These crispy Fried Nian Gao fritters are sandwiched with yam, sweet potato and of course, nian gao. Sesame seeds are also added in for extra crunch and texture. A classic favourite for Chinese New Year.
300gramsnian gao, use hardened nian gao, cut into even thickness.
400gramsyam, taro. peel and cut into even thickness.
400gramssweet potato, peel and cut into even thickness.
Batter:
60gramsall-purpose flour, sifted
60gramsrice flour, sifted
¼tspground turmeric powder, sifted
¾cupwater
1tspbaking powder
¼tspsalt
½cupwhite sesame seeds, adjust to taste
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Instructions
First, peel and slice yam/taro, sweet potato and sticky rice cake/nian gao into even thickness and equal pieces. (18 pieces each).
Sandwich each sticky rice cake with a slice of taro and a slice of sweet potato. Then set aside while we prepare the batter.
Preparing Batter:
First, sift the flours and ground turmeric powder into a mixing bowl.
Add water and whisk batter ingredients into a semi-thick and smooth batter.
Stir in baking powder and salt.
Then, add in toasted white sesame seeds. Mix well. Set aside to rest for 20 minutes and we are ready to fry the nian gao.
Fry Sticky Rice Cake:
First, heat up oil in a wok.
Dip the sandwiched nian gao into the batter.
Then, carefully place into hot oil.
Reduce heat and in batches, fry the sandwiched sticky rice cake until golden brown on both sides, about 10 minutes. And we're done!
Remove from wok and drain off excess oil on paper towel before serving. It is best eaten while it is warm so serve immediately when done.
As always, ENJOY!
Choose a good quality nian gao, the powdery type yam and Indonesian sweet potato variety.If the sticky rice cake is soft and sticky, refrigerate it overnight before cutting into pieces as it's easier to cut thin slices with a firm nian gao.Slice and trim yam, sweet potato and sticky rice cake slices so that they are about the same size. Ideal size is about 1/2 cm for each slice.A little ground turmeric powder added gives the batter a nice golden colour and added fragrance.The batter is best prepared just before frying the fritters.