Nian gao, also known as Chinese New Year cake, is a traditional Chinese dish made from sticky rice flour. It is sweet, sticky and commonly used in Chinese cuisine, particularly during the Chinese New Year.

What does nian gao taste like?

Nian gao has a mildly sweet taste. When freshly made, it has a sticky and soft texture. When aged, it becomes firm and can be sliced.

Is nian gao gluten-free?

Yes, nian gao is gluten-free as it is made from glutinous rice flour which does not contain gluten.

How do you pronounce nian gao?

Nian gao is pronounced as 'nyen gow'.

What is the symbolism of nian gao in Chinese culture?

Nian gao is associated with Chinese New Year and is considered a symbol of increasing prosperity, as 'nian gao' is a homonym for 'higher year'. Eating it is seen as raising one's status in the coming year.

How long does nian gao last?

If properly stored, nian gao can be kept for about two weeks at room temperature or up to a month in the refrigerator.

How does one prepare nian gao?

Traditionally, nian gao is steamed in a bamboo steamer. It can also be sliced and pan-fried, often with egg.

Where can I buy nian gao?

You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

Is nian gao suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

The traditional recipe of nian gao is suitable for vegetarians and vegans as it doesn't contain any animal products.

Can nian gao be frozen?

Yes, nian gao can be frozen and it can generally keep in the freezer for up to six months.

Why is nian gao sticky?

Nian gao is sticky because it is made from glutinous rice flour, which is known for its adhesive and elastic properties.

Can I make nian gao at home?

Yes, nian gao can be made at home with the right ingredients and recipe.

What are the ingredients of nian gao?

The basic ingredients for nian gao are glutinous rice flour, water, and sugar. Some variations of the recipe may include other ingredients like red bean paste or coconut milk.

Is nian gao the same as mochi?

No, nian gao and mochi are different. While both are made from glutinous rice, nian gao is a Chinese dish and mochi is a Japanese dish and they are prepared in different ways.

Nian gao is relatively high in calories and carbs due to the sugar and glutinous rice flour. However, it is low in fat and a source of instant energy.

Can diabetics eat nian gao?

Generally, nian gao is high in sugar and may not be suitable for diabetics. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into a diabetic diet.

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Popular recipes

Rice Cooker Nian Gao

This recipe adds the perfect consistency to the nian gao in a foolproof and easy method. Uniquely, this dish uses a rice cooker and some staple Asian ingredients such as brown sugar and sesame oil to transform the texture and flavor of nian gao. To increase authenticity, use pandan leaves for a sweet and unique aroma.

Instant Pot Nian Gao Soup

This hearty nian gao soup is quick and easy, thanks to the Instant Pot. The dish is made flavorful with the use of soy sauce and scallions. A dash of white pepper adds warmth and depth to the soup, making it a perfect comfort food for cold days.

Stir-Fried Nian Gao with Vegetables

In less than 30 minutes, create a colorful and tasty stir-fried nian gao with veggies using a stir-fry pan. The crispiness of fresh vegetables adds a contrasting texture against the chewy nian gao. With a simple seasoning of oyster sauce and garlic, it doesn't get more Asian than this.

Steamed Nian Gao with Red Bean Paste

For a sweet twist, try this steamed nian gao with red bean paste which is a dessert favorite in many Asian countries. The sweet and creamy red bean paste complements the chewy texture of nian gao while desiccated coconut gives an additional exotic taste.

Nian Gao with Sweet Soy Sauce

This version introduces a sweet twist to the classic nian gao, using sweet soy sauce and sesame seeds for a delightful variation. The sweet soy sauce not only adds a golden glaze to the nian gao but also brings an interesting sweet and salty taste to the dish.

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Frequently asked questions

What is nian gao?
Nian gao, also known as Chinese New Year cake, is a traditional Chinese dish made from sticky rice flour. It is sweet, sticky and commonly used in Chinese cuisine, particularly during the Chinese New Year.
Is nian gao gluten-free?
Yes, nian gao is gluten-free as it is made from glutinous rice flour which does not contain gluten.
What is the symbolism of nian gao in Chinese culture?
Nian gao is associated with Chinese New Year and is considered a symbol of increasing prosperity, as 'nian gao' is a homonym for 'higher year'. Eating it is seen as raising one's status in the coming year.
How does one prepare nian gao?
Traditionally, nian gao is steamed in a bamboo steamer. It can also be sliced and pan-fried, often with egg.
Is nian gao suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
The traditional recipe of nian gao is suitable for vegetarians and vegans as it doesn't contain any animal products.
Why is nian gao sticky?
Nian gao is sticky because it is made from glutinous rice flour, which is known for its adhesive and elastic properties.
What are the ingredients of nian gao?
The basic ingredients for nian gao are glutinous rice flour, water, and sugar. Some variations of the recipe may include other ingredients like red bean paste or coconut milk.
Is nian gao healthy?
Nian gao is relatively high in calories and carbs due to the sugar and glutinous rice flour. However, it is low in fat and a source of instant energy.

What does nian gao taste like?
Nian gao has a mildly sweet taste. When freshly made, it has a sticky and soft texture. When aged, it becomes firm and can be sliced.
How do you pronounce nian gao?
Nian gao is pronounced as 'nyen gow'.
How long does nian gao last?
If properly stored, nian gao can be kept for about two weeks at room temperature or up to a month in the refrigerator.
Where can I buy nian gao?
You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.
Can nian gao be frozen?
Yes, nian gao can be frozen and it can generally keep in the freezer for up to six months.
Can I make nian gao at home?
Yes, nian gao can be made at home with the right ingredients and recipe.
Is nian gao the same as mochi?
No, nian gao and mochi are different. While both are made from glutinous rice, nian gao is a Chinese dish and mochi is a Japanese dish and they are prepared in different ways.
Can diabetics eat nian gao?
Generally, nian gao is high in sugar and may not be suitable for diabetics. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into a diabetic diet.

Like Like Like
sola
The rice cakes are chewy and delicious!
Slzl
I buy it because the kids like it.
MiyeonKwon
Thinly sliced but chewy. Best if you pan cook it and put brown sugar on top!
Mimi
Can’t get enough of these!!!
albertodalpino
Suddenly I have a craving for rice cakes, especially rice cakes boiled in brown sugar water—sweet, soft, and chewy.
蛋黄酱酱酱
It was delivered packaged with an ice pack, with the vacuum seal intact.
rana.kwon
It's great for making rice cake soup. It's also good for making tteokbokki because the seasoning soaks in well. I am repurchasing this.
Mandumandu
The rice cake slices here are chewy and delicious.
Minimani
this is one of my fav.. is great
Rhonalyn
Try this festive coconut rice cake!
Weee.123
Yummy tikoy
Bre_anne
Sliced and pan-fried until crispy, it's not bad, but it's a bit sweet.
cindy
pan fried this with some egg. I know coconut is not the traditional choice but my kids think this is nice and tasty.
weee.123
Arrived frozen. Thawing it now, can’t wait to try them!
Robelle
Pan-frying them makes them delicious! They're chewy, bouncy, and soft!
Zoezang
The packaging is beautiful and has a festive feel.
weee.17121087
This time I bought coconut rice cakes, and last time I bought brown sugar rice cakes. They were soft and delicious after frying, but they were too sweet. Less sugar is healthier.
weee.9406108
Didn’t know that it is this small! Anyway, it’s only for Chinese new year
langluik
First time buying I hope it tastes good when fried
Phung Thai
Like Like Like
sola
Quality item
weee.16670026
Stir-fried rice cakes are delicious. First, microwave for one minute, then add oil, salt, soy sauce, chili, and vegetables and stir-fry for another two minutes.
weee.16831940
Best of the best!
Vanessa
Packaged well, good for quick dishes
Cynthia
Big bag, arrived still totally frozen! Can't wait
firefly_42_19
It's chewy and delicious, so it tastes even better when made into tteokbokki.
박효현
I really enjoyed the meal.
욱진
So tasty and good quality would definitely buy again.
Belinda
It arrived slightly thawed, but that actually made it easier to portion out and freeze. As expected, it is the most convenient and best tteokbokki rice cake, so I reorder it several times.
weee.13890838
The taste of my childhood, I miss it so much!
Yuliii
I pan-fry small rice cakes with eggs; they're soft, chewy, and less sweet. They taste even better if you use an air fryer. I buy several every New Year and pile them up at home.
June
I buy these to make fried rice cakes every Chinese New Year; they're super delicious!
Monica
It's about the size of a palm, much easier than making it yourself.
红气球
It's smaller than I expected, but it's only once a year, I guess!
weee.16583843
The packaging is beautiful; I hope it tastes great too.
weee.17121087
This is a perfect size for just 1-2 people. Have to save it for BaiBai so can't open to try it yet.
dadutzit
A good size, perfect for 9 servings. This will go well with either coffee or tea.
marianucum8
It's heavy and very dense, and cheaper than what my friend bought in Chinatown. I bought some frying powder; I'll fry it later.
weee.9464181
No need to coat with flour, just air fry at 180C for 8 minutes. It's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with a rich brown sugar flavor.
Weee6879
Store at room temperature; I bought four packs at once.
Bess
Great rice cakes! The stir-fried rice cakes have a soft and chewy texture. I ate one bag and came back for more!
YUMI
It can be stored at room temperature and tastes great.
gffhgfv
It's so good!
JJ
I've bought this rice cake many times; it tastes great.
　vivi
I've repurchased it multiple times; the quality is excellent.
Jun
I've bought it multiple times; the quality is good.
Jun
The shredded pork stir-fried with rice cakes tastes good.
xinkuangshenyi
The rice cake looks delicious! I'll share my taste experience with everyone after I try it.
HXF
Delicious, I love it, I always buy it again, convenient and fast.
weee.10668367