Recipe

Sticky Cake (nian Gao) Recipe

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Ingredients

7 oz boiling water .
3 1/4 c glutinous-rice flour .
1 tbsp white sesame seeds .
1/2 c chinese dates, softened in water & cut in half with pits removed (optional) .
1 tbsp vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray .
1 tbsp milk .
2/3 c brown sugar .
water, as needed

Directions

Step #1 Prepare the wok for steaming.
Step #2 In a bowl, mix the boiling water & the sugar, stirring to dissolve.
Step #3 Cool.
Step #4 Soak the Chinese dates in hot water for at least 30 mins to soften.
Step #5 (You can also soften them quickly by placing them in a bowl with water & microwaving on high heat for 30 seconds).
Step #6 Cut the dates in half & remove the pits.
Step #7 Place the glutinous rice flour In a large-ish bowl.
Step #8 Make a well in the middle & stir in the the sugar & water mixture.
Step #9 Add the milk & begin shaping the dough.
Step #10 Add 1 tbsp of water to the dough at a time, until you have a smooth dough with a satiny texture.
Step #11 Incorporate 1/2 - 3/4 of the Chinese dates, nuts or other dried fruit as you are adding water & working with the dough.
Step #12 Grease a 7-inch square cake pan with vegetable oil or a non-stick cooking spray.
Step #13 Place the dough in the cake pan & spread it out to the edges.
Step #14 Decorate with the remaining dates, lightly pushing them into the dough.
Step #15 Sprinkle top the sesame seeds on top.
Step #16 Steam the cake over medium-high to high heat for 45 mins, or until the edges of the cake pull away from the pan.
Step #17 Remove the cake from the heat & cool.
Step #18 Use a knife to loosen the edges, then remove the cake.
Step #19 Wrap in wax paper & put in the fridge overnight.
Step #20 To serve: Cut the cake into quarters, & then into thin slices 2 – 3 inches long & 1/4-inch wide.
Step #21 You can serve the cake as is, or reheat it in the microwave (the amount of time will depend on the size & power of your microwave – start with 10 seconds & then microwave an extra 5 seconds if needed) or re-steam it for 4 – 5 mins.
Step #22 You can also pan-fry the cake, dipping the cake slices in an egg wash before frying.
Step #23 Use a small amount of oil so that the cake will not taste oily.
Step #24 Heat the oil on medium-high to high heat, then turn the heat down to medium & brown the cake slices briefly on both sides.
Enjoy the Sticky Cake (Nian Gao) recipe