17 Chinese Sponge Cake Recipe Serious Eats Elevate Your Taste Buds!

Published on: Mar 24, 2024

Chinese sponge cake, also known as "ma lai gao" in Cantonese, is a beloved dessert that has been enjoyed for generations in China. This airy and light cake has a unique texture and flavor that sets it apart from other cakes. It is also a staple in Chinese bakeries and dim sum restaurants, making it a must-try for anyone interested in Chinese cuisine. If you're looking to recreate this delicious cake at home, look no further than this Chinese sponge cake recipe from Serious Eats.

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1 of 20

Chinese Steamed Sponge Cake

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Plain Flour, Sugar

Steamed sponge cake (鸡蛋糕) - Recipe Petitchef

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If you love Chinese cuisine, then you're in for a treat with this delicious and fluffy Chinese steamed sponge cake recipe. Made with simple ingredients such as flour, eggs, sugar, and milk, this cake is a popular dessert in China and is often served during special occasions and celebrations.

2 of 20

Chinese Orange Chicken

Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Eggs, Cornstarch

Paleo Chinese Orange Chicken {Whole30} | The Paleo Running Momma

Orange Chicken Recipe {Panda Express Copycat} - TipBuzz

Spicy Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe - Cook.me Recipes

A staple in many Chinese restaurants, orange chicken is a sweet and tangy dish that is loved by many. This recipe calls for crispy chicken pieces coated in a mouthwatering orange sauce made with fresh orange juice and zest. Serve it over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

3 of 20

Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Main Ingredients: Lean Beef, Soy Sauce, Sherry, Oil, Small Yellow Onion

One-Pan Beef & Broccoli Recipe - Momsdish

Oyster Beef with Chinese Broccoli - China Sichuan Food

Chinese Beef and Broccoli (One Pan Take-Out) - Omnivore's Cookbook

Beef with Chinese Broccoli - One Plate Meal - The Woks of Life

This classic Chinese dish features tender beef strips and crisp broccoli florets stir-fried in a savory sauce. It's a quick and easy dish to make at home and pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice. Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or sliced water chestnuts for extra crunch.

4 of 20

Chinese Fried Rice

Main Ingredients: Butter, Eggs, Yellow Onion, Medium Carrots, Frozen

Vegan Fried Rice | Minimalist Baker Recipes

No Chinese meal is complete without a serving of fried rice. This recipe uses a combination of scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and green onions for a colorful and flavorful dish. It's a great way to use up leftover rice and can be customized with your choice of protein such as shrimp, chicken, or beef.

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Chinese Chicken Thighs

Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced

Chinese Five Spice Chicken Thighs | Food Faith Fitness

Chinese Chicken (Char Siu!) | RecipeTin Eats

Top 10 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Recipes - Cooking LSL

Chinese Chicken Thighs | black recipes

Upgrade your chicken game with this mouthwatering recipe for Chinese-style chicken thighs. These juicy and tender chicken pieces are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and garlic before being baked to perfection. Serve them alongside some steamed bok choy for a complete and balanced meal.

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Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Main Ingredients: Broccoli, Vegetable Oil, Boneless Chicken Thighs

Chicken with Broccoli (Chinese Recipe) • Oh Snap! Let's Eat!

Instant Pot Chinese Chicken and Broccoli - Eating Instantly

Simplest Chinese Chicken Broccoli for Busy Weeknights

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli | Keto, Low Calorie - This Moms Menu

If you're a fan of the classic Chinese dish, beef and broccoli, then you'll love this chicken version. Made with boneless chicken breast, broccoli, and a savory sauce, this dish is a healthier and lighter alternative to the beef version. Serve it over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal.

7 of 20

Chinese Egg Drop Soup

Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Ginger, Low Sodium Soy Sauce

Egg Drop Soup - An Easy Chinese favorite

Tomato Egg Drop Soup-The Best Ever | China Market Advisor

Egg Drop Soup: Easy, Authentic 15-Minute Recipe | The Woks of Life

The BEST Egg Drop Soup recipe! It's easy to make in just 15 minutes ...

Warm up on a cold day with a bowl of comforting Chinese egg drop soup. Made with a flavorful chicken broth and delicate egg ribbons, this soup is simple yet delicious. For added flavor and texture, add some sliced mushrooms or shredded chicken.

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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite

Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce

Easy Pork Fried Rice - Savor the Best

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Pork Fried Rice is another easy Chinese takeout fakeout! It is done is ...

Bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout dish into your own kitchen with this recipe for classic pork fried rice. Tender marinated pork is combined with scrambled eggs, peas, and carrots for a delicious and satisfying meal. Don't forget the soy sauce for that classic Chinese flavor.

9 of 20

Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese

Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium

easy egg fried rice - Lost in Food

Delicious and Easy Egg Fried Rice! - Explore Cook Eat

10 Minute Simple Egg Fried Rice - Homemade Hooplah

Another version of the popular fried rice dish, this recipe uses beaten eggs to add an extra layer of flavor and protein to the dish. It's a great way to use up leftover rice and can be customized with your choice of vegetables and protein such as shrimp, beef, or tofu.

10 of 20

Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style

Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic

Takeout Style Fried Chicken Wings, by thewoksoflife.com Chinese Fried ...

Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout-Style | Recipe | Fried chicken ...

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Who says you have to order takeout to enjoy delicious Chinese-style fried chicken wings? This recipe uses a flavorful marinade made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to infuse the chicken wings with delicious Asian flavors. Serve them with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.

11 of 20

Chinese Broccoli Beef

Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Freshly Ground

Beef and Broccoli - Dinner, then Dessert

Beef and Broccoli - Easy and Better Than Takeout!

Easy 10 minute Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Chinese Restaurant Style Beef and Broccoli Recipe ...

This popular Chinese dish features tender slices of beef stir-fried with crisp broccoli florets in a savory sauce. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to blanch the broccoli before cooking it with the beef. Serve it over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

12 of 20

Chinese Egg Rolls

Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Shiitake Mushrooms, Carrots, Napa

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Homemade Egg Rolls | Recipe in 2020 | Homemade egg rolls, Egg rolls ...

Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe | Egg roll recipes, Egg rolls, Recipes

Homemade Egg Rolls | Recipe | Homemade egg rolls, Food, Recipes

Egg rolls are a staple in Chinese cuisine and are often served as an appetizer or side dish. This recipe calls for a flavorful filling made with ground pork, cabbage, carrots, and green onions wrapped in a crispy egg roll wrapper. Serve them with a side of sweet and sour sauce for dipping.

13 of 20

Chinese BBQ Pork

Main Ingredients: Honey, Brown Sugar, Hoisin Sauce, 5 Spice Powder, Red

The Secret To Restaurant-Style Chinese BBQ Pork | CDKitchen

Char Siu Pork (Chinese BBQ Pork) | RecipeTin Eats

Char Siu Pork-Chinese BBQ Pork - China Sichuan Food

This recipe for Chinese-style BBQ pork is a must-try for any meat lover. The pork is marinated in a honey and soy sauce mixture before being roasted to perfection. Serve it over a bed of rice with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

14 of 20

Classic Beef Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout

Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Salt, Water, Baking Soda, Dark Soy Sauce

Beef Fried Rice | Recipe | Asian recipes, Takeout food, Recipes

EASY Chinese Fried Rice (Just 10 minutes!) - Dinner, then Dessert

Beef Fried Rice - China Sichuan Food

Restaurant-Style Fried Rice - Crumb: A Food Blog

If you're a fan of beef and fried rice, then this recipe is for you. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with scrambled eggs, peas, and carrots in a savory sauce before being combined with fluffy rice. Add some chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.

15 of 20

Chinese Chicken Stir Fry

Main Ingredients: Chili Oil, Garlic, Ginger, Spring Onions, Soy Sauce

Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry with Bacon - Barefeet In The Kitchen

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry (Healthy & Easy!) - Cooking Classy

Sweet and Spicy chicken stir fry in a white bowl | Sweet and spicy ...

Stir-fries are a popular Chinese cooking method and this chicken stir fry recipe is no exception. Made with boneless chicken breast, vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is quick and easy to make and can be customized with your choice of vegetables. Serve it over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

16 of 20

Chinese Sweet And Sour Chicken

Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Eggs, Cornstarch

Homemade Chinese Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe – Melanie Cooks

EASY SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN - cookingfun | Homemade chinese food, Easy ...

Sweet and Sour Chicken | Homemade chinese food, Sweet n sour chicken ...

Sweet and Sour Chinese Chicken - Tornadough Alli

Sweet and sour chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by many. This recipe calls for tender pieces of chicken breast coated in a crispy batter and smothered in a tangy and sweet sauce. Serve it over a bed of rice with some stir-fried vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.

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Chinese Honey Prawns

Main Ingredients: Prawns, Chicken Stock, Light Soy Sauce, Sugar, Honey

Crispy Honey Shrimp - Khin's Kitchen - Chinese Honey Shrimp Recipe

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Upgrade your shrimp game with this delicious and easy recipe for Chinese-style honey prawns. The prawns are marinated in a honey and soy sauce mixture before being stir-fried with bell peppers and onions. Serve them over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Sponge Cake

Main Ingredients: Butter, Milk, Cake Flour, Eggs, Sugar, Vanilla Extract

Easy Vanilla Sponge Cake - Little Sugar Snaps

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This traditional Chinese sponge cake is a must-try for all cake lovers. Made with simple ingredients such as flour, eggs, and sugar, this cake is light, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a cup of tea for a delicious and comforting treat.

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Chinese Rice Cake—Bai Tang Gao

Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Water, Yeast, Warm Water, Sugar, Oil

Pandan Bai Tang Gao (Pandan Sugar Rice Cake)

Our Top 20 Most Popular Recipes of 2020 - The Woks of Life

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Bai Tang Gao - 白糖糕 (White Sugar Sponge Cake) - The Woks of Life

Bai tang gao, also known as Chinese rice cake, is a popular dessert in China and is often served during Chinese New Year celebrations. This sweet and chewy cake is made with rice flour, brown sugar, and coconut milk for a delicious and unique dessert experience.

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Chinese Hoisin Pork Ribs

Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Baby Back Ribs, Salt, Black Pepper

Chinese BBQ Ribs with Hoisin Sauce | Recipe in 2020 | Food, Food ...

Hoisin pork (Slimming World friendly)

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These tender and flavorful pork ribs are marinated in a hoisin sauce mixture before being baked to perfection. They make for a delicious and satisfying meal when served with a side of steamed vegetables and white rice. Don't forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for added flavor and crunch.

Ingredients

For the cake:

4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the syrup:

1/2 cup water
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Making Chinese sponge cake may seem daunting, but don't be intimidated. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and authentic version of this classic dessert.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cake batter

In a mixing bowl, beat 4 eggs with 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well.

In a separate bowl, sift 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder together. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, alternating with 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and 1/4 cup of milk. Finally, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and mix until well combined.

Step 2: Bake the cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Pour the cake batter into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Make the syrup

In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of water and 1/4 cup of honey over medium heat. Stir until the honey is dissolved. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Set aside to cool.

Step 4: Soak the cake

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the cake. Slowly pour the syrup over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Let the cake cool completely.

Pro tip: For a more intense honey flavor, brush the syrup onto the cake instead of pouring it over.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Once the cake is completely cooled and the syrup has fully soaked in, it's ready to be served. Cut into slices and enjoy this light and spongy Chinese dessert.

With this Chinese sponge cake recipe from Serious Eats, you can easily recreate the taste of a traditional Chinese bakery in the comfort of your own home. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!