Asians > Chinese > Chinese Desserts

Nian Gao Fritters Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1 cup chopped nian gao (Chinese New Year cake)
- Oil for frying

Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together water and egg.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.

4. Fold in the chopped nian gao.

5. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

6. Using a tablespoon, drop the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

7. Remove the fritters from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

8. Serve hot and enjoy!


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
Makes about 12 fritters

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer flavor.
- If you don't have nian gao, you can substitute with chopped mochi or sweet potato.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top of the fritters for a sweet finish.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure crispy fritters.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when frying to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil to prevent them from breaking apart.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the fritters on a platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and fresh berries on top.
- Arrange them in a basket lined with a cloth napkin for a casual presentation.

Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Honey or maple syrup

Pairings:
- Hot tea or coffee
- Fresh fruit juice

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed vegetables
- Fried rice

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the batter is too thick, add a little more water until it reaches a pancake batter consistency.
- If the fritters are too greasy, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil to avoid burns.
- Make sure the nian gao is fully cooked before adding it to the batter.

Food history:
- Nian gao is a traditional Chinese New Year cake made from glutinous rice flour and sugar. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet and chewy with a crispy exterior.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert or snack during Chinese New Year celebrations.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Chinese

Taste: Sweet, Savory, Crunchy, Nutty