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Tangyuan

Soft glutinous rice balls served in a fragrant ginger-pandan broth, perfect for comforting desserts.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 900
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tangyuan
  • 1.5 cups glutinous rice flour (200 g), plus extra for dusting Use glutinous rice flour for the best texture.
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar (40 g) Can substitute with fine caster sugar.
  • 1/2 cup hot boiling water (120 ml) Add slowly to achieve the right dough consistency.
  • 1-2 drops food coloring (optional) Use blue, red, and green for colored balls.
For the Broth
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 cup yellow rock sugar (215 g) Can substitute with white or brown sugar.
  • 6 pandan leaves, tied in a knot If unavailable, use vanilla extract.
  • 1/2 inch fresh ginger, sliced Dried ginger can be used in a pinch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Put the water, sliced ginger, yellow rock sugar, and knotted pandan leaves in a large pot. Cover the pot, bring it to a boil, and then lower the heat so it simmers steadily for 30 minutes.
  2. Split the rice flour and powdered sugar evenly among 4 bowls. Add 2 tablespoons of hot water to each bowl, tint three bowls with food coloring, and leave one bowl white.
  3. Stir each bowl until the dough comes together smoothly. Adjust consistency with more rice flour or water as needed.
  4. Roll each dough portion into a rope about 1 inch thick, cut into 1-inch pieces, and roll each piece into a smooth ball. Dust with rice flour or place on parchment.
Cooking
  1. Bring the broth to a gentle boil. Cook the rice balls in batches for about 5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
  2. Divide the tangyuan and broth among 6 bowls, about 5 balls per bowl, and serve warm right away.

Notes

Store leftover cooked tangyuan in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Freeze uncooked tangyuan on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. For reheating, use the stovetop or microwave, with the stovetop giving the best texture.