Chinese steamed rice cake has a rich history dating back to the Tang dynasty, where it was served as a ceremonial food to honor the ancestors. It is a soft and fluffy cake made from rice flour and is often served during special events such as weddings, birthdays, and the Chinese New Year.
What makes this cake special is its unique texture and delicate flavor. The rice flour gives it a light and airy texture, while the addition of sugar and sometimes rose water provides a subtle sweetness. It is often served with tea or eaten as a dessert after a meal.
If you are looking for an elegant dessert to serve at a special event, or simply want to impress your friends and family with a traditional Chinese dish, this steamed rice cake recipe is perfect. It is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
Ingredients You Will Need
So, what are the ingredients needed to create Chinese Steamed Rice Cake? Let’s find out:
- 1 cup rice flour: Use fine rice flour specifically meant for making steamed rice cakes.
- 1 cup water: For preparing the batter.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adjust the amount according to your preference for sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast: This helps with the fermentation process.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Provides additional leavening.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of flavor (optional).
- Oil or cooking spray: For greasing the cake pan.
Equipment Needed
Apart from the ingredients, you’ll also need some basic equipment to achieve perfect results. Take a look at the list below.
- Steamer: A steamer setup with a lid.
- Cake pan or dish: A round or square cake pan or dish that fits inside the steamer.
- Mixing bowl: For preparing the batter.
- Whisk or spatula: For mixing the ingredients.
- Plate or serving dish: For transferring and serving the steamed rice cake.
How to Make Chinese Steamed Rice Cake Recipe
Now that you’re aware of the ingredients and equipment, let us guide you through the process of making the Chinese Steamed Rice Cake recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, water, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and vanilla extract (if using).
- Whisk or stir the mixture until the ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Let the batter rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the yeast to activate and ferment. The batter will rise slightly during this time.
Step 2: Steam the Rice Cake
- While the batter is resting, prepare the steamer by filling the pot with water and bringing it to a boil. Place the cake pan or dish inside the steamer.
- Once the batter has fermented, give it a quick stir and pour it into the greased cake pan or dish, filling it about three-fourths full.
- Place the steamer with the cake pan inside over the boiling water.
- Cover the steamer with a lid and steam the rice cake over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Carefully remove the steamer lid, taking care to avoid any condensation from dripping onto the cake.
- Using oven mitts or kitchen towels, carefully remove the cake pan from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Serve the Steamed Rice Cake
- Once the rice cake has cooled slightly, run a knife around the edges of the cake pan to loosen the cake.
- Invert the cake pan onto a plate or serving dish to release the steamed rice cake.
- Cut the cake into desired slices or squares.
- Serve the steamed rice cake warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Tricks To Know
- Make sure the water in the steamer is already boiling before placing the cake pan inside. This will help with the proper steaming of the rice cake.
- If you don’t have a steamer, you can create a makeshift one by placing a heatproof bowl or rack inside a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Fill the pot with water, making sure the water level is below the bowl or rack, and place the cake pan on top.
- You can add flavor variations to the rice cake by incorporating ingredients such as shredded coconut, red bean paste, or chocolate chips into the batter before steaming.
- The steamed rice cake is best consumed on the day it is made, as it tends to lose its softness and texture over time.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy the steamed rice cake as a simple dessert on its own or pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
- You can also serve it with a drizzle of sweetened coconut milk or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness and flavor.
- Serve the rice cake as part of a dim sum or Chinese dessert platter alongside other traditional treats like sesame balls or egg custard tarts.
Storage Options and Shelf Life
- Steamed rice cake is best enjoyed fresh on the day it is made. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Keep in mind that the texture of the rice cake may become denser and less fluffy after storage.
- Avoid refrigerating the rice cake, as it can cause the texture to become hard and dry.
Additional Variations:
- Coconut Rice Cake: Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a subtle coconut flavor and texture.
- Red Bean Rice Cake: Mix in 1/2 cup of sweetened red bean paste into the batter before steaming for a delicious red bean-filled rice cake.
- Chocolate Chip Rice Cake: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful chocolatey twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use glutinous rice flour instead of rice flour?
Rice flour creates a spongy texture in this recipe. Avoid using glutinous rice flour as a direct substitute for a sticky and chewy outcome.
Q2: Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor, but note that it will slightly alter the color and taste of the rice cake.
Q3: Are individual molds or cups suitable for steaming the rice cake?
Sure! You can divide the batter into individual molds or cups and steam them accordingly. Adjust the steaming time as necessary.
Q4: Can I freeze the steamed rice cake?
It is not recommended to freeze steamed rice cake, as it may result in a change in texture and become less enjoyable.
Q5: Can I reheat the leftover rice cake?
Reheating is not recommended, but steaming leftover cake briefly may soften it.
Wrap-up
We eagerly await your feedback and results, so please share them in the comment section below. Remember to visit Shifychevre.com regularly to explore more finger-licking good recipes, each carefully crafted to elevate your cooking skills and satisfy your cravings. From tantalizing desserts to savory delights, our collection offers a diverse range of culinary creations to please every palate.
Chinese Steamed Rice Cake
Equipment
- Steamer
- Cake pan or dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- Plate or serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, water, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and vanilla extract (if using).
- Whisk or stir the mixture until the ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Let the batter rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the yeast to activate and ferment. The batter will rise slightly during this time.
- While the batter is resting, prepare the steamer by filling the pot with water and bringing it to a boil. Place the cake pan or dish inside the steamer.
- Once the batter has fermented, give it a quick stir and pour it into the greased cake pan or dish, filling it about three-fourths full.
- Place the steamer with the cake pan inside over the boiling water.
- Cover the steamer with a lid and steam the rice cake over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Carefully remove the steamer lid, taking care to avoid any condensation from dripping onto the cake.
- Using oven mitts or kitchen towels, carefully remove the cake pan from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Once the rice cake has cooled slightly, run a knife around the edges of the cake pan to loosen the cake.
- Invert the cake pan onto a plate or serving dish to release the steamed rice cake.
- Cut the cake into desired slices or squares.
- Serve the steamed rice cake warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure the water in the steamer is already boiling before placing the cake pan inside. This will help with the proper steaming of the rice cake.
- If you don’t have a steamer, you can create a makeshift one by placing a heatproof bowl or rack inside a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Fill the pot with water, making sure the water level is below the bowl or rack, and place the cake pan on top.
- You can add flavor variations to the rice cake by incorporating ingredients such as shredded coconut, red bean paste, or chocolate chips into the batter before steaming.
- The steamed rice cake is best consumed on the day it is made, as it tends to lose its softness and texture over time.
