How to Make Steamed Rice Cake: A Healthier and Delicious Alternative to Boiling

Rice cakes are a staple in many cultures around the world, enjoyed for their simplicity, versatility, and light texture. While most people are familiar with boiling rice cakes, steaming them can offer a softer, more delicate consistency, while preserving the natural flavor of the rice. Whether you’re preparing traditional Asian-style rice cakes or experimenting with new variations, steaming is an excellent method to elevate this dish. In this blog, we’ll explore how to make steamed rice cake, step by step, and why it’s a fantastic alternative to boiling.

What Are Rice Cakes?

Rice cakes are typically made from glutinous rice or regular rice that’s cooked and pressed together to form compact, bite-sized pieces. Depending on the recipe, they can be savory or sweet and often serve as a snack, dessert, or even a meal. Steaming rice cakes rather than boiling them allows for better preservation of their texture and flavor, creating a soft, chewy, and moist result.

Why Steaming Rice Cakes is the Best Method

Steaming rice cakes offers several advantages over boiling:

Preserves Flavor: Steaming locks in the rice’s natural flavors without diluting them in water.
Better Texture: Steamed rice cakes turn out softer and stickier, giving them a more desirable chewy texture.
Healthier Option: Steaming requires no added fats or oils, making it a cleaner method for cooking rice cakes.
Moisture Retention: Steaming helps retain moisture in the rice cakes, ensuring they stay soft and tender after cooking.

With all these benefits, it’s no wonder why steaming has become the preferred method in many traditional rice cake recipes.

How to Make Steamed Rice Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients:

2 cups glutinous rice or regular rice
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
Water (for soaking and steaming)
Banana leaves or parchment paper (optional, for wrapping)

Instructions:

Soak the Rice:
- Start by washing the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This step softens the grains and ensures they cook evenly.
- If using glutinous rice, soak it for a longer period, as it requires more time to absorb the water and soften.
Prepare the Steamer:
- Set up your steamer by filling the bottom with water and bring it to a boil. If you don’t have a traditional bamboo steamer, you can use a metal steaming rack or a heatproof bowl placed inside a large pot of boiling water.
- Make sure the steaming surface is lined with banana leaves, parchment paper, or a clean cloth to prevent the rice cakes from sticking.
Shape the Rice Cakes:
- After soaking, drain the rice and transfer it to a food processor. Pulse it lightly to break the rice into smaller pieces, but not so much that it becomes a paste. The rice should still have texture.
- If you prefer, you can also manually shape the rice into small, round cakes or use a mold to create uniform shapes.
Steam the Rice Cakes:
- Arrange the rice cakes on the steaming surface, making sure they aren’t crowded to allow steam to circulate around each piece.
- Cover the steamer and steam the rice cakes for 20-30 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. Check the cakes halfway through and add more water to the steamer if necessary to keep the steam flowing.
- You’ll know the rice cakes are ready when they turn glossy and tender, with a slight bounce to the texture.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the rice cakes are steamed, remove them from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy them as-is or top them with your favorite ingredients like sweet coconut milk, savory sauces, or even sautéed vegetables.

Tips for Making Perfect Steamed Rice Cakes

Use the Right Type of Rice:
- While regular rice works well for many rice cake recipes, glutinous rice (also called sticky rice) yields the best texture for soft, chewy rice cakes. The higher starch content of glutinous rice helps the cakes stay moist and tender.
Add Flavor:
- Rice cakes don’t have to be plain. Consider adding flavorings like pandan leaves, coconut milk, or a pinch of salt to the rice before steaming. For a savory twist, you can incorporate ingredients like garlic, ginger, or soy sauce into the rice mixture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Steamer:
- When steaming rice cakes, give them enough space so that steam can circulate evenly. This ensures that all the rice cakes cook uniformly and prevents them from becoming mushy.
Check the Water Level:
- Ensure there is enough water in the steamer throughout the cooking process. If the water level is too low, it can affect the steaming process, and the rice cakes might not cook properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Steamed Rice Cakes

Q1: Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice? Yes, you can use regular rice for making rice cakes. However, glutinous rice is preferred for its sticky and chewy texture, which is what makes rice cakes so delicious.

Q2: How do I store steamed rice cakes? Store leftover rice cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply steam them for a few minutes to restore their softness.

Q3: Can I make flavored rice cakes? Absolutely! You can infuse your rice cakes with flavors by adding ingredients like coconut milk, pandan leaves, or spices such as cinnamon or cardamom to the rice mixture before steaming.

Q4: How can I make my rice cakes crispy? If you prefer crispy rice cakes, you can lightly pan-fry them after steaming. Heat a little oil in a pan and cook the rice cakes until golden brown on both sides.

Conclusion

Steaming rice cakes is an easy and healthier way to enjoy this beloved dish. By following these simple steps, you can create delicious, tender rice cakes that retain all their natural flavor and texture. Whether you enjoy them sweet or savory, steamed rice cakes are a versatile treat that can be customized to suit any taste. So, next time you’re craving rice cakes, skip the boiling and opt for steaming—you won’t be disappointed!