Easy and Delicious Rice Cake Recipe

Rice cakes hold a special place in many cultures around the world and are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. These somewhat chewy and slightly sweet cakes are made from rice flour and can be made in various shapes and sizes, depending on the preference.

If you are someone who is looking to make a wholesome snack at home, making rice cakes is a simple and satisfying recipe to add to your repertoire. With a few basic ingredients and some patience, anyone can learn how to make rice cakes in their own kitchen. So whether you want to make them for yourself or to share with your loved ones, follow these easy steps to create your own delicious rice cakes.

10 Easy Steps to Make Delicious Rice Cakes at Home

With their chewy and soft texture, rice cakes are a favorite snack in many cultures. They are versatile, easy to make, and can be eaten plain or with various toppings. Plus, making rice cakes at home means you can control the ingredients, customize the flavor, and ensure they are fresh and healthy. You can make rice cakes from scratch using simple ingredients, follow these ten easy steps:

Step 1: Choose the Right Rice

The first thing you need to do is select the right type of rice to make your rice cakes. Sticky rice or glutinous rice, is known for its stickiness and is the best choice for making rice cakes. Often consumed in Asian countries, you can find sticky rice in the Asian or international section of most grocery stores. You can also look for short-grain rice or sushi rice as another option.

Step 2: Wash the Rice

Wash the rice with clean water to remove any dirt or impurities. Repeat the process a few times until the water runs clear.

Step 3: Soak the Rice

After washing the rice, soak it in water for 4-5 hours or overnight. Soaking will make the rice grains soft and sticky, which is crucial for making rice cakes.

Step 4: Drain the Water and Grind the Rice

Drain the water from the soaked rice and grind it in a blender or food processor until it becomes a smooth paste. Add some water to help with the grinding process if needed.

Step 5: Cook the Rice Cake Mixture

Transfer the rice paste to a pot and cook over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and burning. The mixture will thicken and become sticky.

Step 6: Oil the Molds

Brush some oil on the molds you plan to use for shaping the rice cakes. You can use a muffin tin, a cake mold, or any other small mold that you have.

Step 7: Fill the Molds

Fill the molds with the rice cake mixture, leaving some space at the top for them to expand during cooking.

Step 8: Steam the Rice Cakes

Place the molds in a steamer or a large pot with a steamer basket. Cover and steam for about 30 minutes. You can use a toothpick to check if they are done; it should come out clean.

Step 9: Unmold the Rice Cakes

Remove the molds from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, gently remove the rice cakes from the molds and place them on a plate.

Step 10: Serve or Store

Once the rice cakes have cooled, you can enjoy them plain or top them with your favorite toppings (such as soy sauce, sesame seeds, or honey). Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

In conclusion, with just ten easy steps, you can make delicious and healthy rice cakes at home! Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your perfect rice cake recipe and enjoy them as a snack or a part of your meal.

The Ingredients of Making Rice Cakes

Before you start making rice cakes, you need to have the right ingredients ready. Below are the essential ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.

1. Rice Flour

The first and most crucial ingredient for making rice cakes is rice flour, which you can easily purchase from your local grocery store. You can use either glutinous or non-glutinous rice, depending on your preference. Glutinous rice flour is slightly stickier and gives the cake a chewier texture, while non-glutinous rice flour is coarser and gives the cake a rough texture.

2. Water

Water is essential because it helps to bind all the ingredients together. The amount of water you’ll need depends on the type of rice flour you’re using and the required consistency of your dough. You should always follow the instructions on the package, which usually specifies the amount of water to use.

3. Sugar

Sugar adds sweetness to the cake, and you can use either white or brown sugar. However, brown sugar will add a richer flavor to the cake, and it’s also healthier since it contains a small amount of molasses.

4. Salt

Salt is also an important ingredient in making rice cakes because it adds flavor and balances the sweetness of the sugar.

5. Cooking Oil

Cooking oil is essential when making rice cakes because it prevents the dough from sticking to the surface, making it easier to handle. You can use any cooking oil, including vegetable oil or canola oil.

6. Toppings

You can add toppings to your rice cakes to make them more flavorful. Some popular toppings include sesame seeds, shredded coconut, or sliced fruits.

7. Steamer

You’ll need a steamer to cook the rice cakes. You can use either a bamboo steamer or a metal steamer, depending on what you have available in your kitchen.

8. Mixing Bowl and Spoon

You’ll need a mixing bowl and spoon to mix the ingredients together and form the dough.

9. Food Processor (Optional)

If you want a smoother and finer texture for your rice cakes, you can use a food processor to grind the rice flour.

10. Plastic Wrap

Plastic wrap or parchment paper is useful when rolling the dough into a ball or flattening it. It helps prevent the dough from sticking to your hands or the surface.

Tools and Ingredients Needed

Making rice cakes is an easy process, but you need a few essential tools and ingredients to get started. Here are the things that you’ll need:

Tools

Ingredients

Choosing the Right Rice Flour

Glutinous rice flour is essential for making rice cakes. It’s a type of rice flour that’s made from sticky rice. You can find it in most Asian grocery stores or online. Make sure to choose a high-quality glutinous rice flour to achieve the best results. If you can’t find glutinous rice flour, you can make your own by soaking sticky rice in water for a few hours, then grinding it into a fine flour using a food processor or blender.

Preparing the Rice Flour

Before making rice cakes, you need to prepare the rice flour by mixing it with water, sugar, salt, and sesame oil. In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, sugar, salt, and sesame oil. Gradually add water and mix until the batter becomes smooth and lump-free. The consistency of the rice cake batter should be slightly thick and pourable, similar to pancake batter. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before cooking.

Cooking the Rice Cakes

To cook the rice cakes, line a steamer basket with parchment paper and pour the batter into it. Steam the rice cakes for 25-30 minutes on medium heat. To check if the rice cakes are done, insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, then the rice cakes are ready. Let the rice cakes cool for a few minutes before removing them from the steamer basket.

In conclusion, making rice cakes is an easy and fun activity that you can enjoy with your family and friends. With the right tools and ingredients, you can create delicious and fluffy rice cakes that everyone will love. Follow these simple steps and start making your own rice cakes today!

Come back and make some more

Now that you have learned how to make rice cakes, you can impress your family and friends with your new culinary skills! Rice cakes can be enjoyed as a snack, as a side dish, or even as a main course. The possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to thank the kind farmers who produce the rice that makes these delicious cakes possible. They work hard to bring us the food we enjoy. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you again soon for more fun and easy recipes!