sticky rice balls recipe

sticky rice balls recipe

The Best sticky rice balls recipe

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a special treat for your family, these little balls of goodness are sure to please.

Sticky Rice Balls

Sticky Rice Balls

4.6 from 1411 votes

These sticky rice balls are soft, chewy, and lightly sweetened, perfect for a comforting dessert or snack. Made from glutinous rice flour and filled with a sweet paste, they are boiled until tender and served in a warm ginger syrup.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Rice Balls

1 cup glutinous rice flour
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup sweet red bean paste (or other filling)

For the Ginger Syrup

4 cups water
1/2 cup rock sugar or brown sugar
1 thumb-sized piece ginger, sliced

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and sugar.
2Gradually add the water while stirring with a fork or your hands until a soft, pliable dough forms.
3If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon more water; if too sticky, add a pinch more flour.
4Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
5Flatten each ball into a disc, place about 1 teaspoon of red bean paste in the center, then carefully seal the edges and roll back into a smooth ball.
6Ensure there are no cracks so the filling stays inside during cooking.
7In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
8Add the sliced ginger and rock sugar, then reduce the heat to medium and let the syrup simmer for 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the ginger infuses the liquid.
9Gently drop the rice balls into the simmering ginger syrup.
10Cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the balls float to the surface and become translucent and puffed.
11They should feel tender when pressed lightly with a spoon.
12Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked sticky rice balls to serving bowls.
13Ladle the warm ginger syrup over them and serve immediately while they are soft and warm.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Small saucepan
Large pot
Slotted spoon
Serving bowls

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 1g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 10mg🌾Total Carbs: 74g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

For a gluten-free version, use only glutinous rice flour (also called sweet rice flour). You can substitute the red bean paste with black sesame paste or peanut butter for variety. The ginger syrup can be made ahead and reheated before serving.

Watch Video Of How Sticky Rice Balls Works

One thing I love about sticky rice balls is how well they hold up when stored in an airtight container at room temperature – they stay fresh for up to 3 days!

If you do happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely), just pop them in the freezer and reheat when needed.

And don’t forget about reheating ideas – these little guys pair perfectly with all sorts of toppings like fresh fruit slices or whipped cream.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sticky Rice Balls

1. What are sticky rice balls made of?

Sticky rice balls are made primarily from glutinous rice flour, also called sweet rice flour, and water. The fillings vary but common ones include black sesame paste, peanut butter, red bean paste, or even crushed peanuts mixed with sugar. The dough is simply the flour and water, no eggs or oil needed.

2. Can I make sticky rice balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them ahead of time. After shaping the balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you are ready to cook them, drop them directly into boiling water from frozen. No need to thaw first.

3. Why did my sticky rice balls fall apart in the water?

This usually happens if the dough is too dry or if the filling is not sealed properly. Make sure your dough is soft and pliable, not cracking. When you wrap the filling, pinch the edges tightly and roll the ball gently between your palms to smooth out any seams. Also, do not overcrowd the pot, give them space to cook evenly.

4. How do I store leftover cooked sticky rice balls?

Store cooked sticky rice balls in a bowl of water in the refrigerator for up to two days. They will absorb some water and become softer, so it is best to eat them the same day. If you want to reheat them, just simmer them in hot water or soup for a minute or two until warmed through.

5. Can I use regular rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour?

No, regular rice flour will not work because it does not have the same sticky, chewy texture. Glutinous rice flour is essential for the soft and elastic consistency. You can find it in most Asian grocery stores or online. It is sometimes labeled as sweet rice flour or mochiko.

6. What is the best way to serve sticky rice balls?

The most common way is to serve them in a warm, sweet ginger syrup. To make the syrup, boil water with rock sugar and sliced ginger until the sugar dissolves. You can also serve them in a coconut milk soup or even with just a drizzle of honey. For a cold treat, chill the cooked balls and serve them in a bowl of cold syrup or sweetened milk.

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