically filled with red bean paste and coated with shredded coconut. But in this recipe, we'll be using sticky rice cake instead of glutinous rice balls.
The process for making these treats is similar to the traditional version – you'll need to form balls of sticky rice cake and fill them with red bean paste. Then, coat them with shredded coconut for an extra layer of flavor. These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking on during Chinese New Year festivities.
Main Ingredients: Red Beans, Water, Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Milk, Oil
If you're looking for a gluten-free option for Chinese New Year, then this recipe is perfect for you. These sticky rice cakes are made with glutinous rice flour and filled with a mixture of red bean paste and walnuts. Not only are they gluten-free, but they also have a delicious nutty flavor.
To make these cakes, you'll need to steam the sticky rice cake before adding a layer of red bean paste and walnuts on top. Then, steam again until the filling is warm and the cake is soft and chewy. These cakes are a great option for those with dietary restrictions but still want to enjoy traditional Chinese New Year desserts.
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Red Bean & Walnut Sticky Rice Cake | 红豆核桃年糕
Main Ingredients: Adzuki Beans, Water, Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Milk, Oil
This version of the red bean and walnut sticky rice cake is similar to the previous one, but with the addition of coconut milk. The coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess to the cake, making it even more irresistible.
To make this recipe, simply mix coconut milk into the sticky rice cake batter before steaming it. Then, top with a layer of red bean paste and walnuts before steaming again. These cakes are perfect for serving as a dessert after a hearty Chinese New Year feast.
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Chinese Moon Cake—Traditional Version
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Vegetable Oil, Flour, Sugar, Water, Fresh
Moon cakes are a staple during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but they can also be enjoyed during Chinese New Year. These traditional moon cakes are made with a flaky pastry and filled with a mixture of red bean paste and lotus seed paste, giving them a sweet and nutty flavor.
To make these moon cakes, you'll need a special moon cake mold, but the process itself is relatively simple. The key is to use a good quality red bean paste and lotus seed paste to ensure a delicious filling. These moon cakes are a must-try for any Chinese New Year celebration.
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Red Bean Dumplings (红豆汤圆)
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Water, Red Bean Paste, Fresh Ginger, Rock
Dumplings are a popular dish for Chinese New Year, but these red bean dumplings are a sweet twist on the traditional savory ones. The dumpling skins are made with glutinous rice flour and filled with red bean paste. They are then boiled and served in a warm ginger syrup, making for a comforting and delicious dessert.
To make these dumplings, you'll need to first make the dough and roll it out into small circles. Then, add a spoonful of red bean paste in the center before folding it into a half-moon shape. These dumplings are a great alternative to traditional Chinese New Year desserts and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Matcha (Green Tea) Mochi
Main Ingredients: Sweet Red Bean Paste, Sweet Rice Flour, Matcha Powder
Mochi is a Japanese dessert that has become popular around the world, and for good reason. These chewy rice cakes are a delicious treat, especially when filled with matcha and red bean paste. The combination of the earthy matcha and the sweet red bean paste is simply divine.
To make these mochi, you'll need to mix matcha powder into the mochi dough before filling it with red bean paste. The result is a beautiful green mochi that is perfect for serving during Chinese New Year celebrations.
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Matcha Green Tea Mochi
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Sugar, Green Tea Powder, Water
This version of matcha mochi is similar to the previous one, but with the addition of coconut milk. The coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess to the mochi, making it even more delicious.
To make this recipe, simply mix matcha powder and coconut milk into the mochi dough before filling it with red bean paste. These mochi are a great option for those who enjoy a more unique and modern twist on traditional Chinese New Year desserts.
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Sticky Rice Cakes with Red Bean Paste
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Red Bean Paste, Vegetable Oil
If you're a fan of sticky rice cakes, then you'll love this simple yet delicious recipe. These cakes are made with just a few ingredients such as glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and red bean paste. The result is a soft and chewy cake with a sweet and nutty filling.
To make these cakes, you'll need to steam the sticky rice cake before adding a layer of red bean paste on top and steaming again. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy traditional Chinese New Year flavors without spending too much time in the kitchen.
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Jian Dui (Deep Fried Glutinous Rice Balls/Sesame Seed...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Glutinous Rice Flour, Baking Powder
Jian Dui, also known as sesame seed balls, are a popular Chinese dessert that can be enjoyed year-round, but are especially popular during Chinese New Year. These deep-fried glutinous rice balls are filled with red bean paste and coated in sesame seeds, giving them a crispy exterior and a sweet and chewy filling.
To make these balls, you'll need to first make the dough and roll it into balls. Then, fill them with red bean paste before deep-frying until golden brown. These sesame seed balls are a delicious and indulgent treat that is perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year.
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Anpan – Sweet Red Bean Buns
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Salt, Instant Yeast, Egg
Anpan is a popular Japanese bread that is filled with red bean paste. These buns are soft and fluffy, with a slightly sweet and nutty filling. They are perfect for serving as a snack or dessert during Chinese New Year celebrations.
To make these buns, you'll need to make a simple bread dough and let it rise before shaping it into balls and filling each one with red bean paste. These buns are best served warm and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
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Matcha Roll
Main Ingredients: Egg Yolks, Egg Whites, Sugar, Cake Flour, Matcha
If you're a fan of Swiss rolls, then you'll love this matcha version. The soft and fluffy sponge cake is flavored with matcha and filled with a creamy red bean paste filling. The combination of the earthy matcha and the sweet red bean paste is simply irresistible.
To make this roll, you'll need to first make the sponge cake and bake it in a sheet pan. Then, spread a layer of red bean paste on top before rolling it into a log shape. This roll is perfect for serving as a dessert during your Chinese New Year feast.
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Sakura Mochi -Kansai (Kyoto) style
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Sugar, Water, Red Bean Paste, Red Food
Sakura mochi is a traditional Japanese dessert that is often enjoyed during the spring season. But this version of the mochi, known as Kansai or Kyoto-style, is perfect for Chinese New Year celebrations. The mochi is filled with red bean paste and wrapped in a salted cherry blossom leaf, giving it a unique and delicate flavor.
To make this mochi, you'll need to first steam the sticky rice cake and mix it with red bean paste. Then, wrap the mochi in a salted cherry blossom leaf and steam again until the leaf becomes soft and fragrant. These mochi are a beautiful and delicious addition to any Chinese New Year spread.
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Red Bean Paste Cookie
Main Ingredients: Cake Flour, Red Bean Paste, Unsalted Butter, Icing
If you're looking for a simple and tasty dessert to make for Chinese New Year, then these red bean paste cookies are perfect. These soft and chewy cookies have a sweet and nutty flavor thanks to the red bean paste filling. Plus, they are easy to make and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
To make these cookies, simply make a basic sugar cookie dough and add a spoonful of red bean paste in the center before baking. These cookies are perfect for snacking on during Chinese New Year festivities.
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Matcha Macarons
Main Ingredients: Almond, Powdered Sugar, Caster Sugar, Water, Egg
Macarons are a French delicacy that are often enjoyed during special occasions, and these matcha macarons are perfect for Chinese New Year celebrations. The delicate and colorful shells are filled with a creamy matcha and red bean paste filling, making for a delicious and visually appealing dessert.
To make these macarons, you'll need to first make the shells and allow them to dry before piping the filling in between. The end result is a beautiful and tasty treat that is sure to impress your guests.
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Zongzi
Main Ingredients: Bamboo Leaves, Pork Meat, Chinese Five Spice Powder
Zongzi are sticky rice dumplings that are traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival, but they can also be enjoyed during Chinese New Year. These dumplings are filled with a variety of ingredients such as red bean paste, meat, and vegetables, and wrapped in bamboo leaves before being steamed.
To make these dumplings, you'll need to first soak the sticky rice and fillings before wrapping them in the bamboo leaves and steaming until cooked. These dumplings are a delicious and hearty option for those looking for a savory dish during Chinese New Year festivities.
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Anpan {Japanese Red Bean Bun}
Main Ingredients: Heavy Cream, Whole Milk, Granulated Sugar, Active Dry
Another variation of anpan, this Japanese red bean bun is filled with red bean paste and topped with a crisscross pattern of dough. The bun is soft and fluffy, with a sweet and nutty filling that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
To make this bun, you'll need to make a basic bread dough and let it rise before shaping it into balls and filling each one with red bean paste. These buns are best served warm and are perfect for sharing with friends and family during Chinese New Year.
Ingredients You Will Need
Red Beans
The star ingredient of this recipe is red beans, also known as adzuki beans. These small, red beans are commonly used in Asian desserts and are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. You can find them at most Asian grocery stores or order them online.
Glutinous Rice Flour
Next, you will need glutinous rice flour, also known as sweet rice flour. This type of flour is made from short-grain glutinous rice and is what gives the rice cake its sticky and chewy texture. Make sure to use glutinous rice flour and not regular rice flour for this recipe.
Sugar
To sweeten the rice cake, you will need sugar. We recommend using granulated sugar, but you can also use brown sugar or even honey for a healthier option. Keep in mind that the amount of sugar can be adjusted according to your taste preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Soak the Red Beans
The first step in making Chinese red bean rice cake is to soak the red beans overnight or for at least 8 hours. This will help soften the beans and make them easier to cook.
Cook the Red Beans
After soaking, drain the beans and transfer them to a pot. Add enough water to cover the beans and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about an hour or until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.
Make the Rice Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked red beans, glutinous rice flour, and sugar. Mix until well combined and a thick batter forms. If the batter is too dry, you can add a little bit of water until you get the right consistency.
Steam the Rice Cake
Grease a round or square cake pan with oil and pour the batter into it. Smooth out the top with a spatula and cover the pan with aluminum foil. Place the pan in a steamer and steam for about an hour or until the rice cake is cooked. To check if it's done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, then it's ready.
Cool and Serve
Once the rice cake is cooked, let it cool completely before cutting it into squares or slices. You can enjoy it as is or pan-fry it for a crispy exterior. Serve it as a dessert or snack, and don't forget to wish for good luck and prosperity as you indulge in this delicious Chinese red bean rice cake.
In Conclusion
Making Chinese red bean rice cake may seem daunting, but with this recipe, you can easily recreate this traditional dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen. It's a perfect treat to celebrate the Lunar New Year or any other special occasion. Serve it to your family and friends and share the good luck and prosperity with them. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and may it bring you and your loved ones all the blessings for the new year.