As Chinese New Year approaches, it’s time to prepare for the festive celebrations with traditional treats. One of the must-have desserts during this time is the Sticky Rice Cake, also known as Nian Gao. This beloved dish, made from glutinous rice flour, is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune for the upcoming year. Its smooth, chewy texture and sweet flavor make it a comforting and satisfying treat during the festivities. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with brown sugar syrup, this recipe brings the warmth and tradition of the Chinese New Year celebrations right into your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra smoothness)
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup sugar (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon coconut milk (for extra richness)
- For the Topping (optional): ¼ cup brown sugar or jaggery (for syrup)
- 2 tablespoons water (for syrup)
Step By Step Guide
Prepare The Sticky Rice Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, cornstarch (if using), and salt. Mix well. In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and vegetable oil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is warm but not boiling. Gradually pour the warm liquid into the flour mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue mixing until the batter becomes smooth.
Steam The Rice Cake
Grease a heatproof dish or cake pan with a little vegetable oil. Pour the prepared batter into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Steam the batter over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until the cake is firm and fully cooked. You can check by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Prepare The Topping (optional)
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar or jaggery with water. Cook on medium heat, stirring, until the sugar has completely dissolved and forms a syrup. Remove from heat. Once the rice cake has finished steaming, remove it from the pan and drizzle the syrup on top for added sweetness and flavor.
Serve
Allow the sticky rice cake to cool slightly before slicing it into squares or wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor if desired.
