Get ready to embark on a delightful culinary journey with Tang Yuan, the irresistible Chinese sweet rice balls that are about to revolutionize your dessert game! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy rice ball filled with creamy peanut butter, swimming in a delicate sugar syrup that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of China. These little spheres of happiness are not just a dessert – they're a celebration of texture, flavor, and centuries-old culinary tradition that will make you fall in love with Chinese cuisine all over again!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 20 balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
- 1/2 cup sugar (for syrup)
- 2 cups water (for syrup)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour with 1/2 cup water. Knead the mixture until a smooth, soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add water gradually, one tablespoon at a time.
- In a separate small bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and crushed peanuts until well combined to create the filling.
- Divide the rice flour dough into small portions, approximately 1 tablespoon each. Roll each portion into a smooth ball using your palms.
- Create an indentation in the center of each dough ball using your thumb, forming a small pocket.
- Fill each pocket with a small amount of the peanut butter mixture, about 1/2 teaspoon. Carefully seal the dough around the filling, ensuring no gaps.
- Gently roll the filled balls between your palms to restore a smooth, round shape.
- Prepare a large pot of boiling water. Carefully drop the rice balls into the boiling water.
- Cook the rice balls for 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface. This indicates they are fully cooked.
- While the rice balls are cooking, prepare the sugar syrup by combining 1/2 cup sugar with 2 cups water in a separate saucepan. Heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Once the rice balls are cooked, remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer directly into the prepared sugar syrup.
- Let the rice balls sit in the warm syrup for 2-3 minutes to absorb the sweetness.
- Serve warm in small bowls, spooning extra syrup over the rice balls. Optionally, garnish with additional crushed peanuts.
Tips
- Flour Consistency is Key: Ensure your glutinous rice flour dough is smooth and not too dry. Add water gradually to achieve the perfect texture.
- Seal Carefully: When filling the rice balls, make sure to seal the edges completely to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Water Temperature Matters: Use boiling water and cook the rice balls until they float – this ensures they're fully cooked and have that signature chewy texture.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook the rice balls in batches to prevent them from sticking together.
- Serve Immediately: Tang Yuan is best enjoyed warm, so serve right after cooking for the most delightful experience.
- Experiment with Fillings: While this recipe uses peanut butter, feel free to try other fillings like black sesame, red bean paste, or even chocolate for a unique twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
