Indulge in the delightful world of Chinese desserts with our enchanting recipe for Glutinous Rice Balls, or Tang Yuan! These soft, chewy treats are not just a feast for the taste buds; they also symbolize reunion and togetherness in Chinese culture. Imagine biting into a warm, delicate ball filled with sweet red bean paste, all while drizzled with a luscious syrup that dances on your palate. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises to bring joy to your table. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into the art of making these irresistible delights!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Glutinous rice flour
- Water
- Red bean paste
- Sugar
- Sesame seeds
- Ginger
- Sweet syrup (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gradually add water to glutinous rice flour while kneading to create a smooth, soft dough. The consistency should be pliable but not sticky.
- Divide the red bean paste into small, marble-sized portions for filling.
- Take a small piece of the glutinous rice dough and flatten it into a thin circle using your palm.
- Place a portion of red bean paste in the center of the flattened dough.
- Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, gently rolling between your palms to create a smooth, round ball. Ensure the filling is completely sealed inside.
- Prepare a pot of boiling water, ensuring it's at a rolling boil before adding the rice balls.
- Gently drop the rice balls into the boiling water, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Cook the rice balls for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface, indicating they are fully cooked.
- While the rice balls are cooking, prepare a sweet syrup by dissolving sugar in hot water. Optionally, add sliced ginger for extra flavor.
- Remove the cooked rice balls using a slotted spoon and transfer to serving bowls.
- Pour the sweet syrup over the rice balls and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the soft, chewy texture and sweet filling.
Tips
- Achieve the Perfect Dough: When mixing the glutinous rice flour and water, add the water gradually to control the consistency. The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky—this ensures easy handling and a smooth texture.
- Filling Variations: While red bean paste is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other fillings like black sesame paste or even chocolate for a modern twist.
- Boiling Technique: Make sure your water is at a rolling boil before adding the rice balls. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from sticking together.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Cook the rice balls in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking. A good rule of thumb is to cook no more than 8-10 balls at a time.
- Sweet Syrup Enhancements: For a more aromatic syrup, consider adding sliced ginger or a splash of pandan essence to the sugar water. This will elevate the flavor profile and add a unique twist to your dish.
- Serve Warm: Tang Yuan is best enjoyed warm. Serve them immediately after cooking to savor their delightful chewy texture and sweet filling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 266kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
