Crispy and Chewy Fried Sticky Rice Cakes Recipe

Fried sticky rice cakes are a beloved snack with a taste of home, cherished for their crispy exterior and chewy, flavorful interior. Discover the perfect recipe to make delicious fried sticky rice cakes at home, along with handy tips to ensure success on your first try.

Secrets to Perfect Fried Sticky Rice Cakes

To create golden, crispy, yet chewy and flavorful fried sticky rice cakes, pay attention to these crucial factors:

Choosing the Right Sticky Rice – The Foundation of Flavor

Sticky rice is the key ingredient that determines the chewiness and flavor of the cakes. For perfect fried sticky rice cakes, opt for varieties like yellow flower sticky rice or goose sticky rice, known for their round, plump grains, high stickiness, and natural aroma.

• Tip: When buying sticky rice, check carefully to ensure it is fresh, free from weevils or mold. Old rice often loses its stickiness and distinctive aroma.

Rice to Water Ratio – Key to Chewiness

The ratio of sticky rice to water plays a vital role in determining the softness and chewiness of the cakes. The standard ratio is 1:1, but you can adjust the water amount to suit your preference.

• Example: If you prefer softer cakes, increase the water ratio to 1:1.2. Conversely, reduce the water for chewier cakes.

Thoroughly Kneading the Dough – An Essential Step

Kneading the dough is a crucial step that helps the cakes achieve a smooth and elastic texture. Kneading the dough while the sticky rice is still warm makes it easier and prevents the dough from becoming dry and difficult to knead.

• Note: Knead evenly and thoroughly until the dough forms a cohesive ball, with no loose rice grains remaining.

Crispy Fried Sticky Rice Cakes

Ingredients Needed

To make fried sticky rice cakes, you will need the following ingredients:

• Main ingredients:
  • Sticky rice: 500g (preferably yellow flower or goose sticky rice).
  • Coconut milk: 200ml (adds richness to the cakes).
  • Sugar: 50g (adjust to taste).
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (balances the flavor).
  • Cooking oil: Enough to deep-fry the cakes.
• Optional ingredients (for fillings):
  • Peeled mung beans: 100g (for sweet filling).
  • Ground meat: 100g (for savory filling).
  • Wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms: 50g (adds flavor to the savory filling).

Detailed Steps to Make Fried Sticky Rice Cakes

Step 1: Preparing the Sticky Rice

1. Rinse the sticky rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 4-6 hours or overnight. This helps the rice soften, reducing cooking time and increasing chewiness.
2. After soaking, rinse the sticky rice again with clean water and drain.

Step 2: Cooking the Sticky Rice

1. Place the soaked sticky rice in a rice cooker or steamer.
2. Add coconut milk, sugar, and salt to the pot, and mix well.
3. Cook the sticky rice like regular rice. Once cooked, fluff the rice and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Kneading the Dough

1. While the sticky rice is still warm, transfer it to a large bowl and knead thoroughly until the dough is smooth and elastic, with no loose rice grains.
2. If making filled cakes, prepare the mung bean or savory filling:
   • Mung bean filling: Steam the mung beans until cooked, mash them, and cook with sugar.
   • Savory filling: Stir-fry the ground meat with wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, shallots, and seasonings.
3. Divide the dough into small portions, shape them into balls or desired shapes. For filled cakes, place the filling in the center and shape into balls.

Step 4: Frying the Cakes

1. Heat the cooking oil in a deep pan.
2. Reduce the heat to medium, and gently lower the cakes into the oil. Frying over medium heat ensures the cakes cook evenly and develop a crispy, golden crust.
3. Once the cakes are golden on all sides, remove them and drain on paper towels.

Golden Fried Sticky Rice Cakes

Tips for Long-Lasting Crispiness

• Double frying: Initially fry the cakes briefly, let them cool, then fry again at a higher heat. This helps maintain crispiness longer.
• Adding tapioca flour: Mix a small amount of tapioca flour into the dough to enhance crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding: Do not fry too many cakes at once to prevent the oil temperature from dropping suddenly, causing the cakes to absorb oil and lose crispiness.

Creative Variations of Fried Sticky Rice Cakes

You can create various versions of fried sticky rice cakes to suit your family’s taste:

• Pandan Fried Sticky Rice Cakes: Add pandan extract to the sticky rice for a vibrant green color and distinctive aroma.
• Taro Fried Sticky Rice Cakes: Mix steamed and mashed taro into the dough for added richness.
• Banana-Filled Fried Sticky Rice Cakes: Use sliced ripe bananas as a filling for a unique, sweet flavor.

Nutritional Value of Fried Sticky Rice Cakes

Fried sticky rice cakes provide ample carbohydrates from the sticky rice and fats from the coconut milk. However, due to being deep-fried, they contain high calories. Enjoy them in moderation and balance with a healthy diet.

Enjoying Fried Sticky Rice Cakes

Fried sticky rice cakes are best enjoyed hot, paired with green tea, a refreshing cold drink, or even vanilla ice cream. They are perfect for an afternoon snack or gatherings with friends.

Conclusion

Fried sticky rice cakes are not just a simple snack but also a symbol of homestyle flavors. With the recipe and tips above, we hope you feel confident to try making these crispy, chewy treats at home to delight your family. Don’t forget to share your results with us!

Wishing you success!