Nian Gao is a traditional Chinese dish representing growth in the new year. It is often sold during Chinese New Year, but you can enjoy this yummy dessert all year round with our Nian Gao recipe. If you get tired of the original steamed version, not to worry, this dessert can be easily customised. You can use your leftovers to make baked red bean Nian Gao, Nian Gao puff pastry or fry it with egg. The possibilities are endless!
Meal: Desserts Cuisine: Chinese
Preparation time: Cooking time: Total time: Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients
2 tsp vegetable oil, plus more for brushing the baking pans
950ml of water
4 sliced ginger
400g dark brown sugar
½ tsp allspice powder
360ml cold water
680g glutinous rice flour
225g rice flour
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp dark molasses
Zest of 1 large orange
Equipment
2 8-inch round baking pans
1 pastry brush
1 medium-sized pot
1 silicone spatula
1 large mixing bowl
1 double-decker bamboo steamer
Directions
Brush the insides of the two 8-inch round baking pans by brushing the insides with vegetable oil.
In a medium-sized pot, add the water and sliced ginger. Bring to a boil, and let it simmer on low to medium heat for 10 minutes. Switch off the heat and add the brown sugar and allspice. Stir with a silicone spatula until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the ginger slices.
Add the cold water to cool the mixture.
Mix the glutinous rice flour and rice flour in a large mixing bowl and slowly add the sugar water mixture. Add the vanilla extract, molasses, orange zest, and 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Pour the batter into the baking pans. Gently tap the pans against your countertop to get rid of air bubbles.
Put both pans in a double-decker bamboo steamer and steam on high heat for about 1 hour. Add water into the steamer midway.
After 1 hour, poke the Nian Gao with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready.
How to Store Nian Gao
Our Nian Gao recipe can be quite filling. If you have leftovers, let the rice cake cool down completely before wrapping it with aluminium foil to store. They can be left out at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for 6 months. When you want to eat the Nian Gao, simply steam or pop it in the microwave to reheat the cake.
Missing some ingredients?
Give our traditional Chinese Nian Gao recipe a try at home! Moreover, you can make many other versions besides the original steamed Nian Gao. Order from your nearest pandamart and have your vegetable oil, sugar and glutinous rice flour delivered to you in just under 20 minutes!
