Rice cakes are a scrumptious delicacy enjoyed by people worldwide. They are made from rice flour and offer a unique taste and texture to our taste buds. Preparing rice cakes at home is very easy, and if you are a die-hard fan, you should try your hand at making them at home. It’s an incredibly satisfying process, and the rice cakes can be stored for a few days, giving you the freedom to relish them at your convenience.

There is no need to be intimidated if you have not tried making rice cakes before. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that requires minimal ingredients and time. The best part is that you can enjoy them plain or top them with your favorite jam or spread. In this article, we will guide you through a simple recipe for making rice cakes, and you can recreate them at home any time you crave some comfort food.

10 Easy Steps to Make Rice Cake at Home

Are you a rice lover? Do you love to experiment with your food and try out different dishes? If yes, then you must try making rice cakes at home. Rice Cake is a traditional dish that’s popular in Korea, Japan, and China. It’s also known as Mochi in Japan. Traditionally, rice cakes are made for special occasions like New Year’s Day or other festivals, but they can also be a delicious and healthy snack. In this article, we will show you how to make rice cakes in 10 easy steps!

Step 1: Soak the Rice

To make rice cakes, you need glutinous rice. Rinse the rice in cold water 2-3 times, until the water runs clear. Then, put the rice in a bowl and add water. Let it soak for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Drain the Rice

After the rice has soaked, drain the water and discard it. Don’t forget to drain it well to ensure that the rice cakes will hold together properly after steaming.

Step 3: Grind the Rice

Grind the soaked rice in a food processor or blender until it becomes a smooth paste-like consistency. Add a small amount of water as needed to keep the rice moving in the food processor.

Step 4: Add Sweetener

Add sweetener of your choice such as sugar or honey to the rice batter and mix it well. Mix until the sweetener is fully dissolved.

Step 5: Prepare the Steamer

Fill a steamer with water and bring it to a boil. After the water has reached the boiling point, reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 6: Fill the Molds

Grease the molds with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Fill the molds with the rice batter, leaving a bit of space at the top to allow the rice cakes to rise as they steam.

Step 7: Steam the Rice Cakes

Place the molds in the steamer and cover with a lid. Steam the rice cakes for 20-30 minutes or until they are fully cooked.

Step 8: Remove from the Steamer

After the rice cakes are fully cooked, remove the molds from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes.

Step 9: Slice the Rice Cakes

Once the rice cakes have cooled down, remove them from the molds and slice them into pieces. You can enjoy them as is, or you can add toppings of your choice like sugar, sesame seeds, or coconut flakes.

Step 10: Store the Rice Cakes

If you have any leftover rice cakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These rice cakes can be consumed for up to a week.

In conclusion, making rice cakes at home is a simple and fun process that can provide you with delicious results. With these 10 easy steps, you can reap the health benefits of glutinous rice, as well as enjoy a traditional and tasty snack. So, why not give it a try?

The Ingredients and Equipment You Will Need

Making rice cake requires only a few basic ingredients and equipment that you may already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of glutinous rice
  • 2 1/2 cups of water
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of cornstarch or sweet rice flour (for dusting)

Equipment:

  • A large mixing bowl
  • A colander or strainer
  • A rice cooker or pot with a lid
  • A heat-safe mixing spoon or paddle
  • A clean cheesecloth or kitchen towel

While some of these items are specific to making rice cake, many of them are likely already sitting in your kitchen. You can substitute rice flour for the glutinous rice, but the texture of the cake may be different. You can also experiment with different flavors, such as pandan or coconut milk, to make your rice cake unique.

Preparing the Rice

The first step to making rice cake is preparing the rice itself. Glutinous rice can be found in most Asian grocery stores or specialty food markets. Start by rinsing the rice in a colander or strainer until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in water for at least two hours to soften it. This will help to create a softer texture in the final cake.

Once soaked, drain the rice and add it to a rice cooker or pot with 2 1/2 cups of water. If you’re using a rice cooker, simply turn it on and let it cook until it’s done. If you’re using a pot, bring the water and rice to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and cover it with a lid. Cook the rice for about 20 minutes or until it’s soft and sticky.

Mixing the Rice Cake Mixture

Once the rice is done cooking, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and add the sugar and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the sugar dissolves and the rice is evenly coated. Then, cover the mixture with a cheesecloth or kitchen towel and let it cool to room temperature.

Dusting with Cornstarch

To prevent the rice cake from sticking, you’ll need to dust it with cornstarch or sweet rice flour. Use a sifter or sieve to dust the surface with a thin layer of cornstarch. Once dusted, transfer the mixture to a baking dish or other container that is at least an inch or two deep.

Cooking the Rice Cake

To cook the rice cake, use a steamer basket or a pot with a lid and a little bit of water. Place the baking dish or container of rice mixture into the steamer basket or pot and cover it with a lid. Steam the cake over gentle heat for about 40-50 minutes. Check every 10 minutes, adding more water to the pot if necessary, until the cake is firm and cooked through.

Removing the Rice Cake from the Container

Once the rice cake is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. To remove the cake from the container, use a blunt knife or spatula to run along the sides of the container. Then, invert the cake onto a plate or cutting board so that the top is facing down. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.

Cutting and Serving the Rice Cake

To serve the rice cake, cut it into small squares or thin slices. You can serve it plain or garnish it with your favorite toppings, such as sesame seeds or chopped nuts. Rice cake is typically served as a dessert or snack and can be enjoyed on its own or with a cup of tea.

Storing the Rice Cake

To store the rice cake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze the cake for up to three months. Simply wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before serving.

Making rice cake is a fun and delicious way to enjoy this sweet treat. With a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a tasty dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Get creative with flavors and toppings, experiment with different techniques and tools, and enjoy the process of making your own rice cake at home.

Making the Rice Cake

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to get started on making your rice cake. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious and mouth-watering rice cake that will surely impress your family and friends.

Step 1 Wash and rinse the glutinous rice at least three times. Soak it in water for 3-4 hours or overnight. Drain the water before cooking.
Step 2 Add the glutinous rice into a clean rice cooker or pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add in water until it reaches the level of your index finger when you place it on top of the rice. Cook the rice until it’s done. You can also add some pandan leaves into the rice to add flavor.
Step 3 Once the rice is cooked, let it cool down for a little bit. Then, transfer it into a large mixing bowl and add in the sugar and coconut cream. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 4 Take a banana leaf or any non-stick surface and brush it with some oil to prevent sticking. Sprinkle some rice flour on top of the banana leaf and spoon the mixture onto the center of the leaf. Flatten and smooth out the sticky rice mixture evenly in a round shape.
Step 5 Steam the rice cake for about 30-40 minutes. Check it periodically to make sure it doesn’t dry out. Once it’s cooked, let it cool and cut it into small pieces before serving.

There you have it – a simple and easy way to make a delicious rice cake. You can also experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own unique and special recipe. Serve it with some tea or coffee and enjoy the delightful taste and texture of this traditional dessert.

Enjoy Your Homemade Rice Cake!

I hope this guide on making rice cake has been helpful to you. It may seem daunting at first but once you’ve done it, you realize it’s really not that difficult. The best part is that you can customize it to your liking – add berries, nuts, or chocolate chips. Thank you for reading and don’t hesitate to come back to us for more exciting recipes and tips. In the meantime, enjoy your yummy rice cake!