Description
Nian Gao (年糕), or Chinese New Year Rice Cake, is a traditional glutinous rice cake made with coconut milk, brown sugar, and rice flour. Soft, chewy, and subtly sweet, it symbolizes prosperity and is often enjoyed steamed or pan-fried during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Ingredients
12 fl oz full-fat coconut milk (1 can)
1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed (or Chinese black sugar)
Pinch of salt (optional)
1/2 cup cold water
12 oz glutinous rice flour
4 oz rice flour
Dry jujube (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, brown sugar, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Do not boil. Remove from heat.
- Add cold water to the mixture. Let cool until warm to the touch.
- Prepare a steamer setup. Lightly grease an 8-inch cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk glutinous rice flour and rice flour. Gradually add the coconut mixture, whisking until smooth and lump-free. (Optional: Strain batter for extra smoothness.)
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Tap gently to remove air bubbles. Top with a jujube if using. Cover with foil for a smooth finish (optional).
- Steam over medium heat for 55–60 minutes, or until a chopstick inserted comes out sticky but mostly clean.
- Remove from steamer, let cool slightly, then invert onto a plate. Let cool completely and refrigerate overnight.
- To pan-fry: Slice chilled cake into 1/4-inch pieces. Pan-fry in a lightly oiled nonstick pan over medium heat, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use Chinese black sugar for deeper flavor.
- Lightly oil knife for cleaner slicing.
- Add sesame seeds or red bean paste for extra texture and taste.
- Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 1 month.
- Pan-fried slices are best fresh, but can be reheated in a pan or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
