Description
Chewy Nian Gao Sweet Rice Cake Recipe with Easy Caramelized Glaze
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (240g) glutinous rice flour
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar preferred)
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water (for caramel)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter (10 minutes): In a mixing bowl, whisk together glutinous rice flour and brown sugar. Slowly add warm water, whisking constantly until smooth and lump-free. Strain if needed.
- Steam the Rice Cake (30 minutes): Lightly grease a 7-inch round heatproof dish with vegetable oil. Pour in batter and smooth surface. Place in steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for 30 minutes until firm but chewy.
- Cool and Cut (10 minutes): Remove from steamer and cool completely to room temperature. Invert onto cutting board and cut into 1-inch thick slices or rectangles.
- Make the Caramelized Glaze (5 minutes): In a skillet over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water. Stir until sugar dissolves, then let bubble without stirring until deep amber color forms. Swirl pan gently.
- Add Flavor Boosters (Optional): Stir in white vinegar and light soy sauce quickly for balanced glaze flavor.
- Pan-Fry the Rice Cake (10 minutes): Add vegetable oil to caramel glaze, then add rice cake slices. Fry each side 3-4 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. Flip gently with spatula.
- Serve Warm: Transfer to plate and drizzle remaining glaze over top. Best enjoyed warm with sticky, shiny caramel.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of sugar.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming and Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Chewy Nian Gao, Sweet Rice Cake, Caramelized Glaze