17 Easy Chinese Rice Ball Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Chinese rice balls, or tangyuan, are a beloved traditional dessert in Chinese cuisine. These sweet and chewy treats are often served during festivals and celebrations, and are a symbol of family togetherness and harmony. While they may seem intimidating to make, this easy Chinese rice ball recipe will guide you through the process and have you enjoying these delectable treats in no time.
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Caster Sugar, Water, Food
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you've probably heard of Tang Yuan, also known as glutinous rice balls. These little balls of goodness are a popular dessert dish, often served during special occasions such as Chinese New Year or the winter solstice. Made with glutinous rice flour, Tang Yuan can be filled with various sweet or savory fillings, making them a versatile and delicious treat.
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Savory Tang Yuan - Glutinous Rice Balls in Chicken Soup
Main Ingredients: Free Range Chicken, Daikon, Ginger, Scallions, Salt
One of the most popular ways to enjoy Tang Yuan is in a savory chicken soup. The soft and chewy texture of the rice balls pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful broth. To make this dish, simply boil some chicken broth and add in your choice of vegetables and protein. Then, drop in the Tang Yuan and let them cook until they float to the surface. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Tang Yuan (Glutinous Rice Balls) with Sweet Ginger...
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Water, Red Food Coloring, Yellow
If you have a sweet tooth, then you'll love this version of Tang Yuan with a sweet ginger broth. The warm and fragrant broth is made by simmering ginger, brown sugar, and water together. It's the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and when paired with the soft and chewy rice balls, it's a match made in heaven. This dessert is also believed to have medicinal properties, making it a popular choice during the winter months.
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Tang Yuan (Glutinous rice balls in sweet ginger broth)
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Water, Agar Agar, Cocoa Powder
A variation of the previous dish, this version has the Tang Yuan cooked directly in the sweet ginger broth. The rice balls will absorb the flavors of the broth, making them even more delicious. This dish is often served during Dongzhi, also known as the winter solstice, which falls on December 21st or 22nd. It's a time to gather with family and enjoy warm and comforting dishes like this one.
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Dongzhi Tang Yuan (Sweet Dumplings)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Pandan Leaves, Ginger, Glutinous Rice
Another popular dish for Dongzhi is Dongzhi Tang Yuan, sweet dumplings made with glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet bean paste or sesame paste. These little dumplings are not only delicious but also symbolize reunion and harmony within the family. They are often served in a sweet broth or with a side of sweet ginger syrup for dipping.
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Glutinous rice balls (Tang Yuan)
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Water, Red Gel Food Coloring
As mentioned before, Tang Yuan can be filled with a variety of fillings, making them a versatile dish. Some popular sweet fillings include red bean paste, black sesame paste, and peanut butter. You can also get creative and add your own twist, such as filling them with Nutella or fruit preserves. For savory options, try filling them with minced meat, vegetables, or even cheese.
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Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Water, Ginger, Rock Sugar, Brown Sugar, Glutinous Rice
One of the most beloved Tang Yuan variations is the black sesame glutinous rice balls. These little balls are filled with a sweet and nutty black sesame paste and then rolled in sesame seeds for a crunchy exterior. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish is simply irresistible.
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Tang Yuan, Chinese glutinous rice balls (汤圆)
Main Ingredients: Black Sesame Seeds, Sugar, Lard, Glutinous Rice Flour
In Chinese culture, Tang Yuan is not only enjoyed for its delicious taste but also for its symbolic meaning. The round shape of the rice balls represents unity and completeness, while the sweetness of the filling symbolizes a sweet and happy life. This dish is often served during special occasions to bring good luck and fortune.
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GLUTINOUS RICE BALLS WITH PEANUT FILLING / TANG YUAN
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Water, Food Coloring, Orange
For all the peanut lovers out there, this dish is a must-try. Tang Yuan filled with a sweet and creamy peanut butter filling is a popular choice for dessert. The combination of the soft and chewy rice balls with the rich and nutty filling is simply divine. Serve these warm with a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Tang Yuan (Sweet Rice Balls with Black Sesame Filling)
Main Ingredients: Black Sesame Seeds, Caster Sugar, Softened Butter
Similar to the previous dish, this version uses a black sesame filling instead of peanut butter. The filling is made by blending black sesame seeds with sugar and water to create a smooth and creamy paste. Not only is this dish delicious, but it's also a great source of calcium and iron, making it a healthy dessert option.
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Tang Yuan (Sweet Rice Balls with Peanut Butter Filling)
Main Ingredients: Peanut, Peanut Butter, Caster Sugar, Butter, Glutinous
If you're a fan of the classic peanut butter and jelly combo, then you'll love this Tang Yuan dish. The combination of the sweet and nutty filling with the soft and chewy rice balls is like a deconstructed PB&J sandwich. Serve these warm with a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
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The Best Vegan Savory Rice Balls (Tang Yuan) You Need
Main Ingredients: Firm Tofu, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Small Carrot
For our vegan friends, here's a delicious and savory version of Tang Yuan that you can enjoy. These rice balls are filled with a mixture of minced mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables, making them a nutritious and filling meal. Serve them in a flavorful broth or with a side of your favorite dipping sauce.
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Panda Rice Balls with Spicy and Crunchy Ground Pork...
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Ground Pork, Flour, Garlic Cloves, Red
Get creative with your Tang Yuan and make these adorable panda-shaped rice balls. The filling is made with a spicy and crunchy ground pork mixture, giving these rice balls a delicious kick of flavor. They are perfect as a party snack or as a fun dish to make with kids.
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Baby Tang Yuan or Glutinous Rice Balls in Boozy Sweet...
Main Ingredients: Rock Sugar, Water, Egg, Sake, Dates, Rice, Soup
If you're looking for a boozy twist on Tang Yuan, then this dish is for you. These mini rice balls are filled with a sweet and boozy mixture of red wine and brown sugar. The alcohol cooks off during the cooking process, leaving behind a rich and flavorful broth that pairs perfectly with the chewy rice balls.
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Black Sesame Sweet Rice Balls (黑芝麻汤圆, Tang Yuan)
Main Ingredients: Toasted Black Sesame Seeds, Brown Sugar, Unsalted
Another variation of the black sesame filled Tang Yuan, this dish uses a different cooking method to create a thicker and more flavorful broth. The rice balls are cooked directly in the broth, allowing them to absorb all the flavors and become even more delicious. Serve these warm on a cold winter day for the ultimate comfort food.
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Savory Glutinous Rice Balls In Fish Maw Soup (tang...
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Water, Fish, Cooking Oil, Chicken
This dish takes Tang Yuan to a whole new level by using fish maw soup as the base. Fish maw, which is the dried swim bladder of fish, is believed to have many health benefits and is often used in Chinese cuisine. The savory broth pairs perfectly with the soft and chewy rice balls, creating a dish that is both delicious and nutritious.
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Vegan Onigiri - Japanese Stuffed Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Salt, Peanut Butter, Roasted Bell Pepper
Similar to Tang Yuan, Onigiri is a popular Japanese dish made with glutinous rice. These rice balls are often stuffed with various fillings and wrapped in seaweed for a convenient and delicious snack. Try making your own vegan version by filling them with tofu, vegetables, or even vegan meat alternatives.
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Tang Yuan
Main Ingredients: Black Sesame Seeds, Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Glutinous
No matter how you choose to enjoy them, Tang Yuan is a delicious and comforting dish that is loved by many. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, filled or plain, there's a Tang Yuan recipe out there for everyone. So why not give one of these recipes a try and experience the deliciousness of these little glutinous rice balls for yourself?
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Savory Tang Yuan
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Shrimp, Wood Ear Mushroom, Shiitake
If you're not a fan of sweet desserts, then this savory Tang Yuan dish is the perfect alternative for you. The rice balls are filled with a flavorful meat and vegetable mixture and served in a savory broth. It's a great way to switch up your Tang Yuan game and try something new and delicious.
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Chinese Pearl Balls
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice, Dried Shitake Mushrooms, Ground Pork
Last but not least, we have Chinese pearl balls, a dish that is similar to Tang Yuan but with a different shape and cooking method. These balls are made with glutinous rice flour and filled with a savory meat and vegetable mixture. They are then steamed or fried to create a crispy exterior and a soft and chewy interior. Serve these as a tasty appetizer or snack at your next gathering.
Ingredients You Will Need
Glutinous Rice Flour
The key ingredient in Chinese rice balls is glutinous rice flour, which is also known as sticky rice flour. This type of flour has a high starch content, giving the rice balls their signature chewy texture. Look for this flour at your local Asian market or in the international section of your grocery store.
Water
In addition to the rice flour, you will need water to form the dough for the rice balls. Make sure to use room temperature water, as hot water can cause the dough to become too sticky.
Sugar
To add sweetness to the rice balls, you will need sugar. White granulated sugar is most commonly used, but you can also use brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Filling of Your Choice
While traditional Chinese rice balls are filled with red bean paste, you can get creative and use any filling you desire. Some popular options include peanut butter, chocolate, or even fruit preserves.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of glutinous rice flour and 1/2 cup of room temperature water. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.
2. Form the Balls
Take a small piece of dough and roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Make sure to keep the remaining dough covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
3. Add Filling
Take the ball of dough and use your thumb to make an indentation in the center. Place a small amount of your desired filling into the indentation, then pinch the dough closed and roll it back into a ball. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
4. Cook the Rice Balls
Bring a pot of water to a boil and gently drop in the rice balls. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The rice balls are ready when they float to the surface, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Drain the rice balls and serve them in a bowl with some syrup or honey drizzled on top. You can also serve them in a warm, sweet soup for a traditional Chinese dessert experience.
With this easy Chinese rice ball recipe, you can impress your friends and family with your homemade tangyuan. The best part is, you can customize the filling to your liking and make them as sweet or savory as you desire. Give it a try and enjoy this delicious and meaningful dessert!
