Description
Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes made from glutinous rice offer a soft, chewy texture perfect for snacking or pairing with sweet or savory toppings. This traditional recipe involves soaking and steaming the rice to achieve a delightful consistency, with optional additions like sesame oil and soy sauce to enhance flavor.
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 and Toppings
- 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 it 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 to ensure it steams evenly and becomes soft and sticky.
- Prepare the steamer: Bring water to a simmer in a steamer setup or use a large pot with a steaming rack or heatproof dish placed over boiling water.
- Steam the rice cakes: Drain the soaked rice, place it in a heatproof dish or steaming basket, and sprinkle with salt and sugar (if using). Steam the rice for 30-40 minutes until soft and chewy, stirring halfway to cook evenly.
- Shape the rice cakes: Remove the rice from heat and let it cool slightly. While warm, shape the rice 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 variation.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately as a snack or with toppings like sweet red bean paste, honey, or sautéed vegetables for a savory dish.
Notes
- Soaking the rice overnight enhances the texture and reduces steaming time.
- Wet your hands lightly when shaping to prevent rice from sticking.
- Adjust sugar and salt according to your taste preference.
- These rice cakes can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure soy sauce used is tamari or gluten-free.
