Name: Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1 cup rice flour; 1 cup coconut milk; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; A few drops pandan extract or juice (for pandan flavor and color); 1 teaspoon matcha powder (for earthy flavor); 2 tablespoons toasted shredded coconut (for topping); 1/4 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or canned); Alternative sweetener: coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of sugar (for dairy-free option)

If you are craving a light, flavorful treat that feels both comforting and refreshing, look no further than Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes. This traditional Vietnamese dessert is a delicate blend of rice flour and coconut milk, steamed to fluffy perfection. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these cakes delight with their subtle sweetness and soft texture. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a dessert, or a part of your tea time, mastering Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes will add a beautiful and authentic touch to your kitchen repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses just a few pantry staples to create something truly special.
Light and Airy Texture: Soft and fluffy, these cakes never feel heavy or overwhelming.
Authentic Flavor: Captures the genuine taste of Vietnamese culinary tradition effortlessly.
Quick and Easy: Perfect beginner-friendly recipe with straightforward steps.
Versatile Snack: Enjoy as a sweet snack, dessert, or even a unique breakfast bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple while ensuring each ingredient plays an important role in flavor, texture, and authenticity. Each step builds from these essentials to create the magic of Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes.

Rice flour: The foundation of the cake, providing a delicate, chewy texture.
Coconut milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle natural sweetness that’s signature to Vietnamese desserts.
Sugar: Balances flavors with gentle sweetness without overpowering the subtle ingredients.
Baking powder: Ensures the cakes rise softly, giving that light, fluffy feel.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor and keeps sweetness in check.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm aromatic note to elevate the taste beautifully.

Variations for Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes

Feel free to tweak this recipe to your liking! Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes are surprisingly flexible and customizable, making it easy to create new flavors or accommodate dietary preferences.

Pandan flavor: Add a few drops of pandan extract or juice for a vibrant green color and fresh aroma.
Matcha powder: Mix in some matcha for a subtle, earthy twist with a hint of antioxidant goodness.
Shredded coconut topping: Sprinkle toasted shredded coconut on top before steaming for extra texture and sweetness.
Sweet corn kernels: Fold in fresh or canned corn for a delightful pop of natural sweetness inside the cakes.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of refined sugar for a more natural sweetness.

Easy Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes Recipe

How to Make Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, sift together rice flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even mixing and to avoid any lumps. Slowly whisk in the coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and free of clumps. Let the batter rest for around 10 minutes; this helps the rice flour fully hydrate and results in a better texture.

Step 2: Prepare Steamer and Molds

Set up your steaming apparatus by bringing water to a gentle boil. Lightly grease silicone muffin cups or small heatproof bowls to prevent sticking. Place the molds on a steaming rack, ensuring they don’t touch the water to avoid sogginess.

Step 3: Pour and Steam

Fill each mold about two-thirds full with batter, allowing room for rising. Cover the steamer with a clean kitchen towel to prevent condensation droplets from dripping onto the cakes, then place on the lid. Steam over medium heat for about 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Remove the steamed rice cakes carefully from the molds and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, offering a tender, melt-in-the-mouth sensation with every bite.

Pro Tips for Making Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes

Use room temperature ingredients: Helps the batter mix smoothly for consistent texture in every cake.
Don’t skip resting: Allowing the batter to rest improves hydration and softness of the rice flour.
Steaming moisture control: Cover the pot with a towel under the lid to avoid water dripping onto the surface of the cakes.
Even steaming heat: Keep the water at a gentle boil to ensure cakes cook through evenly without drying out.
Test with a toothpick: Check doneness to avoid overcooking which might make cakes rubbery.

How to Serve Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes

Garnishes

Top your Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of coconut syrup to enhance both flavor and presentation. Feel free to add fresh tropical fruits like mango or lychee for a refreshing contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these rice cakes with a hot cup of jasmine tea or Vietnamese iced coffee for an authentic experience. You could also enjoy them alongside fresh fruit salad or light coconut yogurt for a balanced and delightful snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cakes in colorful silicone molds or delicate banana leaf wraps to add visual appeal. For parties, present miniature portions on bamboo skewers or bite-sized plates dusted with a little coconut powder or finely chopped mint for a flavorful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature if consuming within a day, or refrigerate for up to three days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

Freezing

Wrap each rice cake individually in plastic wrap or wax paper before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cakes will keep well for up to two months and retain their texture with proper reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the rice cakes in a steamer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave with a damp paper towel covering the cakes to keep them moist and soft.

FAQs

What makes Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes different from other steamed rice cakes?

Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes are unique for their subtle coconut flavor, light texture, and slightly sweet profile, making them distinct from other steamed rice cakes which may be savory or denser.

Can I use regular flour instead of rice flour?

Rice flour is essential for the chewy and tender texture of these cakes, so using regular wheat flour will change the consistency and is not recommended.

Is it possible to make these cakes vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan since it uses plant-based coconut milk and relies on rice flour, so no animal products are involved.

How do I know when the cakes are fully cooked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean without any wet batter sticking to it, indicating the cakes are cooked through.

Can I add flavors or colors to the Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes?

Absolutely! Flavors like pandan, matcha, or even small fruit purees can be added to the batter. Natural food colorings derived from vegetables or fruit juices work beautifully as well.

Final Thoughts

Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes are a fantastic little treat to bring a fresh, sweet touch of Vietnam into your kitchen. Simple, flavorful, and light, they’re sure to become a go-to whenever you crave something wholesome and delightful. Don’t hesitate try making this charming recipe today and share the joy of authentic Vietnamese flavors with your loved ones.

Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes

Author: Christopher
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 8-10 small cakes 1x
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes are a light, fluffy, and subtly sweet traditional dessert made from rice flour and coconut milk. Perfectly soft and airy, these treats capture the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine and are quick to prepare, making them an excellent choice for snacks, desserts, or tea time. Their delicate texture and gentle coconut aroma offer a comforting yet refreshing experience suitable for any occasion.

Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, sift together the rice flour, baking powder, and salt to avoid lumps and ensure even mixing. Gradually whisk in the coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and uniform. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to allow the rice flour to hydrate fully, resulting in a better texture.
Prepare Steamer and Molds: Bring water to a gentle boil in your steamer setup. Lightly grease silicone muffin cups or small heatproof bowls to prevent sticking. Place the molds on a steaming rack, making sure they are not touching the water to avoid sogginess.
Pour and Steam: Fill each mold about two-thirds full with batter to allow room for rising. Cover the steamer lid with a clean kitchen towel to prevent condensation from dripping onto the cakes. Steam over medium heat for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the steamed rice cakes from the molds and cool them slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and consistent texture.
Let the batter rest to improve hydration and softness of the rice flour.
Cover the steamer pot with a towel under the lid to prevent water droplets from disturbing the cakes.
Maintain water at a gentle boil for even cooking without drying out the cakes.
Use a toothpick to test doneness to avoid overcooking and rubbery texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate for up to three days.
For freezing, wrap individual cakes in plastic wrap or wax paper and keep in a freezer bag for up to two months.
Reheat by steaming for 5-7 minutes or microwaving covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Steaming
Cuisine: Vietnamese