Chinese Steamed Rice Cake Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Dessert

If you're a fan of Cantonese cuisine or Chinese desserts, you've probably come across steamed rice cake, also known as bai tang gao. This traditional Chinese snack is a staple in many households and is often eaten during breakfast or as a light snack. It's soft, spongy, and slightly sweet, making it a perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth.

Making steamed rice cake is relatively simple and requires only a few ingredients, including rice flour, sugar, water, and yeast. While the recipe is straightforward, there are several techniques and variations that can be used to achieve the perfect texture and flavour. For example, some recipes call for the addition of seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, which can add a unique flavour and texture to the dish.

If you're looking to recreate this traditional Chinese snack at home, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make steamed rice cake, including tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect texture and flavour. We'll also provide you with some variations and substitutions to make the recipe your own.

Key Takeaways

• Steamed rice cake is a traditional Chinese snack that is soft, spongy, and slightly sweet.
• The recipe requires only a few ingredients, including rice flour, sugar, water, and yeast, but there are several techniques and variations that can be used to achieve the perfect texture and flavour.
• Seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, can be added to the recipe to add a unique flavour and texture.

Ingredients and Substitutes

When it comes to making Chinese steamed rice cakes, you will need a few key ingredients to get started. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need and some possible substitutes:

Choosing the Right Rice Flour

Rice flour is the main ingredient in steamed rice cakes, and it's important to choose the right kind for the recipe. Look for water-milled rice flour, which is finer and smoother than regular rice flour. This will give your rice cakes a lighter texture. If you can't find water-milled rice flour, you can use regular rice flour or glutinous rice flour (also known as mochi flour). Keep in mind that glutinous rice flour will produce a denser cake.

Sweetening with Sugar

Sugar is used to sweeten the rice cakes and provide food for the yeast during fermentation. You can use white sugar or granulated sugar, depending on what you have on hand. If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. As a suggestion, you can also use brown sugar or coconut sugar to add a different flavour profile to the cake.

The Role of Yeast in Fermentation

Yeast is what makes the rice cakes rise and gives them their light, fluffy texture. Instant yeast is the most common type used in Chinese steamed rice cake recipes. You can also use active dry yeast, but you'll need to activate it in warm water before adding it to the batter.

As a suggestion, you can also add seafood such as shrimp or crab meat to the rice cake batter to give it a unique flavour. Be sure to chop the seafood into small pieces before adding it to the batter.

Preparation Techniques

Mixing the Batter

To prepare the batter, you will need to mix rice flour with water and stir until it forms clumps. Add hot boiling water and sugar liquid, whisk it until it forms a smooth batter. Wait until the batter cools to 38 Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) before adding instant yeast. Whisk it again and cover the bowl. Let it rest in a 75 Celsius (170 Fahrenheit) oven for 40 minutes to allow the batter to ferment.

Proofing the Batter

After mixing the batter, you need to proof it to ensure that it rises properly. Cover the bowl with a bamboo cover or a steel plate and let it rest for around 1-2 hours depending on the proofing time. The fermentation process will help the batter to rise and develop a light and fluffy texture.

Steaming Process

Once the batter has proofed, it's time to steam the rice cake. Pour the batter into a greased pan and place it in a bamboo steamer or a wok with water droplets. Heat the water on high fire until it boils, then reduce the heat to medium and steam the cake for 20-25 minutes. Once it's done, turn off the heat and let it rest in the steamer with the lid on for 2-5 minutes.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can add seafood to your steamed rice cake recipe. Shrimp or crab meat are great options that can add a delicious flavour to the cake. Simply mix them into the batter before proofing and steaming.

Cooking Equipment

When it comes to making Chinese steamed rice cake, having the right cooking equipment can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you choose the right steamer and alternative cooking methods.

Choosing the Right Steamer

The most common and traditional way to steam rice cake is by using a bamboo steamer. Bamboo steamers are widely available and affordable. They are also eco-friendly and easy to use. You can stack multiple bamboo steamers on top of each other to steam multiple cakes at once.

If you don't have a bamboo steamer, you can use a metal steamer or a wok with a steaming rack. A metal steamer is a good alternative to a bamboo steamer and can be used in the same way. A wok with a steaming rack is also a great option as it allows you to steam larger cakes.

Alternative Cooking Methods

If you don't have a steamer or wok, you can still make Chinese steamed rice cake using alternative cooking methods. You can use a microwave or oven to steam the cake. However, these methods may not produce the same texture as steaming.

To steam rice cake in the microwave, place the cake batter in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or cling film. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until the cake is cooked through.

To steam rice cake in the oven, pour the batter into a cake pan and cover it with foil. Place the cake pan in a roasting tin filled with boiling water and bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes.

When it comes to adding seafood to the recipe, you can try adding shrimp or scallops to the batter. Simply chop the seafood into small pieces and mix it in with the batter before steaming. This will add a delicious seafood flavour to the steamed cake.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve Steamed Rice Cake

Once you have cooked your steamed rice cake, it is best served warm. You can serve it as a dessert or even as a breakfast dish. Steamed rice cake is also a popular dim sum item. The honeycomb texture and chewy texture of the cake make it a unique and delicious treat.

To serve, you can cut the steamed rice cake into small pieces and serve it with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also add some fresh fruits such as strawberries or blueberries to give it a fruity twist. If you want to make it more savoury, you can add some seafood such as shrimp or crab meat.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. The steamed rice cake can last up to 3 days in the fridge. When you want to eat it again, you can reheat it in the microwave or steam it again for a few minutes.

It is important to note that the texture of the steamed rice cake may change after it has been stored in the fridge. It may become slightly harder and less chewy. To restore the original texture, you can soak the steamed rice cake in lukewarm water for a few minutes before reheating or serving.

Overall, steamed rice cake is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you serve it as a dessert or a breakfast dish, or add some seafood to make it more savoury, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Nutritional Information

If you are looking for a healthy and delicious snack, Chinese steamed rice cake is a great option. Not only is it gluten-free, but it is also low in calories, making it a perfect snack for those who are watching their weight.

A one-cup serving of Chinese steamed rice cake contains approximately 69 calories, which is much lower than many other snack options. It is also low in fat and high in carbohydrates, providing you with the energy you need to get through your day.

In addition to being low in calories, Chinese steamed rice cake is also a good source of potassium, calcium, and iron. Potassium is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure, while calcium and iron are essential for maintaining strong bones and healthy blood.

If you are looking to add more nutrition to your Chinese steamed rice cake, you can try adding some seafood to the recipe. Seafood is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients. You can use shrimp, crab, or even fish to add some extra flavour and nutrition to your steamed rice cake.

Overall, Chinese steamed rice cake is a healthy and delicious snack that is perfect for any time of day. Whether you are looking for a quick breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack, this snack is sure to satisfy your cravings while providing you with the nutrition you need to stay healthy and energized.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to getting a fluffy texture in a steamed rice cake?

Getting a fluffy texture in a steamed rice cake is all about the right combination of ingredients and the right technique. The key ingredients are rice flour, sugar, water, and yeast. To get the perfect texture, it's important to use the right amount of each ingredient and to mix them together properly. You also need to let the dough rise for the right amount of time before steaming.

How can I make a steamed rice cake using rice flour?

To make a steamed rice cake using rice flour, you'll need to combine rice flour, sugar, water, and yeast in a bowl. Mix everything together until you get a smooth and sticky dough. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise for about an hour. After the dough has risen, pour it into a greased cake pan and steam it for about 20 minutes.

What's the best way to steam a rice cake to perfection?

The best way to steam a rice cake to perfection is to use a steamer basket or a bamboo steamer. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the steamer basket or bamboo steamer over the pot of boiling water, making sure that the water doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer. Place the rice cake in the steamer and cover it with a lid. Steam the rice cake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's fully cooked.

Can you suggest a simple method for a beginner to make Chinese steamed rice cake?

For a beginner, the simplest method to make Chinese steamed rice cake is to use a mix of rice flour, sugar, water, and yeast. Mix everything together until you get a smooth and sticky dough. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise for about an hour. After the dough has risen, pour it into a greased cake pan and steam it for about 20 minutes.

How does the preparation of Chinese steamed rice cake differ from Korean or Filipino versions?

The preparation of Chinese steamed rice cake differs from Korean or Filipino versions in terms of the ingredients used. Chinese steamed rice cake typically uses rice flour, sugar, water, and yeast, while Korean versions often use glutinous rice flour and no yeast, and Filipino versions often use coconut milk and lye water.

What are the essential ingredients for a traditional Bai Tang Gao?

The essential ingredients for a traditional Bai Tang Gao are rice flour, sugar, and yeast. These three ingredients are combined to make a simple and delicious steamed rice cake that's a favourite in Chinese cuisine.

As a suggestion, you can add seafood to your steamed rice cake recipe. Shrimp or crab meat can be a great addition to your recipe. Simply mix the seafood with the dough before steaming and you'll have a delicious and unique steamed rice cake.