Nian Gao 年糕 translates to mean “New Year Cake” and is a sticky rice cake that symbolizes prosperity and good luck. We often give it as a gift to family and friends. Traditionally, this rice cake is steamed for 3 hours and results in a delicious, chewy dessert. However, this gluten free nian gao is made in a pressure cooker in just an hour!
This Gluten Free Nian Gao Recipe Can Be Made:
- Corn Free – it naturally already is!
- Dairy Free – it naturally already is!
- Gluten Free – it naturally already is!
- Peanut Free – it naturally already is!
- Soy Free – it naturally already is!
- Tree Nut Free – it naturally already is!
- Vegan – it naturally already is!
- Vegetarian – it naturally already is!
What You’ll Need For This Gluten Free Nian Gao
- Brown Sugar – light or brown sugar will work for this recipe!
- Glutinous Rice Flour – also known as “mochiko flour” or “sweet rice flour”
- Neutral Oil – choose an oil light in flavor such as vegetable, avocado, or grapeseed
- Date – used for decoration
What is Glutinous Rice Flour?
Despite the name, glutinous rice is naturally gluten-free and is made from a unique type of rice flour. has a chewy and sticky texture. Glutinous rice flour results in a very chewy and sticky texture and is not a substitute for rice flour.
Other names for glutinous rice flour:
- mochiko flour
- sweet rice flour
Where to Buy Glutinous Rice Flour?
Glutinous rice flour is a staple ingredient in many asian households and should be readily available at your local Asian Market. Shopping for glutinous rice flour is often 2-3 times cheaper at these Asian markets then if I were to purchase them online.
My Favorite Glutinous Rice Flour Brands:
How To Store Gluten Free Nian Gao:
Allow the nian gao to cool completely before cutting. Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 1 week or in the fridge for up to 1 month.
How To Reheat Gluten Free Nian Gao:
Place a serving (or desired amount) on a plate and heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
Gluten Free Lunar New Year Cake (年糕 Nian Gao)
Equipment
- 1 Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
- 2-¼ cups water
- 1 lb glutinous rice flour (also known as sweet rice flour or mochiko flour)
- 3 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, grapeseed)
- sesame seeds
- 1 date (pitted, cut in half)
Instructions
- Add brown sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat, and stir. Continue to heat until the mixture simmers. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl add the glutinous rice flour.
- Add sugar mixture into the mixing bowl and whisk. Add oil and continue to whisk until smooth
- Line a 8-inch pan with parchment paper (I find crumpling the paper helps with fitting it into the pan). Pour the mixture into the pan.
- Pour 1 cup water into your pressure cooker and insert a steaming rack. Place pan on top of the steaming rack. Close the lid and cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 60 MINUTES. Allow for pressure to release naturally.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the gas while it is still warm. Add date in the middle for decoration.
- Allow for the Nian Gao to COOL COMPLETELY before cutting. Can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for up to 1 week or in the fridge for up to 1 month. Microwave for 10-15 seconds before eating.
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