Are you searching for a delicious Chinese dessert recipe that is both light and nutritious? Look no further! In this article, we will explore various mouthwatering options that will satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving you feeling weighed down. Whether you prefer fruity delights, traditional classics, or unique twists on beloved recipes, there is sure to be a dessert that suits your taste buds perfectly. So, let’s dive into the world of Chinese desserts and discover the perfect recipe for you! Sure, I’d be happy to help! Chinese desserts are known for their unique flavors and textures, and there are plenty of options that are both delicious and nutritious. In this article, we will explore traditional Chinese desserts as well as modern, healthier alternatives. From tangyuan to mango pudding, there are plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. So let’s dive in and discover some delightful Chinese desserts together!
Traditional Chinese Desserts
Tangyuan
Tangyuan, also known as glutinous rice balls, are a popular traditional Chinese dessert often enjoyed during festivals like the Lantern Festival. These small, chewy balls are typically filled with sweet sesame, red bean paste, or peanut butter. They are typically served in a sweet ginger syrup that adds a warming touch to the dish.
Mooncakes
Mooncakes are a classic Chinese dessert that are traditionally enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These round pastries are filled with various sweet or savory fillings, such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks. The intricate and decorative designs on the mooncakes make them a visual delight as well.
Sesame Balls
Sesame balls, also known as jian dui, are deep-fried pastries made with glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet lotus seed or red bean paste. The crispy outer layer of the sesame balls contrasts beautifully with the gooey and flavorful filling inside. These little treats are a popular snack and dessert option throughout the year.
Modern Healthy Chinese Desserts
Fruit Salad with Lychee
A refreshing and healthy dessert option, fruit salad with lychee is a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying a variety of fruits. Simply combine fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwi, and mango with lychee, a sweet and fragrant tropical fruit. Top it off with a light drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Red Bean Soup
Red bean soup, or Hong Dou Tang, is a simple yet satisfying traditional Chinese dessert. Made from red beans, rock sugar, and water, this dessert is both nutritious and comforting. The red beans provide a good source of protein and dietary fiber, making it a healthy choice. You can also add other ingredients like glutinous rice balls or coconut milk for an added twist of flavor.
Pomelo with Sago
Pomelo with sago is a delightful and refreshing dessert made with pomelo segments and sago pearls soaked in a sweet syrup. The tangy and slightly bitter taste of the pomelo pairs perfectly with the chewy texture of the sago pearls, creating a unique and enjoyable dessert experience. This dessert is both light and nutritious, making it a great option for those looking for healthier alternatives.
Mango Pudding
Mango pudding is a popular Chinese dessert made with fresh mangoes, gelatin, and milk. The smooth and creamy texture of the pudding combined with the sweet and tropical flavor of the mangoes make it a crowd-pleasing treat. This dessert can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh mango slices for an extra touch of indulgence.
Steamed Egg White with Milk
Steamed egg white with milk, or steamed milk custard, is a light and silky dessert that is both satisfying and nutritious. Made from egg whites, milk, and sugar, this delicate dessert is steamed to perfection, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture. It’s a great option for those looking for a low-fat and low-calorie sweet treat.
Now that we’ve explored both traditional and modern Chinese desserts, let’s dive into the recipes for each one. Each recipe will provide you with a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and even nutritional information. So, get ready to unleash your inner chef and whip up some delicious Chinese desserts right in your own kitchen!
Tangyuan
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- Water
- Sweet sesame paste, red bean paste, or peanut butter for filling
- Ginger syrup (made from ginger, water, and sugar) for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour with water until it forms a smooth dough.
- Take small portions of the dough and flatten them with your hands.
- Place a teaspoon of the sweet sesame paste, red bean paste, or peanut butter in the center of each flattened dough.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and gently roll them into balls.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and carefully drop the tangyuan balls into the boiling water.
- Cook the tangyuan until they float to the surface, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the tangyuan from the water and serve them in a bowl with ginger syrup.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 1g
Mooncakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup golden syrup
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon alkaline water (lye water)
- Filling of your choice (lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, golden syrup, vegetable oil, and alkaline water.
- Mix the ingredients together until they form a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough into small portions, depending on the desired size of your mooncakes.
- Flatten each portion of dough and place a teaspoon of your chosen filling in the center.
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling and shape it into a ball.
- Press the filled dough ball into a mooncake mold to create decorative patterns on the surface.
- Grease a baking tray and place the shaped mooncakes on the tray.
- Bake the mooncakes in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- Remove the mooncakes from the oven and let them cool before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
Sesame Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- Water
- Sweet lotus seed paste or red bean paste for filling
- Sesame seeds
- Oil for deep-frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour with water until it forms a smooth dough.
- Take small portions of the dough and flatten them with your hands.
- Place a teaspoon of the sweet lotus seed paste or red bean paste in the center of each flattened dough.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and gently roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball in sesame seeds until they are completely coated.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan.
- Carefully place the sesame balls into the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden brown.
- Remove the sesame balls from the oil and drain them on paper towels before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 160
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4g
Fruit Salad with Lychee
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup kiwi, peeled and diced
- 1 cup mango, peeled and diced
- 1 cup lychee, peeled and pitted
- Honey or lime juice, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, diced kiwi, diced mango, and peeled lychee.
- Gently toss the fruits together until they are well mixed.
- Drizzle honey or lime juice over the fruit salad according to your taste preferences.
- Serve the fruit salad chilled and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
Red Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried red beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup rock sugar or brown sugar
- Optional: Glutinous rice balls or coconut milk for serving
Instructions
- Rinse the dried red beans under running water and drain them.
- In a large pot, add the red beans and water, and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the red beans for 1-2 hours, or until they are soft and cooked through.
- Add the rock sugar or brown sugar to the pot and stir until it is completely dissolved.
- If desired, add glutinous rice balls or a splash of coconut milk for added flavor and texture.
- Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the red bean soup cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 0g
Pomelo with Sago
Ingredients
- 1 pomelo, segmented
- 1/2 cup sago pearls
- 4 cups water
- Sugar or honey, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the sago pearls to the boiling water and cook them until they turn translucent, approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Drain the cooked sago pearls and rinse them under cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
- In a separate bowl, combine the pomelo segments and the cooked sago pearls.
- Sweeten the pomelo and sago mixture with sugar or honey according to your taste preferences.
- Serve the pomelo with sago chilled and enjoy this refreshing dessert!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0g
Mango Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and pitted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons water
- Optional: Whipped cream and fresh mango slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the ripe mangoes, milk, and sugar.
- Blend the mixture until it is smooth and well combined.
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the water and let it sit for a few minutes to soften.
- Place the bowl with the gelatin mixture in a saucepan with simmering water and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add the dissolved gelatin to the mango mixture in the blender and blend for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour the mango pudding mixture into individual serving dishes or a large bowl.
- Refrigerate the mango pudding for at least 2 hours, or until it is set.
- Serve the mango pudding chilled, and if desired, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh mango slices.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 2g
Steamed Egg White with Milk
Ingredients
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk the egg whites until they become frothy.
- In a separate small saucepan, heat the milk over low heat until it is warm but not boiling.
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the frothy egg whites, stirring gently to combine.
- Add the sugar to the mixture and continue to stir until it is completely dissolved.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or air bubbles.
- Pour the strained mixture into heatproof bowls or cups.
- Set up a steamer and steam the bowls or cups over medium heat for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture sets and becomes firm.
- Remove the steamed egg white with milk from the steamer and let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 0g
Whether you prefer traditional Chinese desserts or are looking for healthier alternatives, these recipes offer a delicious variety of options to satisfy your cravings. With the comprehensive instructions and nutritional information provided, you can confidently recreate these delightful Chinese desserts in the comfort of your own kitchen. So go ahead and indulge in the flavors of China, and enjoy these light and nutritious sweet treats!
