Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4
Soft, chewy, and delightfully warming, Tangyuan (汤圆) is a traditional Chinese dessert symbolizing unity and togetherness. These glutinous rice balls, often filled with black sesame or peanut paste, are served in a fragrant ginger syrup—making them a comforting treat for Lunar New Year, Lantern Festival, or anytime you crave a sweet, nostalgic bite!
Ingredients For Tangyuan
🔥 For the Tangyuan:
☑ 1 cup glutinous rice flour 🍚
☑ ½ cup warm water 💧
☑ Food coloring (optional) 🎨
🔥 For the Filling (Choose One):
☑ ¼ cup black sesame seeds + 2 tbsp sugar + 2 tbsp melted butter 🖤
☑ ¼ cup peanut butter + 2 tbsp powdered sugar 🥜
🔥 For the Ginger Syrup:
☑ 3 cups water 💧
☑ ½ cup rock sugar or brown sugar 🍯
☑ 5-6 slices fresh ginger 🫚
☑ 2 pandan leaves (optional) 🍃
👩🍳 Cooking Steps For Tangyuan
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Filling
1️⃣ Toast black sesame seeds (if using) until fragrant, then grind into a paste with sugar and melted butter.
2️⃣ If using peanut butter, mix with powdered sugar until smooth.
3️⃣ Roll into small balls and freeze for 15 minutes.
🔥 Step 2: Make the Dough
1️⃣ Mix glutinous rice flour with warm water, kneading until a smooth, soft dough forms.
2️⃣ Divide and color the dough if desired.
3️⃣ Pinch off small pieces, flatten, and wrap around the frozen filling. Roll into smooth balls.
🔥 Step 3: Cook the Tangyuan
1️⃣ Bring a pot of water to a boil and gently drop in the rice balls.
2️⃣ Cook until they float to the surface (about 5 minutes).
🔥 Step 4: Prepare the Ginger Syrup
1️⃣ In another pot, bring water, rock sugar, ginger, and pandan leaves to a simmer.
2️⃣ Let it steep for 10 minutes, then remove the ginger slices and pandan leaves.
🔥 Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
1️⃣ Ladle warm ginger syrup into bowls and add the cooked Tangyuan.
2️⃣ Enjoy while hot for the perfect balance of chewy, nutty, and warming sweetness!
🏮✨ Soft, chewy, and infused with warm ginger spice, Tangyuan is a dessert steeped in tradition and joy! Whether for a festival or just a cozy evening treat, this classic dish will bring comfort and good fortune to your table! 🥄💛
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