There’s something truly comforting about the gentle aroma of warm, sweet treats wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? That nostalgic feeling hit me when I first made these Chewy Sticky Sesame Rice Cakes with Nutty Black Sesame Filling. The delightful chewy texture paired with a rich, black sesame filling was an unexpected revelation—one that transformed my afternoon snack routine into a culinary adventure.
Whether you’re seeking a cozy dessert to wind down after a long day or simply want to treat yourself to something special, these rice cakes deliver on both taste and happiness. Easy to prepare at home, they provide a nutty, satisfying bite that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Plus, with their gluten-free options, these delightful treats cater to a variety of dietary preferences without skimping on flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe that makes every bite a joyful experience!
Why are Glutinous Rice Cakes with Sweet Black Sesame Filling so special?
Comforting Aroma: The moment you start cooking these rice cakes, the warm, inviting scent of black sesame fills your kitchen, instantly making you feel at home.
Chewy Delight: Their unique chewy texture paired with the rich filling creates a perfect balance that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm as a dessert or snack, or even cooled for a refreshing treat later.
Easy to Prepare: Perfect for home cooks of all levels, the process is simple and can even involve kids as helpers!
Gluten-Free Options: With just a few adjustments, these rice cakes can effortlessly fit into a gluten-free lifestyle, ensuring everyone can indulge.
Want to explore more comforting flavors? Check out my guide on gluten-free desserts for more delicious inspiration!
Glutinous Rice Cakes with Sweet Black Sesame Filling
• Discover the deliciousness that awaits with these ingredients!
For the Cake
- Glutinous Rice – Essential for that chewy texture; remember to rinse and soak overnight for the best results.
- Lard (melted) – Provides a luxurious mouthfeel; can be swapped with vegetable oil for a lighter touch.
- Cooking Oil (for frying) – Ensures the cakes turn crispy and golden; choose an oil with a high smoke point for frying.
For the Filling
- Roasted Black Sesame – This nutty star gives the filling its rich flavor; grind it for a smoother texture.
- White Sugar – Sweetens the filling beautifully; alternatively, honey or agave gives a unique twist to the sweetness.
This recipe for Glutinous Rice Cakes with Sweet Black Sesame Filling is truly a delight, perfect for any occasion!
How to Make Glutinous Rice Cakes with Sweet Black Sesame Filling
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Prepare the Rice: Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water overnight for 8-12 hours, ensuring it softens for the perfect chewy texture.
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Steam the Rice: Once soaked, drain the rice and transfer it to a steamer lined with cheesecloth. Steam for 30-40 minutes, or until the grains are tender and sticky.
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Make the Filling: Blend the roasted black sesame with white sugar until finely ground. Mix in melted lard to create a smooth, rich paste that will fill your rice cakes with delightful flavor.
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Form the Dough: After the cooked rice cools slightly, transfer it to a kneading mat. Knead until smooth, then divide the dough into 30-40g portions for perfect bite-sized treats.
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Wrap the Filling: Take each dough piece and flatten it out in your palm. Place 10-15g of the black sesame filling in the center, wrap it up, seal it into a ball, then flatten gently into a disc shape.
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Pan-Fry the Cakes: Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the rice cakes for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Optional: Serve dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Glutinous Rice Cakes with Sweet Black Sesame Filling
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Room Temperature: Keep leftover rice cakes in an airtight container, where they can be stored for up to 2 days. This will maintain their chewy texture without becoming stale.
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Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the rice cakes in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat them lightly in a skillet to regain some of their original crispness.
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Freezer: These glutinous rice cakes freeze beautifully! Wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap and place in a sealed freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months! Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: To enjoy your rice cakes again, pan-fry them on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until warm and golden brown, to revive that delightful crispy exterior.
Glutinous Rice Cakes Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delicious rice cakes, customizing them to suit your taste buds!
- Nutty Swap: Replace black sesame with white sesame seeds for a lighter flavor profile that’s just as satisfying.
- Sweet Surprise: Use sweet red bean paste in place of black sesame filling for a twist that brings a hint of traditional sweetness.
- Fruity Fusion: Try adding chopped fruit preserves like mango or lychee to the filling for a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix a dash of chili oil or powder into the sesame filling for a delightful heat that contrasts with the sweetness perfectly.
- Vegan-Friendly: Substitute melted lard with coconut oil and swap sugar for maple syrup in the filling to make this recipe entirely plant-based.
- Texture Twist: For an added crunch, incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or peanuts into the filling for a delightful bite.
- Flavor Boost: Infuse the steamed rice with a hint of coconut cream for a deliciously tropical taste that pairs beautifully with the sesame filling.
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Stay completely gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients used, including the cooking oil and any sweeteners, meet gluten-free standards.
Expert Tips for Glutinous Rice Cakes
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Soaking Time Matters: Rinse and soak the glutinous rice overnight; this ensures it’s sufficiently hydrated for that perfect chewy texture in your rice cakes.
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Heat Control: Keep the frying oil at medium heat. Too high may burn the cakes, while too low will make them greasy.
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Cool Before Kneading: Allow the steamed rice to cool slightly before kneading; this prevents burns and helps achieve a smoother dough consistency.
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Filling Consistency: Ensure the black sesame filling is smooth to avoid uneven distribution; this makes biting into the rice cakes a delightful experience!
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Storage Tips: For best results, store leftover glutinous rice cakes in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within two days.
These tips will have you crafting the best Glutinous Rice Cakes with Sweet Black Sesame Filling!
What to Serve with Glutinous Rice Cakes with Sweet Black Sesame Filling?
Pair these luscious rice cakes with delightful sides and drinks to create a memorable meal experience that warms the heart.
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Jasmine Tea: The floral notes of jasmine tea beautifully complement the nutty richness of the black sesame filling, offering a refreshing contrast with every sip.
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Sweetened Soy Milk: This creamy beverage enhances the sweetness of the rice cakes, making for a comforting combo that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: The crunch of well-fried spring rolls creates an exciting texture contrast, adding a savory touch to your sweet treats and tempting your taste buds even more.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of juicy fruits like mango, berries, and citrus balances the rich flavors, adding a refreshing and healthful touch to your dessert platter.
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Sesame Seeds Garnish: Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds over the rice cakes enhances their visual appeal and adds extra crunch, bursting with toasted flavor.
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Mango Sticky Rice: For a more indulgent dessert experience, serving alongside mango sticky rice creates a dreamy double dose of chewy, sweet goodness that’s heavenly.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to find your perfect pairing!
Make Ahead Options
These Chewy Sticky Sesame Rice Cakes with Nutty Black Sesame Filling are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the glutinous rice up to 24 hours in advance by soaking it overnight, ensuring it’s ready for steaming. Additionally, the black sesame filling can be made a few days ahead (up to 3 days) and stored in the refrigerator; just be sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your rice cakes, simply steam the soaked rice, wrap it around your prepared filling, and pan-fry until golden brown. This way, you’ll have a comforting treat ready in no time, perfect for any occasion!
Glutinous Rice Cakes with Sweet Black Sesame Filling Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best glutinous rice for my cakes?
Absolutely! Look for high-quality glutinous rice specifically labeled for dessert-making. You want grains that are plump and slightly sticky. Avoid any rice with dark spots or an off-smell, as this indicates staleness. For the best results, always rinse and soak your rice overnight.
What’s the best way to store leftover rice cakes?
You can store leftover glutinous rice cakes at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them even later, freeze the individual cakes wrapped in plastic wrap in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw in the fridge and reheat in a skillet for that delightful crispy texture!
Can I freeze these rice cakes? If so, how?
Very much so! Freezing these glutinous rice cakes is a great option. After cooling, wrap each rice cake individually in plastic wrap and place them all in a freezer-safe bag. Take care to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat them in a pan on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until warm and crispy.
What should I do if my rice cakes stick to the pan while frying?
If your rice cakes are sticking, it typically means the cooking oil isn’t hot enough yet. Ensure the oil is preheated before adding the cakes—aim for a medium heat level. If they do stick, gently loosen them with a spatula, and resist the urge to flip them too soon. Frying for about 5-7 minutes should deliver that crispy finish without sticking!
Are these rice cakes suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! The glutinous rice cakes can be made gluten-free by ensuring you use gluten-free vegetable oils instead of lard. However, the key ingredient, glutinous rice, is naturally gluten-free. If allergies to sesame exist, feel free to substitute the black sesame filling with alternatives such as sweet bean paste or other seed options. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they align with dietary needs.
What can I serve with my rice cakes for a special touch?
Pairing these rice cakes with a cup of hot tea makes for a lovely experience! You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar or serve them alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the rice cakes. The more the merrier when it comes to sharing them with friends and family!
Sweet Glutinous Rice Cakes with Rich Black Sesame Filling
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water overnight for 8-12 hours.
- Drain the rice and transfer it to a steamer lined with cheesecloth. Steam for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and sticky.
- Blend the roasted black sesame with white sugar until finely ground. Mix in melted lard to create a smooth paste.
- Transfer the cooked rice to a kneading mat. Knead until smooth, then divide the dough into 30-40g portions.
- Flatten each dough piece in your palm. Place 10-15g of filling in the center, wrap it up, and seal it into a ball, flattening gently.
- Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the rice cakes for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.