Description
Soft, chewy, and subtly sweet, these Steamed Asian Rice Cakes are a traditional Cantonese treat made with rice flour, sugar, and yeast. Naturally gluten-free and gently fermented, they make a light dessert or snack perfect with tea.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups rice flour
1 tablespoon tapioca starch (optional for added chewiness)
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup hot water (about 110°F or 43°C)
3/4 cup lukewarm water
1/3 cup sugar
Neutral oil, for greasing pans
Instructions
- Dissolve the sugar in the hot water and let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the rice flour and tapioca starch (if using).
- Add the sugar water and lukewarm water into the flour mixture and stir until smooth.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in a bit of lukewarm water and let it sit until frothy.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture into the batter and mix well.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and ferment in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, until bubbly and risen.
- Grease small heatproof dishes or muffin tins with neutral oil.
- Stir the fermented batter gently to remove large air bubbles and pour into the prepared molds, filling each about 80% full.
- Steam over high heat for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before removing from molds. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Add a few drops of vanilla or pandan extract for extra aroma.
Increase tapioca starch slightly for a chewier texture.
Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
Mix in sweet red beans or raisins for a twist.
Use silicone cupcake molds for mini versions and reduce steaming time slightly.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, steam for a few minutes or microwave with a damp paper towel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1–2 hours fermentation)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Cantonese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rice cake
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
