16 Easy Chinese Nian Gao Recipe Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Nian gao, also known as Chinese New Year cake, is a traditional Chinese dessert that is typically enjoyed during the Lunar New Year celebration. This sweet and sticky cake symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, this easy Chinese Nian gao recipe will guide you through the process and have you enjoying this delicious treat in no time. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade delicacy!
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Water, Coconut Sugar, Banana
One of the most popular Chinese New Year desserts, Kue Bakul is a sweet and sticky rice cake that is steamed and then sliced into squares. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year, and is often given as a gift to friends and family. The rice cake is made with glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, and water, and is often topped with sesame seeds or shredded coconut. It has a chewy texture and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with a cup of Chinese tea.
2of 20
Shanghai Rice Cake Stir-fry w/ Greens
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Cornstarch, Shaoxing Wine, Sesame Oil
This dish is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover rice cake from Chinese New Year celebrations. The rice cakes are stir-fried with vegetables such as bok choy, mushrooms, and carrots, along with some protein like chicken or beef. The dish is seasoned with a simple sauce made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar for a savory and slightly sweet flavor. It is a great way to add some variety to your meal while using up leftovers.
Nian Gao, also known as Chinese New Year Cake, is a traditional dessert that is often served during the Lunar New Year celebrations. It is made with glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, and water, and is steamed until it becomes a sticky and slightly sweet cake. The cake is then sliced and pan-fried until it is crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. It is a popular snack that is enjoyed by both children and adults during the festive season.
4of 20
Oil DdeokBokkI
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice Cakes, Hot Pepper, Hot Pepper Paste, Syrup
This dish is a fusion of Chinese and Korean cuisine, combining the Chinese rice cake with spicy Korean flavors. The rice cakes are stir-fried with vegetables and protein, and then coated in a spicy sauce made with gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, and brown sugar. It is a popular street food in Korea and is also commonly made at home. The combination of the chewy rice cakes and the spicy sauce makes for a delicious and satisfying dish.
This unique recipe takes the traditional Chinese New Year rice cake and turns it into a delicious sandwich filling. The rice cake is sliced and sandwiched between two slices of sweet potato, and then coated in a batter made of flour and egg. The sandwich is then pan-fried until the sweet potato is crispy and the rice cake is warm and gooey. It is a creative and tasty way to enjoy the flavors of Chinese New Year in a new and exciting form.
6of 20
Dak-galbi (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Legs, Cabbage, Sweet Potato, Onion, Green
This popular Korean dish is made with marinated chicken, vegetables, and rice cakes, all stir-fried together in a spicy sauce. It is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. The rice cakes add a chewy texture to the dish, and the spicy sauce is made with gochujang, soy sauce, and honey for a balance of heat and sweetness. It is often served with a side of rice and enjoyed as a complete meal.
7of 20
Steamed Nian Gao with Grated Coconut and Sesame Seeds
Main Ingredients: Coconut, Sesame Seeds, Nian Gao, Banana Leaf
This simple and light dessert is a great way to end a Chinese New Year feast. The rice cake is steamed until soft and then topped with grated coconut and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. The coconut adds a touch of sweetness, while the sesame seeds provide a nutty and toasty taste. It is a refreshing and satisfying way to enjoy the traditional Chinese New Year rice cake in a healthier form.
These fritters are a fun and delicious way to use up leftover Chinese New Year rice cake. The rice cake is mixed with mashed yams and formed into balls, which are then coated in a batter and deep-fried until crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside. The yam adds a subtle sweetness to the fritters, while the rice cake provides a chewy texture. They are a popular street food in China and are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
9of 20
Red Bean Soup (红豆汤)
Main Ingredients: Azuki Beans, Rock Sugar, Salt, Sticky Rice Cakes
This simple and comforting dessert is a popular Chinese New Year treat. The soup is made by boiling red beans with water and then sweetening it with brown sugar. It is often served warm and topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. The red beans symbolize good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture, making this dessert a must-have during the festive season.
10of 20
Pan-fried Nian Gao with Egg
Main Ingredients: Nian Gao, Cooking Oil, Rice Flour, Cornstarch, Salt
This dish is a popular breakfast item in China, and is also commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert. The rice cake is sliced and pan-fried until crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside. It is then topped with a fried egg and served with a drizzle of soy sauce for a savory and satisfying dish. The combination of the crispy rice cake and the creamy egg is a delightful and unique flavor experience.
11of 20
NIAN GAO PUFF
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Nian Gao, Meat, Slivered Almond, Chopped
This creative and delicious recipe takes the traditional Chinese New Year rice cake and turns it into a puff pastry snack. The rice cake is wrapped in puff pastry dough and then baked until golden and flaky. The result is a crispy and sweet treat that is perfect for snacking on during the festive season. The puff pastry adds a buttery and flaky texture to the chewy rice cake, making it a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
This classic Chinese takeout dish is a favorite among many, and for good reason. Tender chunks of chicken are coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce and then stir-fried with vegetables. The dish is often served with a side of rice and makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal. It is a popular choice for those looking to recreate their favorite Chinese takeout dishes at home.
This simple and flavorful dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with broccoli and a savory sauce made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic. The dish is often served over a bed of rice and is a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal. It is a crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
This classic Chinese dish is a great way to use up leftover rice and create a delicious and flavorful meal. The rice is stir-fried with vegetables, protein, and a variety of seasonings and sauces. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, and is a great option for those looking for a quick and easy meal. Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world.
15of 20
Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
This dish is a delicious and easy way to enjoy chicken thighs. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices, and then baked until tender and juicy. It is a great dish to serve for a dinner party or a family meal, as it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes this dish a standout.
This dish is similar to Chinese Beef and Broccoli, but with a twist. Tender chicken is stir-fried with broccoli and a savory sauce, and then topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. It is a great option for those who prefer chicken over beef, and is a healthier alternative to the traditional Chinese takeout dish.
This simple and comforting soup is a popular Chinese dish that is enjoyed year-round. The soup is made with chicken broth, eggs, and a variety of seasonings and spices. It is a light and flavorful soup that is often served as an appetizer or as part of a Chinese meal. It is a great option for those looking for a light and comforting dish.
18of 20
Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
This dish is a staple in Chinese takeout menus and is a favorite among many. Tender pieces of pork are stir-fried with vegetables, rice, and seasonings for a flavorful and satisfying meal. It is a great option for those looking for a quick and easy meal, and is often enjoyed by families and individuals alike.
19of 20
Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
This dish is a simple and delicious way to enjoy fried rice. The rice is stir-fried with eggs and a variety of seasonings and sauces, and is often served as a side dish or as part of a larger meal. It is a great option for those who prefer a lighter version of fried rice, and is a popular choice among children and adults alike.
20of 20
Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
These crispy and flavorful chicken wings are a classic Chinese takeout dish that is enjoyed by many. The wings are coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce made of soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices, and are then deep-fried until crispy and golden. They are a great option for a party appetizer or as a snack while watching a movie. This dish is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves Chinese takeout.
Nian gao, also known as Chinese New Year cake, is a traditional Chinese dessert that is typically enjoyed during the Lunar New Year celebration. This sweet and sticky cake symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, this easy Chinese Nian gao recipe will guide you through the process and have you enjoying this delicious treat in no time. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade delicacy!
Ingredients You'll Need
Gather these essential ingredients to make your own Nian gao:
Glutinous rice flour: This is the main ingredient in Nian gao and can be found in most Asian grocery stores.
Brown sugar: The sweetness of the brown sugar adds depth and richness to the cake.
Water: This is used to dissolve the brown sugar and create a syrupy consistency.
Vegetable oil: This will be used to grease the pan and prevent the cake from sticking.
Sesame seeds: These can be used as a topping for the Nian gao for an extra crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own Nian gao:
Dissolve the brown sugar: In a saucepan, dissolve the brown sugar in water over medium heat until it becomes a thick syrup.
Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour with the brown sugar syrup. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
Grease the pan: Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with vegetable oil to prevent the cake from sticking.
Steam the cake: Pour the dough into the greased pan and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Steam the cake for about an hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the cake cool before slicing and serving. You can also opt to pan-fry the slices for a crispy exterior.
Get Creative with Your Nian Gao
While the traditional Nian gao recipe calls for simple ingredients, you can get creative and add your own twist to this classic dessert. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Flavorings: Add some vanilla extract, almond extract, or even matcha powder to the dough to give your Nian gao a unique flavor.
Fillings: Cut the cake into slices and sandwich your favorite fillings between them, such as red bean paste, taro paste, or even fresh fruit.
Toppings: In addition to sesame seeds, you can top your Nian gao with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips.
In conclusion, making your own Nian gao doesn't have to be a daunting task. With this easy Chinese Nian gao recipe, you can enjoy this traditional dessert at home and add your own creative touch to it. So, go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!