Best Easy Deep Fried Nian Gao Recipe

Crispy deep-fried nian gao with a golden shell and gooey center is an indulgent festive treat. A family favorite during Chinese New Year celebrations.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 290 kcal
#vegetarian #festive dessert #chinese new year
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • nian gao (sticky rice cake) 12 oz
  • all-purpose flour 1 cup
  • cornstarch 0.25 cup
  • large egg 1 pieces
  • cold water 0.75 cup
  • neutral oil (for frying) 3 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • sugar 1 tbsp
  • salt 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 52 g 72%
Protein 2 g 3%
Fat 8 g 25%
Serving size 90g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Cut the nian gao into ½-inch thick slices for even frying and set aside.

  2. 2

    In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Whisk briefly to blend.

  3. 3

    Add the egg and cold water to the dry mixture, whisking until a smooth, lump-free batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to coat the nian gao.

  4. 4

    Heat the neutral oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 350°F (use a kitchen thermometer for best results).

  5. 5

    Dip each nian gao slice into the batter, ensuring a full even coat, then gently lower into the hot oil.

  6. 6

    Fry batches of nian gao for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and crisp on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pan.

  7. 7

    Transfer fried pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, and allow to cool slightly before enjoying for the ideal gooey texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Deep Fried Nian Gao recipe?
The star ingredient is nian gao, a sweet glutinous rice cake that delivers a delightfully chewy center after frying. Its unique sticky and stretchy texture, especially when paired with a crispy batter coating, is what defines this festive treat.
Q. What oil temperature is best for frying nian gao?
Maintaining an oil temperature of around 350°F is ideal. This ensures the batter crisps quickly for a golden shell, while the nian gao inside softens to a delicious gooey texture without absorbing too much oil.
Q. How can I keep the batter crispy and prevent sogginess?
Use a mixture of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for the batter. Cornstarch enhances crispness, while frying in batches and draining on paper towels helps remove excess oil and keeps each piece crispy.
Q. How many calories and how much carbohydrates does each serving contain?
Each 90g serving provides about 290 kcal, with approximately 52g of carbohydrates. This high carb content gives it its characteristic chewy texture and makes it an energizing festive snack.
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