15 Simple Chinese Rice Cake Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Rice cakes, also known as nian gao in Chinese, are a popular treat enjoyed during the Lunar New Year celebrations. These sweet and chewy cakes are a symbol of prosperity and good luck, making them a must-have dish for any Chinese New Year feast. While there are many variations of this traditional dish, we've simplified the process and created a simple Chinese rice cake recipe that anyone can make at home. With just a few key ingredients and some patience, you'll have a delicious and authentic Chinese dessert that will impress your family and friends. So let's get cooking!
If you're looking for a comforting and hearty dish, this Chinese rice cake soup is the perfect choice. Made with tender chunks of chicken, savory broth, and chewy rice cakes, this soup is a staple in Chinese households during the colder months. The rice cakes add a unique texture to the soup, making it more filling and satisfying. To make it even more flavorful, you can add some bok choy or other vegetables to the soup. This dish is also known as "niangao tang" in Chinese, and it's a must-try for any rice cake lover.
For a light and refreshing meal, look no further than a Chinese chicken salad. This dish features juicy chunks of chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The use of rice cakes in this salad adds a fun twist and makes it more filling. You can also add some crushed peanuts for an extra crunch and flavor. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, and it's a great way to incorporate rice cakes into your diet.
3of 20
Steak and Scallion Rice Cake Stir-Fry
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Oil, Cornstarch, Light Soy Sauce
If you're a fan of stir-fries, you have to try this steak and scallion rice cake stir-fry. The combination of tender beef, fresh scallions, and chewy rice cakes makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. This dish is also very versatile, as you can use any protein you like, such as chicken or shrimp. The key to a successful stir-fry is high heat and quick cooking, so make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before starting the stir-fry.
4of 20
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 perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. The pork ribs are cooked until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, and the rice cakes absorb all the flavors from the broth. This dish is popular in Chinese households during the Chinese New Year and other special occasions. It's a labor of love, as it takes a few hours to cook, but the end result is well worth it. Serve this dish with some steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
5of 20
Rice Cake Stir Fry (炒年糕, Chao Nian Gao)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Shaoxing Wine, Salt, Cornstarch, Oyster
This rice cake stir fry, also known as "chao nian gao," is a popular street food in China and Taiwan. It's a simple yet delicious dish that can be made in a matter of minutes. The key to a good stir fry is to keep the heat high and constantly toss the ingredients to prevent burning. This dish typically includes rice cakes, vegetables, and your choice of protein, such as chicken or beef. It's a great way to use up leftovers and create a quick and tasty meal.
6of 20
“Ikameshi” - Rice with Squid #IzakayaNobu
Main Ingredients: Squid, Rice Cake, Rice, Green Onions, Ginger, Soy
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, you have to try this "ikameshi" dish. It's a unique combination of rice, squid, and other ingredients, all wrapped in a bamboo leaf and steamed until the flavors meld together. The rice cakes are used to add a chewy texture to the dish, and the squid adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor. This dish is commonly found in izakayas, or Japanese pubs, and it's a popular choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
7of 20
Stir-Fried Sticky Rice Cakes (Nian Gao)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Cornstarch, Soy Sauce, Oil, Rice Cakes
This dish is a favorite during the Chinese New Year and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. The sticky rice cakes, or "nian gao," are stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of protein, such as chicken or pork. The sticky rice cakes are meant to symbolize wealth and prosperity, as they are sticky and stretchy. This dish is not only delicious but also a fun way to celebrate the Chinese New Year with your family and friends.
8of 20
VEGETARIAN SHANGHAI RICE CAKES
Main Ingredients: Rice Cakes, Baby Bok Choy, Napa Cabbage, Garlic
If you're a vegetarian or looking for a meatless meal option, this vegetarian Shanghai rice cake dish is the perfect choice. It's made with a variety of vegetables, such as bok choy, mushrooms, and carrots, and the rice cakes add a chewy and satisfying element to the dish. You can also add tofu or other protein sources to make it more filling. This dish is also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you may have in your fridge.
9of 20
Spicy Stir-fried Rice Cakes
Main Ingredients: Oil, Pork Belly, Ginger, Garlic, Medium Onion, Jalapeno
For those who enjoy a little kick in their meals, this spicy stir-fried rice cake dish is a must-try. The rice cakes are stir-fried with a spicy sauce made with chili paste, soy sauce, and other seasonings. You can also add your choice of protein, such as chicken or beef, to make it a heartier meal. This dish is perfect for those who love spicy food and are looking for a new way to enjoy rice cakes.
10of 20
Braised Rice Cakes with Napa Cabbage + Shiitake + Pork
Main Ingredients: Shiitake Mushrooms, Rice Cake, Pork Tenderloin, Napa
This braised rice cake dish is full of umami flavors and is a popular choice during the Chinese New Year. The rice cakes are braised with napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and pork until they are soft and absorb all the flavors. The pork adds a savory and rich element to the dish, while the vegetables provide a nice balance. This dish is perfect for a family gathering or special occasion, and it's a great way to incorporate rice cakes into your traditional Chinese dishes.
11of 20
Stir-Fried Rice Cakes with Pork
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Pork Butt, Rice Cakes
This stir-fried rice cake dish is a classic Chinese dish that can be found in many Chinese restaurants. The key to a good stir fry is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before starting the cooking process. The rice cakes are stir-fried with pork and vegetables, such as bok choy and carrots, and the dish is seasoned with a flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, and it's a great way to use up any leftover rice cakes you may have.
12of 20
Easy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes with XO Sauce
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Shallot, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Ginger
If you're a fan of XO sauce, you have to try this easy stir-fried rice cake dish. XO sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine, made with dried seafood and chili peppers. It adds a rich and savory flavor to any dish, and it pairs perfectly with rice cakes. This dish also includes vegetables and your choice of protein, making it a complete and satisfying meal. It's a great way to add some variety to your rice cake dishes and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.
13of 20
Molly Kuslikis
Main Ingredients: Rice, Pumpkin Seeds, Vegan Chocolate Chips, Raisins
This unique rice cake dish is inspired by the food blogger Molly Kuslikis, who created a dish that combines both Japanese and Mexican flavors. The dish includes rice cakes, spicy ground beef, avocado, and other toppings, all served in a crispy tortilla bowl. It's a delicious and fun way to enjoy rice cakes, and it's perfect for those who love fusion cuisine. You can always adjust the spice level and toppings to your liking, making it a versatile and customizable dish.
Tteokbokki, also known as "ddeokbokki," is a popular Korean dish made with rice cakes and a spicy sauce. It's a popular street food in Korea and can be found in many Korean restaurants worldwide. The rice cakes are cooked in a spicy sauce made with chili paste, soy sauce, and other seasonings, and they are slightly chewy and addictive. You can also add fish cakes or other protein sources to make it more filling. This dish is perfect for those who love spicy food and are looking for a new way to enjoy rice cakes.
15of 20
Easy Chinese Stir-fried Nian Gao Rice Cakes
Main Ingredients: Korean Rice Cake, Cooking Oil, Garlic, Boneless Chicken
This easy stir-fried nian gao rice cake dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. It's made with Chinese sausage, eggs, and vegetables, and it's seasoned with a flavorful sauce. The nian gao rice cakes are slightly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, making for a unique and delicious texture. This dish is also very versatile, as you can use any protein you like, such as chicken or shrimp, and adjust the vegetables to your liking.
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and it's a great dish to use up any leftover rice and vegetables you may have. This dish can also be made with rice cakes, adding a chewy and satisfying element to the dish. You can use any protein you like, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and add your favorite vegetables. The key to a good fried rice is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before starting the cooking process.
This traditional Korean dish is made with rice cakes and a spicy sauce, similar to ddukbokki. However, this dish also includes fish cakes and other toppings, such as boiled eggs and vegetables. It's a popular street food in Korea and can be found in many Korean restaurants worldwide. The combination of spicy sauce and chewy rice cakes makes for a delicious and addictive dish that you won't be able to resist.
18of 20
Salmon Fried Rice Cake (Chao Nian Gao)
Main Ingredients: Sockeye Salmon, Korean Rice Cakes, Vegetable Oil
This unique dish combines both Chinese and Vietnamese flavors, making for a flavorful and satisfying meal. The dish is made with crispy fried rice cakes, tender salmon, and a tangy sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, and other seasonings. The salmon adds a rich and savory element to the dish, while the rice cakes provide a nice contrast in texture. It's a great dish to impress your dinner guests with, and it's perfect for those who love fusion cuisine.
19of 20
Instant Pot Tteok Guk (Rice Cake Soup)
Main Ingredients: Tteok, Beef Stew Meat, Water, Sesame Oil, Onion
If you own an Instant Pot, you have to try making this delicious tteok guk, or rice cake soup. This dish is traditionally eaten during the Korean New Year and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. The soup is made with beef broth, rice cakes, and other ingredients, such as eggs and green onions. The Instant Pot makes this dish quick and easy to prepare, and it's a great way to celebrate the Korean New Year with your family and friends.
20of 20
The Original Tteokbokki
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Sugar, Gochugaru, Gochujang, Rice Syrup
This is the original and most basic version of tteokbokki, also known as "ddeokbokki." It's a simple and comforting dish made with rice cakes, fish cakes, and a spicy sauce. It's a popular street food in Korea and can be found in many Korean restaurants worldwide. This dish can be easily customized to your liking by adjusting the spice level and adding your choice of protein or vegetables. It's a must-try for anyone who loves Korean cuisine and is looking for a new way to enjoy rice cakes.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make this simple Chinese rice cake recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
Glutinous Rice Flour:
This is the main ingredient for making rice cakes. It's called glutinous rice flour because it contains a higher amount of gluten, which gives the cakes their chewy texture.
Brown Sugar:
Brown sugar is the traditional sweetener used in Chinese rice cakes. It gives the cakes a rich and caramel-like flavor.
Water:
Water is used to dissolve the brown sugar and create a syrup that will bind the rice flour together.
Oil:
A small amount of oil is used to grease the pan and prevent the rice cakes from sticking.
Mix and Steam
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to start cooking! In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and brown sugar. Gradually add in the water and mix until a smooth and thick batter forms. Then, pour the batter into a greased pan and smooth out the top. Place the pan in a steamer and steam for about an hour. The key to achieving the perfect texture for your rice cakes is to steam them slowly over low heat.
Cool and Cut
Once the rice cakes are done steaming, remove them from the pan and let them cool completely. This will allow them to firm up and make it easier to cut. Once cooled, cut the rice cakes into small squares or slices, depending on your preference. You can serve them as is or pan-fry them for a crispy exterior.
Enjoy with Loved Ones
Now that you have your simple Chinese rice cakes ready, it's time to share them with your loved ones. These delicious treats are perfect for serving as a dessert or snack during the Lunar New Year celebrations. They also make for a great homemade gift for friends and family. So gather around the table and enjoy this traditional Chinese delicacy together.
In conclusion, this simple Chinese rice cake recipe is a great way to add a touch of authenticity to your Lunar New Year feast. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious and meaningful dish that will bring joy and prosperity to your celebrations. So why not give it a try and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills?
![[I ATE] Tteokbokki : r/food](https://i.redd.it/z6wc0qs6czm21.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/easy-chocolate-pudding-pie-recipe-2098512-7_preview-5b36969f46e0fb0037217140.jpeg)
