Shanghai Rice Cakes: Tips To Make Amazing Shanghai Rice Cakes

Love rice cakes? Shanghai rice cakes are a delicious snack that can be enjoyed by everyone. They’re perfect for when you want something light and tasty, and they’re also very versatile – you can enjoy them sweet or savory, depending on your mood.

If you’re looking to make your own Shanghai rice cakes, we’ve got some tips to help you out. With our advice, you’ll be able to make perfect rice cakes every time! Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to making delicious Shanghai rice cakes.

Shanghai Rice Cakes Overview

Shanghai rice cakes are a traditional Chinese food made from glutinous rice flour. They are steamed and then pan-fried, and are often served with a sweet or savory filling.

There are many different types of shanghai rice cakes, but the most common variety is the nian gao, which is also known as the “year cake.” This type of cake is usually round or square-shaped, and its name comes from the fact that it is traditionally eaten during the Chinese New Year.

The nian gao is often filled with a sweet filling made from red bean paste or lotus seed paste. Other common fillings include pork, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables.

Shanghai rice cakes are a popular street food in China, and can also be found in Chinese restaurants around the world. They are typically served as a snack or dessert, and are often eaten with tea.

It is a popular snack in China, and are especially common in the city of Shanghai. They are made from glutinous rice flour, and usually have a sweet filling such as red bean paste or black sesame paste. Shanghai rice cakes are often eaten during the Chinese New Year holiday, and are also popular as a street food snack.

They are made from glutinous rice flour, water and sugar, and are typically round or oval in shape. Shanghai rice cakes can be either baked or steamed, and are often served with a sweet or savory filling such as red bean paste or pork.

There are many different varieties of Shanghai rice cakes, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the most popular varieties include those filled with red bean paste, pork, green onion, and ginger. Shanghai rice cakes can be steamed, boiled, or fried, and are often served with a dipping sauce.

Shanghai rice cakes are thought to have originated in the city of Shanghai during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). They were originally made as a type of offering to the gods, and were known as “tang yue” or “Tang’s mooncakes”. Shanghai rice cakes only became popular as a snack food during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), when they began to be sold in markets and tea houses.

Today, Shanghai rice cakes are enjoyed throughout China, and are particularly popular during the Lunar New Year holiday. They can be found in most Chinese supermarkets, and are also easy to make at home.

If you are looking for a tasty snack that is unique to China, then you should definitely try Shanghai rice cakes. They are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, and you may even find yourself addicted to them!

What Make Shanghai Rice Cakes Different From Others?

There are many reasons making Shanghai rice cakes different from other cakes.

Simple ingredients

The first and most simple reason is the ingredients. The ingredients of Shanghai rice cakes are very simple, including only rice flour, water and yeast. The basic ingredients of Shanghai rice cakes are only glutinous rice flour, water and sugar. No other ingredients are needed. This is in contrast to many other cakes which require eggs, butter, baking powder, etc.

Cooking method

Another big difference is that Shanghai rice cakes are steamed instead of baked because steaming is a more popular cooking method in southern China. The rice cakes are usually made with glutinous rice flour, which gives them a chewy texture, and they’re often filled with sweet bean paste or savory meat fillings.

This gives them a very different texture than most other cakes, which are often fluffy and light. Shanghai rice cakes are much more dense and chewy than other cakes. Because of this cooking method and ingredients, they’re often referred to as “rice dumplings” instead of “rice cakes.”

Unique taste

While many other types of cake are sweet, Shanghai rice cakes can be either sweet or savory. They are made with sticky rice flour and can be filled with anything from sweet bean paste to savory meats. These cakes are popular during the Chinese New Year, as they are thought to bring good luck.

Savory Shanghai rice cakes are usually filled with pork, vegetables, and other savory ingredients, while sweet ones are typically filled with sweet bean paste or lotus seed paste.

The savory taste is achieved by adding soy sauce, rice wine, and other seasonings to the sticky rice flour dough. Sweet Shanghai rice cakes are usually flavored with sugar, honey, or other sweeteners.

The taste of Shanghai rice cakes is also unique because they’re often flavored with ginger, green onion, and other strong flavors. This gives them a very different flavor than most other cakes.

Because of this unique taste, Shanghai rice cakes are a popular choice for gifts and special occasions. If you’re looking for a delicious and unique cake, Shanghai rice cakes are a great option.

Dense and chewy texture

The next thing making shanghai rice cakes different from other cakes is the texture. As we mentioned before, these cakes are made with glutinous rice flour which makes them chewy.

And because they’re steamed instead of baked, the texture is even more dense and chewy. This is a big contrast to most cakes which are fluffy and light. The dense, chewy texture of shanghai rice cakes is one of the things that make them so unique.

Shape

Another difference is the shape. Shanghai rice cakes are typically round or oval-shaped. They can be small enough to fit in the palm of your hand or large enough to feed a group.

Most other cakes are either rectangular or square-shaped. The round or oval shape of shanghai rice cakes is thought to represent the moon and is a symbol of good luck.

Colors

The final difference is the colors. Shanghai rice cakes are typically white or yellow. This is because they’re made with sticky rice flour, which is white or off-white in color.

Other types of cake can be any color, as they’re often made with different kinds of flour and other ingredients. The white or yellow color of shanghai rice cakes is thought to represent purity and is another symbol of good luck.

Now that you know a little bit more about Shanghai rice cakes, you can see why they’re such a unique and popular choice for gifts and special occasions. If you’re looking for a delicious and unique cake, Shanghai rice cakes are a great option.

How To Make Shanghai Rice Cakes?

There are many different ways to make Shanghai rice cakes, but the most common method is to steam them. This gives the cakes a soft and chewy texture that is very popular with Chinese people. Shanghai rice cakes can also be pan-fried or deep-fried, which gives them a crispy exterior.

Stemed Shanghai Rice Cakes

The first and most common way to make Shanghai rice cakes is to steam them. This gives the cakes a soft and chewy texture that is very popular with Chinese people. Shanghai rice cakes can also be pan-fried or deep-fried, which gives them a crispy exterior.

To make steamed Shanghai rice cakes, you will need 1 cup glutinous rice flour, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon oil.

To make the cakes:

Step 1: Mix the glutinous rice flour, water, salt, baking soda and oil in a bowl and stir until the mixture is smooth. When doing this, you should use a rubber spatula or your hands to avoid lumps.

Step 2: Place the mixture in a greased cake pan and spread it out evenly. You should be careful not to make the cake too thick, or it will be difficult to steam.

Step 3: Place the cake pan in a steamer and steam for 15-20 minutes, or until the cake is cooked through. When steaming the cakes, you should make sure that the water is boiling before you put the cake in, or it will not cook properly.

Step 4: Remove the cake from the steamer and let it cool before cutting into it.

Pan-fried Shanghai Rice Cakes

To make pan-fried Shanghai rice cakes, you will need 1 cup glutinous rice flour, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/4 cup sugar.

To make pan-fried shanghai rice cakes:

Step 1: Combine the glutinous rice flour, water, and salt in a bowl and stir until the ingredients are fully combined. You should have a sticky dough.

Step 2: Heat a pan over medium heat and add oil. Scoop 1 tablespoon of the dough and flatten it in your palm. Place the dough in the pan and cook for 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Step 3: Add the glutinous rice mixture to the pan and spread it evenly. Cook for 2 minutes or until the surface is dry.

Step 4: Sprinkle sugar over the rice cake and cook for 1 minute or until the sugar has melted.

Step 5: Remove from heat and enjoy!

Deep-fried Shanghai Rice Cakes

Deep-fried Shanghai rice cakes are also a popular option. To make them, you will need 1 cup glutinous rice flour, 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.

To make the cakes:

Step 1: The first thing you need to do is mix together the glutinous rice flour, water, oil, salt and baking soda in a bowl.

Step 2: Once everything is combined, take small handfuls of the mixture and shape them into discs. Make sure they are no thicker than 1/4-inch.

Step 3: Heat up a large pan over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom.

Step 4: Once the oil is hot, add the discs to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Step 5: Remove from the heat and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

4 Shanghai Rice Cakes Recipes

Shanghainese Rice Cake with Pork and Preserved Vegetables

This dish is a popular street food in Shanghai and can be found in many small eateries. The rice cakes are chewy and have a slightly sweet taste from the glutinous rice. The pork and vegetables add savory flavors to the dish.

Ingredients:

1/2 pound ground pork, 3-4 dried shiitake mushrooms, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 small onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice wine or dry sherry, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder

1 (16-ounce) can chicken broth, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 cups water

1 (16-ounce) package frozen shanghai bok choy, thawed

Directions:

Soak the mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes. Drain and chop.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork, mushrooms, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pork is no longer pink.

Stir in the soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, cornstarch, and five-spice powder. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water. Stir into the pork mixture until it thickens. Add the bok choy and cook for 2 minutes, or until heated through.

Shanghai Rice Cake with Chicken and Vegetables

This dish is a take on the classic Chinese dish, shanghai rice cakes. It is made with chicken, vegetables, and rice cakes. The rice cakes are a type of Chinese noodle made from glutinous rice flour. They are chewy and have a slightly sticky texture. This dish is usually served with a dipping sauce on the side.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup uncooked white rice, 1/2 small chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, 1/4 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, peppers, mushrooms, etc.), 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1/4 cup chicken broth

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

In a large bowl, combine uncooked white rice, chicken breast pieces, chopped vegetables, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Drizzle vegetable oil over the top of the rice mixture, then pour in chicken broth. Bake for 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.

This recipe for Shanghai rice cakes with chicken and vegetables is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. The rice is cooked in the oven with the chicken and vegetables, so all you have to do is put everything in the dish and let it bake.

The soy sauce, salt, and black pepper give the rice a great flavor, and the chicken broth keeps it moist. This is a perfect meal for a busy weeknight, or any time you want a tasty and easy dish.

Shanghai Rice Cake with Pork

This dish is a classic example of Shanghainese cuisine and is often seen on restaurant menus. The rice cakes are chewy and have a slightly sticky texture, while the pork filling is flavorful and juicy.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup uncooked white rice, 1/2 pound ground pork, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1/4 cup chicken broth

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

In a large bowl, combine uncooked white rice, ground pork, chopped onion, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork mixture to the skillet. Cook until the pork is browned, about 5 minutes.

Add chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Pour the pork mixture into a 9-inch pie plate. Press into an even layer.

Bake in the preheated oven until the rice is tender and the pork is cooked through, about 30 minutes.

Shanghai Rice Cake with Beef and Vegetables

This is a traditional dish in Shanghai that can be found in almost every restaurant. The rice cake is made of glutinous rice flour and usually filled with pork, beef, or vegetables. It is then steamed or fried until it is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup glutinous rice flour, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup water, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1/2 pound lean ground beef, 1 small carrot, 1 small onion, 1/4 cup frozen peas, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the water and 2 tablespoons of the oil until the dough is smooth. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the beef, carrot, onion, peas, sugar, soy sauce, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Divide the dough into 12 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of dough into a 6-inch circle. Place 1/4 cup of the beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat. Add the Shanghai rice cakes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Serve hot.

These are four traditional Shanghai dishes that can be found in almost every restaurant. We give you our simple recipes so that you can try them at home.

FAQs

What are some variations of shanghai rice cakes?

There are some variations of shanghai rice cakes, such as lo mai gai and ngau pau. There are also savory versions of shanghai rice cakes. But the most popular variation is the sweet shanghai rice cake.

What is the difference between shanghai rice cakes and other types of rice cakes?

The main difference between shanghai rice cakes and other types of rice cakes is that shanghai rice cakes are steamed instead of baked. Moreover, the batter for shanghai rice cakes is usually made with glutinous rice flour, while the batter for other types of rice cakes is usually made with regular rice flour.

How to store shanghai rice cakes?

Shanghai rice cakes can be stored in the fridge for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. However, it’s best to eat them fresh because they tend to get a little hard when they are stored for too long.

How to eat shanghai rice cakes?

There are many ways to eat shanghai rice cakes. They can be eaten plain, with a filling, or with a sauce. Some people like to dip them in soy sauce, while others like to eat them with a sweet sauce.

What are some common fillings for shanghai rice cakes?

Some common fillings for shanghai rice cakes include red bean paste, lotus seed paste, and nuts. Other popular fillings include pork, shrimp, and vegetables. Shanghai rice cakes can also be eaten plain without any filling. You can also add your own filling, such as chocolate or fruit.

What are some common sauces for shanghai rice cakes?

Some common sauces for shanghai rice cakes include soy sauce, vinegar, and chili sauce. You can also eat them with a sweet sauce, such as honey or sugar. You can also add your own sauce, such as ketchup or mustard.

Conclusion

Rice cakes are a popular snack in Shanghai and can be found at most convenience stores. They are made of rice flour, water, and salt and come in a variety of flavors such as pork, shrimp, vegetable, and egg. Rice cakes can also be bought pre-packaged or frozen for home cooking.

Shanghai rice cakes are a delicious and easy to find snack that can be enjoyed by everyone. They are perfect for a quick bite on the go or as a side dish to a meal. With so many different flavors to choose from, there is sure to be a rice cake for everyone’s taste. So next time you’re in Shanghai, be sure to pick up a few rice cakes and enjoy!