Looking to satisfy your sweet cravings with a delicious Chinese dessert? Well, look no further because we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll be sharing an incredibly simple and quick Chinese dessert recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself after a long day, this dessert is sure to impress. So, grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a delightful Chinese culinary adventure!
Ingredients
List of required ingredients
To make traditional Chinese desserts, you will need a variety of ingredients. Here is a list of some common ones you will find in these delightful treats:
- Mango Pudding: Mangoes, gelatin, sugar, water, evaporated milk.
- Red Bean Soup: Red beans, rock sugar, water.
- Sesame Balls: Glutinous rice flour, water, black sesame paste, sugar.
- Egg Tarts: Eggs, milk, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, pre-made tart shells.
- Sweet Rice Balls: Glutinous rice flour, water, sweet filling (such as red bean paste or sweet peanut butter).
- Steamed Sponge Cake: Eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, all-purpose flour, baking powder.
- Chinese Almond Cookies: Almond flour, all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, almond extract.
Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the world of traditional Chinese desserts!
Traditional Chinese Desserts
Overview of traditional Chinese desserts
In Chinese culture, desserts hold a special place as a symbol of luck, happiness, and fulfillment. Traditional Chinese desserts are known for their balance between sweetness and delicate flavors. These desserts have been passed down through generations, reflecting the rich culinary history of China.
How they are different from other desserts
What sets traditional Chinese desserts apart from other desserts is their emphasis on using natural ingredients and their unique combinations of flavors. Unlike Western desserts that can often be overly sweet, traditional Chinese desserts aim to achieve harmony by blending various tastes, such as sweet, savory, and even herbal flavors.
Chinese desserts also focus on achieving a balance in texture. From crunchy sesame balls to soft and velvety mango pudding, each dessert offers a delightful contrast of textures that adds to the overall experience.
Easy Chinese Dessert Recipes
Introduction to easy Chinese desserts
Chinese desserts are not only delicious but can also be simple and quick to make. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, trying your hand at easy Chinese dessert recipes can be a delightful adventure. These recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing your friends and family with your culinary skills!
Advantages of quick recipes
The beauty of quick Chinese dessert recipes lies in their simplicity and efficiency. You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to create mouthwatering desserts. With just a few basic ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a delectable treat in no time.
Quick recipes also allow for flexibility and creativity. Feel free to customize the flavors or adjust the sweetness according to your preferences. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experiment and add your own personal touch to the traditional Chinese desserts.
1. Mango Pudding
Overview of mango pudding
Mango pudding is a popular dessert in both Chinese and Western cuisines. This sweet and silky treat combines the tropical goodness of ripe mangoes with the creaminess of milk and gelatin. It’s a refreshing and indulgent dessert that is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients needed
To make mango pudding, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 ripe mangoes
- 10 grams of gelatin
- 50 grams of sugar
- 300 milliliters of water
- 150 milliliters of evaporated milk
Step-by-step instructions
- Peel and dice the ripe mangoes. Set aside a few small pieces for garnishing.
- In a small bowl, soak the gelatin in cold water for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft.
- In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar, and bring it to a boil. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the gelatin. Stir until the gelatin dissolves.
- In a blender, combine the ripe mangoes and the gelatin mixture. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mango puree into individual molds or bowls. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until the pudding sets.
- Before serving, pour a spoonful of evaporated milk over each pudding and garnish with the reserved mango pieces.
2. Red Bean Soup
Overview of red bean soup
Red bean soup, also known as hong dou tang, is a classic Chinese dessert that is enjoyed all year round. This warm and comforting dessert features tender red beans simmered in a sweet broth. It’s a simple yet satisfying treat that has stood the test of time.
Ingredients needed
To make red bean soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 200 grams of red beans
- 100 grams of rock sugar
- 1.5 liters of water
Step-by-step instructions
- Rinse the red beans under running water and soak them in cold water for about 2 hours. This will help soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
- Drain the soaked red beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add the water and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the beans simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours until they become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the beans are soft, add the rock sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.
- Continue simmering the soup for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the red bean soup hot and enjoy the cozy warmth of this traditional Chinese dessert!
3. Sesame Balls
Overview of sesame balls
Sesame balls, also known as jian dui, are delightful little treats with a crispy exterior and a chewy, sweet filling. These golden brown balls are made from glutinous rice flour and filled with black sesame paste. They are a popular snack during festivals and celebrations.
Ingredients needed
To make sesame balls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 200 grams of glutinous rice flour
- 200 milliliters of water
- 150 grams of black sesame paste
- 100 grams of sugar
Step-by-step instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and water. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough into small portions, about the size of a golf ball.
- Flatten each dough ball with your palms, creating a small round disk.
- Place a teaspoon of black sesame paste in the center of the disk and seal the dough by pinching the edges together.
- Roll the filled dough balls gently between your palms to ensure they are evenly shaped.
- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil, then add the sugar to create a sweet syrup.
- Drop the sesame balls into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the sesame balls from the water with a slotted spoon and let them cool slightly before serving.
4. Egg Tarts
Overview of egg tarts
Egg tarts, also known as dan tat, are a delightful combination of a flaky crust and a smooth, creamy custard filling. This fusion of Chinese and Portuguese culinary influences has become a staple in dim sum restaurants and Chinese bakeries around the world.
Ingredients needed
To make egg tarts, gather the following ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 200 grams of all-purpose flour
- 100 grams of butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- For the custard filling:
- 3 eggs
- 200 milliliters of milk
- 50 grams of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Step-by-step instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and chilled butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and mix until the dough comes together. If needed, add a little cold water to help bind the dough.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to rest.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is about 3mm thick.
- Cut out circles from the dough using a round cookie cutter that fits the size of your tart molds.
- Gently press the dough circles into the tart molds, making sure to cover the bottom and sides.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Carefully pour the custard mixture into the tart molds, filling them about 70-80% full.
- Bake the egg tarts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the custard is set and the pastry is golden brown.
- Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Sweet Rice Balls
Overview of sweet rice balls
Sweet rice balls, also known as tang yuan, are a traditional Chinese dessert often enjoyed during festivals such as the Lantern Festival and Winter Solstice. These chewy and sweet dumplings are made from glutinous rice flour and filled with various sweet fillings, such as red bean paste or sweet peanut butter.
Ingredients needed
To make sweet rice balls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 200 grams of glutinous rice flour
- 150 milliliters of water
- Sweet filling of your choice (such as red bean paste or sweet peanut butter)
Step-by-step instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and water. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough into small portions, about the size of a marble.
- Flatten each dough portion with your palms, creating a small round disk.
- Place a teaspoon of the sweet filling of your choice in the center of the disk and seal the dough by pinching the edges together. Roll it gently between your palms to achieve a smooth ball shape.
- Repeat the process until all the dough and filling are used.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the rice balls and cook until they float to the surface. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked rice balls to a bowl of cold water to cool and prevent them from sticking together.
- Serve the sweet rice balls in a bowl with some of the cooking liquid, and enjoy the delightful combination of soft, chewy dumplings and the sweet filling!
6. Steamed Sponge Cake
Overview of steamed sponge cake
Steamed sponge cake, also known as ma lai gao, is a light and fluffy cake that is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Made with simple ingredients, this cake gets its unique texture from the steaming process. It’s a perfect option for those who prefer a healthier alternative to traditional baked cakes.
Ingredients needed
To make steamed sponge cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 150 grams of sugar
- 150 milliliters of vegetable oil
- 200 grams of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
Step-by-step instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well blended.
- Gradually add the vegetable oil to the egg mixture, and continue whisking until it is fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder together.
- Slowly add the flour mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously until there are no lumps and the batter is smooth.
- Grease a round cake pan with some vegetable oil and pour the batter into the pan.
- Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles.
- Prepare a steamer by filling a large pot with water and placing a steaming rack inside.
- Once the water in the steamer is boiling, carefully place the cake pan on the steaming rack.
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam the cake over medium heat for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the steamer and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, slice and serve with a cup of hot tea for a delightful Asian-inspired treat!
10. Chinese Almond Cookies
Overview of Chinese almond cookies
Chinese almond cookies, also known as bǐng láng, are buttery and crumbly treats with a hint of almond flavor. These cookies are often served during Chinese New Year celebrations and are believed to bring good luck and fortune. With their delicate texture and delightful taste, they are a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea.
Ingredients needed
To make Chinese almond cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 200 grams of almond flour
- 150 grams of all-purpose flour
- 150 grams of butter, softened
- 120 grams of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture, and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour and all-purpose flour.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water to help it come together.
- Take small portions of the dough and shape them into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few centimeters apart.
- Using a fork, gently press down on the dough balls to create a crisscross pattern on the top.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown around the edges.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container and enjoy these delicious treats for up to two weeks.
With these easy Chinese dessert recipes, you can now satisfy your sweet cravings with delightful treats inspired by Chinese culinary traditions. Whether you choose to indulge in the smoothness of mango pudding, the warmth of red bean soup, the crunchiness of sesame balls, or any other dessert from this list, you are sure to experience the rich flavors and textures that make traditional Chinese desserts so beloved. So gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and embark on a delicious journey through the world of Chinese desserts!