The Chinese New Year is a time for family gatherings, bright red decorations, and most importantly, delicious food. One of the most beloved traditional treats during this festive season is the Chinese sticky cake, also known as nian gao. This sweet and chewy cake is a staple in Chinese households and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. In this article, we will share with you a professional and well-organized recipe for making your own nian gao at home.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Cornstarch, Shaoxing Wine, Sesame Oil
Shanghai Rice Cake Stir-fry is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This delicious recipe combines tender rice cakes with fresh greens and a flavorful sauce, creating a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish is what makes it a standout among other stir-fry recipes. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover rice cakes or vegetables!
Chinese New Year Cake, or Nian Gao, is a traditional Chinese dessert that is often served during the Lunar New Year celebrations. This sweet and sticky cake is made from glutinous rice flour and is a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture. It's usually steamed and then cut into slices before being pan-fried for a crispy exterior. This recipe for Nian Gao is easy to follow and will surely be a hit with your family and friends.
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Sticky Chinese Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Chicken, Ginger, Garlic, Rice Wine, Caster
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you've probably had your fair share of pork belly dishes. But have you tried Sticky Chinese Pork Belly? This dish takes tender and succulent pork belly and coats it in a sweet and sticky glaze that will have you licking your fingers. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to slow cook the pork belly until it's fall-apart tender before finishing it off in the oven to get that irresistible caramelized crust.
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Oil DdeokBokkI
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice Cakes, Hot Pepper, Hot Pepper Paste, Syrup
If you love spicy food, then Oil DdeokBokkI is a must-try dish. This Korean street food favorite is made with chewy rice cakes, fish cakes, and a fiery red sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. The addition of vegetables like cabbage and carrots not only adds a pop of color but also makes it a well-rounded meal. Don't be intimidated by the long list of ingredients, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes!
Get ready for a unique and delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. This Fried Nian Gao Sweet Potato Sandwich combines crispy fried sweet potatoes, gooey cheese, and sticky Nian Gao to create a mouthwatering sandwich that is both savory and sweet. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in or a fun snack to share with friends and family.
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Dak-galbi (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Legs, Cabbage, Sweet Potato, Onion, Green
Another popular Korean dish, Dak-galbi, is a spicy stir-fry made with marinated chicken, vegetables, and a spicy sauce. The key to achieving the authentic flavor is to use gochujang, a Korean chili paste, which adds heat and depth to the dish. This recipe also calls for gochugaru, Korean chili flakes, which can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
No need for a trip to your favorite Chinese restaurant when you can make these delicious Chinese Sticky Ribs at home. The key to achieving tender and flavorful ribs is to marinate them overnight in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. Then, they're slow-cooked until they fall off the bone and glazed with a sticky sauce that will have you licking your fingers.
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Sticky Chinese Chicken
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Chicken Legs, Cornstarch, Garlic, Fresh
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to your favorite takeout dish, then this Sticky Chinese Chicken recipe is for you. It's made with boneless chicken breasts, coated in a flavorful sauce, and baked to perfection. The result is juicy and tender chicken with a delicious sticky glaze that is sure to satisfy your cravings without the added guilt.
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Steamed Nian Gao with Grated Coconut and Sesame Seeds
Main Ingredients: Coconut, Sesame Seeds, Nian Gao, Banana Leaf
This steamed Nian Gao recipe is a traditional Chinese dessert that is often enjoyed during the Lunar New Year celebrations. It's a simple yet delicious dessert made with sticky rice cakes, grated coconut, and sesame seeds. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish is what makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover Nian Gao!
If you're looking to take your Nian Gao to the next level, then try making these Yam Nian Gao Fritters. These crispy and golden brown fritters are made with mashed yam and Nian Gao, creating a unique and delicious snack or dessert. The outside is crispy, while the inside is soft and chewy, making it an addictive treat that is perfect for sharing.
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Red Bean Soup (红豆汤)
Main Ingredients: Azuki Beans, Rock Sugar, Salt, Sticky Rice Cakes
Red Bean Soup, or Hong Dou Tang, is a popular Chinese dessert that is often served during the summer months. It's a refreshing and nourishing sweet soup made with red beans, rock sugar, and a hint of ginger. Not only is it delicious, but it also has numerous health benefits, such as promoting digestion and improving blood circulation. Serve it warm or chilled for a perfect dessert or snack.
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Pan-fried Nian Gao with Egg
Main Ingredients: Nian Gao, Cooking Oil, Rice Flour, Cornstarch, Salt
Looking for a quick and easy way to use up any leftover Nian Gao? Look no further than this Pan-fried Nian Gao with Egg recipe. This dish is made by simply pan-frying Nian Gao slices with a cracked egg on top, creating a delicious and satisfying meal in just minutes. The gooey egg yolk complements the sticky Nian Gao perfectly, making it a breakfast or snack that will keep you coming back for more.
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NIAN GAO PUFF
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Nian Gao, Meat, Slivered Almond, Chopped
NIAN GAO PUFF is a creative and delicious way to enjoy Nian Gao. These crispy and flaky pastry puffs are filled with sticky Nian Gao, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. They make for a great snack or dessert and are a fun twist on traditional Chinese desserts. Plus, they're easy to make and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Chinese Sticky Rice, or Lo Mai Gai, is a popular dim sum dish that is made with glutinous rice, chicken, and Chinese sausage. This dish is full of flavor and is a great option for a hearty lunch or dinner. The key to achieving the perfect sticky texture is to soak the rice overnight and then steam it with the chicken and sausage. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Orange Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that is a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. This recipe for Chinese Orange Chicken recreates the classic takeout dish with a homemade sauce that is both sweet and tangy. The chicken is coated in a crispy batter and then tossed in the flavorful sauce, resulting in a dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is another classic dish that is often found on Chinese takeout menus. This recipe recreates the dish with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful sauce that is made from scratch. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil, which helps to tenderize and add flavor.
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is a great way to use up any leftover rice or vegetables. This Chinese Fried Rice recipe is made with eggs, vegetables, and your choice of protein, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to use day-old rice, which is drier and will result in less clumpy fried rice.
These Chinese Sticky Wings are a finger-licking good dish that is perfect for game day or any gathering with friends and family. The wings are coated in a flavorful sauce that is made with soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder, creating a sweet and spicy flavor that is sure to be a hit. Bake them in the oven for a healthier option, or fry them for extra crispiness.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
Looking for a simple and delicious chicken recipe? These Chinese Chicken Thighs are a go-to dish that is sure to be a hit with everyone. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey before being baked to perfection. It's a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that will satisfy your Chinese food cravings.
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Chinese Sticky Rice Cake with Coconut Milk, Steamed...
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Rice Flour, Sugar, Water, Coconut
This Chinese Sticky Rice Cake with Coconut Milk is a popular dessert that is often enjoyed during the Lunar New Year celebrations. It's made with sticky rice flour and coconut milk, creating a soft and chewy texture that is irresistible. The addition of red bean paste adds a touch of sweetness and makes it a perfect dessert to enjoy with friends and family.
Preparing the Ingredients
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, it is essential to have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, and water are the main components of this sticky cake. Other optional ingredients that can add more flavor and texture to your nian gao include dried fruits, nuts, and sesame seeds.
Soak the Rice Flour
To achieve the perfect texture for your nian gao, it is crucial to soak the glutinous rice flour overnight. This step will help the flour absorb more water, resulting in a softer and chewier cake.
Mixing the Batter
Once the rice flour is soaked, it's time to mix it with the other ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the soaked flour with water and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. If you are using any optional ingredients, add them to the batter at this stage.
Cooking the Nian Gao
Choose Your Cooking Method
Traditionally, nian gao is steamed in a special bamboo steamer. However, if you do not have one, you can also use a regular steamer or bake the cake in the oven. Whichever method you choose, make sure to line the steamer or baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
Steam or Bake the Cake
Place the batter in the steamer or baking pan and cook it for about an hour, or until the cake is firm and cooked through. If you are steaming the cake, make sure to check the water level regularly and add more if necessary.
Serving and Storing Nian Gao
Cool and Cut the Cake
After the nian gao is cooked, let it cool completely before cutting it into desired shapes. Traditional shapes include squares or rectangles, but you can also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
Serve and Enjoy
Nian gao is typically served as a dessert or snack during the Chinese New Year festivities. You can also pan-fry the cake for a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey center.
Store for Later
If you have any leftover nian gao, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to three months and thaw it before serving.
Now that you have a professional and well-organized recipe for nian gao, it's time to impress your family and friends with this traditional Chinese treat. Make sure to follow the steps carefully, and you'll have a delicious and lucky treat to celebrate the Chinese New Year.