Nian Gao
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Nian Gao, a timeless Chinese sticky rice cake that symbolizes prosperity and togetherness. This traditional dessert features glutinous rice flour and rich brown sugar, creating a beautifully chewy texture and subtly sweet flavor. The batter is steamed to perfection, and a garnish of dried red dates adds a decorative touch. Whether enjoyed as-is or lightly pan-fried to achieve a caramelized finish, this holiday favorite is both versatile and deeply meaningful. Easy to prepare in a few simple steps, Nian Gao is perfect for sharing with loved ones during festive gatherings. Indulge in the warmth of tradition while savoring a dessert that’s as delightful as it is symbolic.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Glutinous rice flour
- 200 grams Brown sugar
- 400 milliliters Water
- 2 teaspoons Vegetable oil (for greasing)
- 4 pieces Dried red dates (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar and water. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
In a large mixing bowl, add the glutinous rice flour. Gradually pour in the cooled sugar syrup while stirring with a whisk or wooden spoon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Grease a round cake pan (approximately 8-9 inches in diameter) with the vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Pour the rice flour mixture into the greased cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
If using dried red dates, slice them in half and place them decoratively on the surface of the batter as a garnish.
Prepare a large steamer and bring water to a boil. Place the cake pan inside the steamer, ensuring it is level.
Cover the pan with aluminum foil or an upside-down plate to prevent condensation from dripping onto the cake. Steam for 1.5 hours over medium-high heat, checking periodically to ensure there’s enough water in the steamer.
Once cooked, carefully remove the pan from the steamer and let the Nian Gao cool to room temperature. It will become firmer as it cools.
To serve, slice the Nian Gao into thin pieces. It can be eaten as-is, or pan-fried with a light coating of egg for a deliciously caramelized texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
294 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.4 g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 1% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 9 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 66.9 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.4 g | ||
| Protein | 3.4 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 35 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 98 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
