16 Chinese Rice Cake Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
When it comes to traditional Chinese desserts, rice cake is a popular delicacy that has been enjoyed for generations. This delicious treat, also known as nian gao, is made with glutinous rice flour and can be served in various forms, including steamed, fried, or even baked. Not only is it a staple dish during Chinese New Year celebrations, but it has also become a beloved snack throughout the year. In this article, we will delve into the history of this Chinese rice cake recipe and explore the different variations and techniques used to create this mouthwatering treat.
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine and love the comforting warmth of a hearty soup, then this Chinese rice cake soup is a must-try. Made with tender chicken, aromatic spices, and chewy rice cakes, this soup is the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
It's a popular dish in Chinese households, especially during the colder months. The rich broth is made with chicken broth, soy sauce, and five-spice powder for a depth of flavor that will have your taste buds singing.
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Vegetarian Chinese Rice Cake Noodle
Main Ingredients: Rice, Sesame Oil, Leafy Greens, Green Onions, Fresh
For all the vegetarians out there, this Chinese rice cake noodle recipe is a game-changer. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that's packed with vegetables and protein-rich tofu.
The rice cakes are stir-fried with crispy vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms, and then tossed in a savory sauce made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sweet chili sauce. The result is a flavorful and filling meal that will leave you wanting more.
This Chinese chicken salad recipe is a refreshing and light option for those hot summer days. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in a delicious blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and then grilled to perfection.
The chicken is served on a bed of crunchy lettuce and topped with a colorful array of vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and red bell peppers. The final touch is a tangy and slightly sweet dressing made with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. This salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.
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Steak and Scallion Rice Cake Stir-Fry
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Oil, Cornstarch, Light Soy Sauce
If you're a fan of steak and stir-fry, then this recipe is for you. The tender slices of steak are marinated in a soy sauce and garlic marinade and then stir-fried with rice cakes, scallions, and bell peppers.
The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The chewy rice cakes add a unique texture to the dish, and the combination of flavors is simply irresistible.
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Slow-cooked Pork Rib and Rice Cake
Main Ingredients: Pork Short Ribs, Oil, Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce, Sugar
This slow-cooked pork rib and rice cake dish is a staple in Chinese households during the Lunar New Year. It's a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for a cold winter day.
The tender pork ribs are slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful broth until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. The rice cakes are added to the broth towards the end of the cooking process, soaking up all the delicious flavors. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking for a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine.
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Rice Cake Stir Fry (炒年糕, Chao Nian Gao)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Shaoxing Wine, Salt, Cornstarch, Oyster
Chao Nian Gao is a classic Chinese dish that's popular during the Lunar New Year. It's a simple stir-fry dish that's made with chewy rice cakes, crispy vegetables, and delicious seasonings.
The key to this dish is to cook the rice cakes until they are slightly crispy on the outside, while still being soft and chewy on the inside. The result is a satisfying and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion.
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Stir-Fried Sticky Rice Cakes (Nian Gao)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Cornstarch, Soy Sauce, Oil, Rice Cakes
If you're looking for a quick and easy dish that's packed with flavor, then this stir-fried sticky rice cake recipe is for you. The chewy rice cakes are stir-fried with crispy vegetables and tossed in a savory sauce made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
The result is a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. You can also add your favorite protein, like chicken or shrimp, to make it a complete meal.
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VEGETARIAN SHANGHAI RICE CAKES
Main Ingredients: Rice Cakes, Baby Bok Choy, Napa Cabbage, Garlic
This vegetarian Shanghai rice cake recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a meat-free option. The dish is made with a variety of crispy vegetables like bok choy, carrots, and mushrooms, and tossed in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste.
The chewy rice cakes add a unique texture to the dish, and the combination of flavors is simply delicious. It's a perfect dish for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.
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Spicy Stir-fried Rice Cakes
Main Ingredients: Oil, Pork Belly, Ginger, Garlic, Medium Onion, Jalapeno
If you like your food with a bit of a kick, then this spicy stir-fried rice cake recipe is for you. The chewy rice cakes are stir-fried with spicy chili paste, garlic, and ginger, and then tossed with a variety of crispy vegetables.
The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for anyone who loves a bit of heat in their meals. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili paste, making it a versatile dish for everyone.
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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 choice in Chinese households during the Lunar New Year. It's a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for large gatherings.
The chewy rice cakes are braised in a rich and flavorful broth with tender pieces of pork, shiitake mushrooms, and crispy napa cabbage. The result is a delicious and satisfying dish that will keep you warm and full during the colder months.
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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 delicious and easy option for a quick dinner. The chewy rice cakes are stir-fried with tender pieces of pork and crunchy vegetables, and then tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce.
The dish is bursting with flavor and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal option for busy individuals and families.
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Easy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes with XO Sauce
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Shallot, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Ginger
This easy stir-fried rice cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a bit of spice in their meals. The chewy rice cakes are stir-fried with a spicy and flavorful XO sauce, along with crispy vegetables and tender pieces of chicken or shrimp.
The XO sauce adds a unique and delicious flavor to the dish, making it a standout option for anyone looking to try something new and exciting.
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“Ikameshi” - Rice with Squid #IzakayaNobu
Main Ingredients: Squid, Rice Cake, Rice, Green Onions, Ginger, Soy
Ikameshi, or rice with squid, is a popular Japanese dish that's similar to Chinese rice cakes. The dish is made with tender pieces of squid, mushrooms, and vegetables, and then cooked with rice in a rich and flavorful broth.
The result is a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for anyone looking to try something new and unique. It's a must-try for seafood lovers and anyone who enjoys Japanese cuisine.
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Molly Kuslikis
Main Ingredients: Rice, Pumpkin Seeds, Vegan Chocolate Chips, Raisins
Molly Kuslikis is a well-known food blogger and recipe developer who has created a delicious Chinese rice cake recipe that's a must-try for anyone who loves Asian cuisine. The dish is made with tender pieces of chicken, crispy vegetables, and delicious seasonings, and then tossed with chewy rice cakes.
The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. You can find Molly's recipe on her blog or social media channels for a taste of her mouth-watering creations.
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Chinese Rice Cake—Bai Tang Gao
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Water, Yeast, Warm Water, Sugar, Oil
Bai Tang Gao, or Chinese rice cake, is a traditional dessert that's popular during the Lunar New Year. It's made with glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, and water, and then steamed until it becomes a soft and chewy cake.
The cake is often cut into small squares and served with a variety of toppings like coconut flakes, red bean paste, or sweet sesame seeds. It's a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for Chinese culture and cuisine.
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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 rice cake recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal option. The chewy rice cakes are stir-fried with crispy vegetables, tender pieces of chicken or beef, and tossed in a savory sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and garlic.
The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. You can also customize the dish by adding your favorite protein or vegetables, making it a versatile option for any taste preference.
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Salmon Fried Rice Cake (Chao Nian Gao)
Main Ingredients: Sockeye Salmon, Korean Rice Cakes, Vegetable Oil
This Salmon Fried Rice Cake recipe is a unique and delicious twist on the classic Chinese dish. Tender pieces of salmon are marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and then stir-fried with chewy rice cakes and crispy vegetables.
The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible and will have you reaching for seconds.
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Instant Pot Tteok Guk (Rice Cake Soup)
Main Ingredients: Tteok, Beef Stew Meat, Water, Sesame Oil, Onion
This Instant Pot Tteok Guk, or rice cake soup, is a popular Korean dish that's perfect for a cold winter day. The chewy rice cakes are cooked in a rich and flavorful broth made with beef broth, soy sauce, and garlic.
The soup is served with a variety of toppings like sliced beef, green onions, and a boiled egg, making it a satisfying and comforting meal option. And with the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can have this dish ready in no time.
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The Original Tteokbokki
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Sugar, Gochugaru, Gochujang, Rice Syrup
Tteokbokki, or spicy stir-fried rice cakes, is a popular Korean street food that has gained popularity all over the world. The chewy rice cakes are cooked in a spicy and flavorful sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, and garlic, and then served with a variety of toppings like fish cakes, boiled eggs, or vegetables.
It's a must-try for anyone who loves a bit of spice in their meals and is looking to try a popular Korean dish. You can find this dish at many Korean restaurants or try making it at home with a variety of recipes available online.
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Eggs Benedict, Lox with Curried Scallion and Rice Cakes
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Jasmine, Egg, Bread Crumbs, Curry Powder
This fusion dish combines the classic Eggs Benedict with a twist of Chinese rice cakes. The rice cakes are topped with a flavorful combination of lox, curried scallions, and poached eggs, and then drizzled with a delicious hollandaise sauce.
The result is a unique and tasty dish that's perfect for a brunch or special occasion. It's a must-try for anyone looking to add a bit of creativity to their meals.
The History of Chinese Rice Cake
Origin
The origins of Chinese rice cake can be traced back to the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BC). Originally, it was considered a food for the nobles and was made with glutinous rice, honey, and nuts. Over time, it became more accessible to the general population, and different regions in China began to develop their own versions of the recipe.
Significance in Chinese Culture
During Chinese New Year, rice cake holds a special significance as it symbolizes prosperity and good luck for the new year. The pronunciation of "nian gao" in Chinese also sounds similar to the phrase "year high," which is associated with the idea of reaching new heights in the upcoming year.
Types of Chinese Rice Cake
Steamed Rice Cake
The most traditional method of making rice cake is steaming. The glutinous rice flour is mixed with water, sugar, and other flavorings and then steamed in a bamboo or metal mold. The result is a soft, chewy, and slightly sweet cake that is perfect for snacking or as a dessert.
Fried Rice Cake
For those who prefer a crispy texture, fried rice cake is a popular choice. The steamed rice cake is sliced and then pan-fried until it becomes golden and crispy on the outside while retaining a soft and chewy center. This version is often served with savory toppings, such as soy sauce, sesame seeds, and scallions.
Baked Rice Cake
Another variation of Chinese rice cake is the baked version, which is made by mixing the rice flour with eggs, milk, and other ingredients before being baked in the oven. This results in a slightly denser and cake-like texture, making it a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings as a delicacy for the elite to becoming a beloved snack for all, Chinese rice cake has stood the test of time and continues to be a staple in Chinese cuisine. Its versatility and rich history make it a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors and traditions of Chinese culture. So the next time you come across this delectable treat, remember the long-standing tradition and significance behind it.
