Description
These delicious steamed rice cakes are made from glutinous rice, resulting in a soft, chewy texture perfect for a snack or side dish. With simple ingredients and optional flavorings like sesame oil and soy sauce, they can be customized to your taste. The process involves rinsing, soaking, steaming, and shaping the rice, making for an easy and authentic treat enjoyed in various Asian cuisines.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups glutinous rice (sticky rice)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 1/4 cups water
Optional Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional, for savory topping)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Place the glutinous rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Soak the rice: Soak the rinsed rice in water for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results, so it steams evenly and becomes soft and sticky.
- Prepare the steamer: Bring water to a simmer in your steamer setup. If you don’t have a traditional steamer, use a large pot with a steaming rack or place a heatproof dish over boiling water.
- Steam the rice cakes: Drain the soaked rice and place it in a heatproof dish or steaming basket. Sprinkle salt and optional sugar over the rice. Steam for 30-40 minutes until soft and chewy, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
- Shape the rice cakes: Remove the steamed rice from heat and let it cool slightly. While still warm, shape into small cakes or balls using wet hands to prevent sticking.
- Optional flavoring: Drizzle sesame oil over the rice cakes or serve with soy sauce for a savory touch.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately as a snack or with your favorite toppings like sweet red bean paste, honey, or sautéed vegetables for added flavor.
Notes
- Soaking the rice overnight improves texture and reduces cooking time.
- Use wet hands while shaping to avoid sticking.
- Adjust sugar to taste or omit for a fully savory dish.
- Rice cakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
- Steaming time may vary slightly depending on your equipment; ensure rice is soft and chewy before removing.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
