Food has an incredible way of connecting people to their cultural heritage, providing a taste of the past and a window into traditions. Among the myriad culinary delights that have stood the test of time, Shanghai stir-fried rice cakes, also known as Chao Nian Gao, hold a special place in Chinese cuisine. With its chewy texture and subtle sweetness, this delectable treat has been enjoyed for generations during Chinese New Year celebrations and other occasions.
Shanghai stir-fried rice cakes stand out from the rest due to their distinct texture and irresistible flavor. The rice cake is soft, chewy, and slightly sticky, making it a delightful experience for your taste buds. The versatility of this dish allows for countless preparations, inviting the exploration of various flavors. From savory options like pork, shrimp, and vegetables to sweet variations like red bean paste or brown sugar, there's a Chao Nian Gao recipe to suit every palate.
Below, I will show you the step-by-step process of making stir-fried rice cakes from scratch so you can savor its irresistible taste in the comfort of your kitchen.
Shanghai Stir Fried Rice Cakes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Rest Time
0 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Ingredients
Directions
1. Heat the avocado oil over medium heat in a large non-stick pan or wok. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for approximately 30 seconds until it becomes aromatic.
2. Add the sliced vegetables (Napa cabbage, broccolini, mushrooms) into the pan and stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes until they tenderize.
3. Gently push the vegetables to one side of the pan and allocate space on the other side to add the shrimp or place it into an empty dish. Add Shaoxing wine with the stir and allow the shrimp to cook for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a pink hue and are thoroughly cooked.
4. Add the sliced rice cakes to the pan and stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the rice cake is well coated with the flavors from the shrimp and vegetables.
5. Combine the light and dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle this sauce mixture over the ingredients in the pan and continue stir-frying for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is thoroughly blended and heated through.
6. Sample the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed, incorporating more light or dark soy sauce or sugar to suit your personal preference.
7. Garnish the dish with sliced green onion and give it a final toss to ensure the flavors are well distributed.
8. Transfer the shrimp stir-fried rice cakes to a serving plate or individual bowls, ready to be enjoyed!
Tips & Notes
Preparing the rice cake: If using store-bought rice cakes, slice them into bite-sized pieces. For dried rice cakes, immerse them in warm water for approximately 30 minutes or until they become soft and pliable. It's crucial to separate the rice cake slices to avoid them sticking together. There is no need to thaw frozen rice cakes in advance.
Shaoxing Wine: If Shaoxing wine is not available, you can find Shaoxing wine alternatives like Mirin.
Oyster Sauce: If you are seeking vegetarian or vegan options, you can find oyster sauce alternatives like mushroom sauce.
Nutritional Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories
507
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9.5g
12%
Saturated Fat 1.3g
6%
Cholesterol 239mg
80%
Sodium 2057mg
89%
Total Carbohydrate 73.4g
27%
Dietary Fiber 3.5g
12%
Total Sugars 13.2g
Protein 37.2g
Vitamin D 63mcg
315%
Calcium 155mg
12%
Iron 1mg
7%
Potassium 426mg
9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Cook shrimp until just pink: Exercise caution to avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they may become rubbery. Cook them until they reach a pink color and are no longer translucent, ensuring they are cooked to perfection.
Stir-fry in high heat: Stir-frying in a hot pan or wok helps maintain the ingredients' texture and flavors. Before adding the oil and ingredients, ensure that your pan is adequately heated.
Serve immediately: Rice cakes are best enjoyed when it's hot and fresh. Serve it right away to maintain its chewy texture and flavors.
What Is Shanghai Stir Fried Rice Cakes
Shanghai-style rice cake stir fry recipe, also known as Chao Nian Gao 炒年糕, is a traditional Chinese dish that originated in Shanghai, China. It is a type of rice cake made primarily from glutinous rice flour, with additional ingredients and flavorings added to create a delicious and unique culinary experience.
The term "Chao" in Chao Nian Gao refers to the cooking technique used in its preparation, which involves stir-frying the rice cake. This technique gives Chinese rice cakes their distinct texture and flavor. The rice cake is soft, chewy, and slightly sticky, making it a delightful treat for food enthusiasts.
Rice cake has its roots in ancient China and is deeply intertwined with Chinese New Year traditions. Nian Gao, meaning "sticky cake," is associated with prosperity and good luck, making it a staple during the festive season. Over time, it has become a beloved treat, enjoyed not only during Lunar New Year but also throughout the year.
Making rice cakes requires just a few key, straightforward, and essential ingredients. The main components include glutinous rice flour, water, and sugar. However, some variations incorporate additional ingredients such as red bean paste, Chinese dates, or even savory elements like bacon. These variations allow for a delightful range of flavors to suit different palates.
How To Store Leftovers
When dealing with leftovers, it is advisable to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, bear in mind that the texture of the rice cake might undergo slight changes when reheated. Reheat gently in a pan with a little oil or steam to preserve its chewiness.
How To Elevate Shanghai Rice Cakes Dish
Add Additional Flavors
Incorporating additional flavors can enhance the taste profile of your rice cakes. For example, add ingredients such as ginger, garlic, chili, or Chinese five-spice powder to the stir-fry. These ingredients will infuse the dish with aromatic and bold flavors.
Experiment With Sauces
While stir-fried rice cakes traditionally incorporate soy sauce and oyster sauce, don't hesitate to experiment with alternative sauces to introduce depth and complexity to the dish. Try incorporating hoisin sauce, black bean sauce, or chili sauce to give your dish a unique twist.
Incorporate Umami-Rich Ingredients
Boost the umami factor in your stir-fried rice cakes by adding ingredients like dried shiitake mushrooms, Chinese cabbage, dried shrimp, or Chinese sausage. These ingredients will contribute rich and savory flavors that complement the rice cake beautifully.
Play With Textures
To enhance the appeal of your dish, introduce contrasting textures that add an intriguing element. Consider incorporating crunchy vegetables such as baby bok choy, baby corn, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots to elevate the overall experience. For a delightful crunch, you can also top the stir-fried rice cake with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts.
Explore Different Protein Options
While shrimp is popular, you can switch up the protein in your Shanghai rice cake dish. Try using thinly sliced chicken breast, thin slices of beef, or tofu as alternatives. Marinate the protein in flavorful sauces or spices before stir-frying for an extra burst of flavor.
Experiment With Fusion Flavors
If you're feeling adventurous, try incorporating fusion flavors into your stir-fried rice cake dish. Experiment with ingredients from other cuisines, such as Thai basil, curry powder, or Korean gochujang sauce, to create a fusion twist that will tantalize your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Rice Cake Instead Of Dried Rice Cake?
Yes, fresh rice cake is a common choice for making Shanghai stir-fried rice cake. Fresh rice cake is softer and doesn't require pre-soaking like dried rice cake. However, if you prefer dried rice cake, soak it beforehand to soften it.
How Do I Prevent The Rice Cake From Sticking To The Pan?
To prevent the rice cake from sticking to the pan, it is crucial to ensure that your pan or wok is adequately greased before adding the ingredients. Use enough oil to coat the pan, and keep the heat at a medium-high level to stir-fry the rice cake quickly and evenly.
Can I Customize The Ingredients In Shanghai Stir-Fried Rice Cake?
Absolutely! Shanghai stir-fried rice cake offers versatility, allowing for customization based on individual preferences. You can add various vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms, as well as protein options such as shrimp, pork, or chicken. Make adjustments to the seasoning and sauces based on your personal taste preferences.
How Do I Soften Shanghai Rice Cakes If It's Too Hard?
If the Shanghai rice cakes are too hard, you can soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them before cooking. Ensure you separate the rice cake slices to prevent them from sticking together.
Is Shanghai Stir-Fried Rice Cake Gluten-Free?
Shanghai stir-fried rice cake can be gluten-free if the ingredients used are gluten-free. However, it's important to check the labels of store-bought rice cakes and sauces to ensure they are gluten-free. If making the rice cake from scratch, use gluten-free rice flour. In addition to rice cakes, be sure to use gluten-free oyster sauce and other sauces.
How To Make Shanghai Rice Cakes Vegan Friendly?
You can create a delicious vegan version of Shanghai rice cakes by ensuring that the rice cake, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce are vegan-friendly. This dish maintains its characteristic chewy texture and flavorful stir-fried goodness while being suitable for a vegan diet.
Where Can You Get Asian Rice Cakes?
Local Asian grocery stores are the best place to find a wide variety of Asian rice cakes. They usually have a dedicated section for rice products and will likely carry different types of rice cakes, including Shanghai rice cakes.
