Pillow Rice Rolls
Introduction to Pillow Rice Rolls
Pillow Rice Rolls, also known as Cheung Fun, are a staple in Asian cuisine. Originating from Guangdong Province in China, this dish has captured the hearts of many, resulting in its widespread popularity across Asia and beyond. These soft and silky rolls are made from a mixture of rice flour and cornstarch, filled with a variety of ingredients, and typically steamed to a melt-in-the-mouth texture. Its versatility allows for countless variations, making it a beloved item in many dim sum restaurants. This delectable treat is often enjoyed with soy sauce or a sweetened sesame paste, bringing a balance of savory and sweet to each bite.
Ingredients
- Rice flour - 1 cup
- Cornstarch - 1/2 cup
- Water - 1.5 cups
- Cooking oil - 2 tablespoons
- Shrimp - 100 grams, peeled and deveined
- Pork - 100 grams, minced
- Scallions - 2 stalks, finely chopped
- Soy sauce - 3 tablespoons
- Hoisin sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon, toasted
Preparation
Preparing the Filling
Start by preparing the filling for your Pillow Rice Rolls. In a small bowl, mix shrimp and pork with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a tablespoon of cooking oil. Cover and let this mixture marinate while preparing other ingredients.
Making the Batter
To create the batter, combine 1 cup of rice flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, and 1.5 cups of water in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and lump-free. Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil into the batter, stirring well to ensure it's thoroughly combined. This will help create silky and smooth rolls.
Cooking Process
Setting Up the Steamer
To cook the Rice Rolls, you will need a steamer. Set it up and bring water to a boil. Make sure the steaming tray is large enough to hold the batter as it spreads out thinly.
Steaming the Rolls
- Grease the steaming tray with a thin layer of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Pour a ladleful of the batter into the tray, tilting it around to spread the batter evenly.
- Spoon the prepared filling over the batter, sprinkling some scallions on top.
- Place the tray in the steamer and steam for about 4 minutes. Check with a cooking timer to ensure accuracy.
- Once the rice sheet is cooked, carefully roll it up and remove it from the tray.
- Repeat this process for the remaining batter and filling.
Preparing the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce with 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce. Stir well, and set aside.
How to Enjoy Pillow Rice Rolls
Serve the freshly steamed Pillow Rice Rolls on a platter. Drizzle the soy-hoisin sauce generously over the top. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and a delightful crunch. These rolls are best enjoyed hot, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly with the delicate, soft texture.
Pillow Rice Rolls can be served as a main dish or as part of a larger spread in a dim sum feast. Pair them with hot tea to complement the flavors or with other dim sum items like dumplings and buns for a complete and satisfying meal.