why make this recipe
Steamed Rice Cake, also known as Rice Cake, is a delicious treat perfect for celebrations or snacks. This recipe is simple and uses common ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. The wonderfully soft and slightly sticky texture makes it a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Plus, it can be served plain or dressed up with toppings, making it versatile for different tastes.
how to make Steamed Rice Cake
Ingredients:
- 500g rice flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 3⁄4 cups water
- 400ml coconut milk or water
- 1 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1⁄2 tsp dry yeast
Directions:
- In a bowl, add 500g rice flour, reserving 1⁄2 cup for later.
- Add sugar and water to the bowl, mixing well to combine. Set aside.
- In a pan, combine the reserved 1⁄2 cup rice flour and coconut milk.
- Mix well and heat on low. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes sticky.
- Pour this sticky mixture immediately over the rice flour mixture while it’s hot.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Add baking powder and yeast, stirring until fully combined.
- Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let it rest for 45 minutes, or until you see bubbling on the surface.
- Stir the mixture again, then pour it into the molder.
- Fill the steamer with water and place the molder inside.
- Cover the steamer with a cloth to prevent water from dripping onto the cake.
- Steam the cake: if using a small molder, steam for about 5 minutes; for medium size, steam for 8-10 minutes; and for large size, steam for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
how to serve Steamed Rice Cake
Steamed Rice Cake can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings. You can serve it plain, sprinkle some grated coconut on top, or even drizzle with a bit of honey or syrup for extra sweetness. It pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.
how to store Steamed Rice Cake
To store leftover Steamed Rice Cake, let it cool completely and place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply steam it for a few minutes or microwave it until warm.
tips to make Steamed Rice Cake
- Make sure to stir continuously when heating the coconut milk mixture to avoid lumps.
- Allow enough resting time for the batter to rise. This gives the cake its airy texture.
- Use a clear lid for the steamer if possible, so you can check on the cake without letting steam escape.
variation
You can add different flavors to the rice cake by mixing in pandan extract or using different types of milk like almond or soy milk for a variation.
FAQs
Q: Can I use whole grain rice flour instead of regular rice flour?
A: Yes, whole grain rice flour can be used, but the texture might be slightly different.
Q: Is it necessary to let the batter rest for 45 minutes?
A: Yes, resting is important for the yeast to activate and create a light texture in the cake.
Q: What should I do if I don’t have a steamer?
A: You can create a makeshift steamer by placing a heatproof dish on a pot filled with boiling water, ensuring the dish does not touch the water. Cover it to create steam.

Steamed Rice Cake
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, add 500g rice flour, reserving 1/2 cup for later.
- Add sugar and water to the bowl, mixing well to combine. Set aside.
- In a pan, combine the reserved 1/2 cup rice flour and coconut milk.
- Mix well and heat on low. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes sticky.
- Pour this sticky mixture immediately over the rice flour mixture while it’s hot.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Add baking powder and yeast, stirring until fully combined.
- Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let it rest for 45 minutes, or until you see bubbling on the surface.
- Stir the mixture again, then pour it into the molder.
- Fill the steamer with water and place the molder inside.
- Cover the steamer with a cloth to prevent water from dripping onto the cake.
- Steam the cake: if using a small molder, steam for about 5 minutes; for medium size, steam for 8-10 minutes; and for large size, steam for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.