Craving a quick, flavorful, and authentically Chinese dish? Look no further than this easy Chinese rice cake stir-fry recipe! Nian Gao, or Chinese New Year's cake, is traditionally a sweet treat, but in this recipe, we transform it into a savory delight. The chewy texture of the rice cakes pairs perfectly with vibrant vegetables and a savory sauce, creating a satisfying meal that's surprisingly simple to make. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend cooking project, appealing to both experienced cooks and culinary novices alike.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times. This recipe focuses on fresh ingredients and a simple yet flavorful sauce to elevate the humble rice cake into a star of the plate. Whether you're celebrating Lunar New Year or simply looking for a new culinary adventure, this dish is sure to impress. Ready to learn how to create this delicious and easy stir-fry? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Rice cakes: 1/3 bag (approx. 2.3 lbs/2 oz)
- Pork belly: 2 oz
- Shiitake mushrooms: 4-5
- Cubanelle peppers
- Carrot
- Ginger root
- Garlic
- Sugar: 2 tsp
- Light soy sauce: 2 tsp + 2 tsp
- Hot pepper paste: 1 tsp
- Water: 1/3 cup + 1/2 cup
- Cooking oil: 3 tbsp
- Cooking wine: 1 tbsp
- Salt
- Dried chili powder: 1 tsp
- Oyster sauce: 1 tsp
- Sesame oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Sauce
- Soak rice cakes in cold water to separate pieces.
- Boil rice cakes in water for 1.5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Slice shiitake mushrooms (rehydrate dried mushrooms in cold water for 4 hours).
- Cut pork belly into thin (2mm), 1cm wide slices.
- Seed and slice cubanelle peppers into 1-inch long, 1cm wide pieces.
- Slice carrot into similar size as peppers.
- Shred ginger root and mince garlic.
- Mix sugar, light soy sauce, hot pepper paste, and water in a bowl.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Meat and Vegetables
- Heat oil in a pan. Stir-fry ginger, garlic, carrot, mushrooms, and pork belly.
- Add light soy sauce, cooking wine, and water. Cover and simmer on high heat for 5 minutes.
Step 3. Add Rice Cakes and Sauce
- Add rice cakes and stir-fry.
- Add prepared sauce and stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add cubanelle peppers and mix for 5-6 times.
- Add salt, dried chili powder, and mix.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Turn off heat. Add oyster sauce and sesame oil. Mix well.
Read more: Sugar-Free Red Date Cake: A Healthy Chinese New Year Treat
Tips
- Use Korean rice cakes (nien gao).
- Add more salt to taste.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Where can I buy Nian Gao (Chinese rice cakes)?
You can usually find Nian Gao in Asian grocery stores, or online retailers specializing in Asian ingredients. Sometimes larger supermarkets with a diverse selection will carry them, particularly around Lunar New Year.
2. Can I use a different type of rice cake?
While Nian Gao offers a unique texture, you can experiment with other types of rice cakes. However, keep in mind that the cooking time and texture may vary. Sweet rice cakes might require adjustments to the sauce.
3. What if my Nian Gao is too sticky?
If your Nian Gao is particularly sticky, try lightly coating the sliced pieces with a little oil before stir-frying. This will help prevent them from sticking together.
This easy Chinese rice cake stir-fry is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The unique chewy texture of the Nian Gao combined with the fresh vegetables and flavorful sauce creates a truly memorable dish. Enjoy this simple yet impressive recipe, and don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite vegetables and seasonings!