Scallion Braised Nian Gao

Background and History

Nian Gao, also known as "year cake", is a traditional Chinese glutinous rice cake eaten during the Lunar New Year. The word "Nian" means year, and "Gao" means cake, but can also mean "tall" or "higher up", symbolizing growth and progress. Eating Nian Gao is said to bring prosperity and success for the upcoming year, making it a staple celebratory dish. The tradition of eating Nian Gao dates back over a thousand years, originally developed as a food offering to the gods and ancestors. Over the centuries, various regions in China developed their own versions and flavors of Nian Gao, adjusting the texture, sweetness, and accompanying ingredients. Today, it can be prepared in both sweet and savory dishes, offering flexibility in its incorporation into meals.

Ingredients

• Nian Gao (glutinous rice cakes), about 500 grams
• Scallions, sliced, approximately 5-6 stalks
• Soy Sauce, 2 tablespoons
• Sesame Oil, 1 tablespoon
• Garlic, minced, 2 cloves
• Chicken Broth, 1 cup
• Ginger, minced, 1 tablespoon
• White Pepper, 1/2 teaspoon
• Cooking Oil, 2 tablespoons
• Chinese Cooking Wine, 1 tablespoon
• Salt, to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Nian Gao

Begin by cutting the Nian Gao into bite-sized pieces. Typically, they come in round or oblong shapes, and slicing them into 1/4 inch thick pieces often works best for even cooking.

Step 2: Preparing Aromatics

Wash and slice the scallions thinly. Separate the white and green parts as they will be used at different stages. Peel and mince the garlic and ginger.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Stir-Frying Aromatics

In a large skillet or wok, heat cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic, stirring quickly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 2: Adding Scallions

Add the white parts of the scallions and stir-fry for about a minute until they soften.

Step 3: Stir-Frying Nian Gao

Add the cut Nian Gao to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the aromatic oil. Allow it to cook for a minute, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Adding Liquids

Pour in the soy sauce, chicken broth, and Chinese cooking wine. Stir well to ensure each piece of Nian Gao is evenly coated.

Step 5: Simmering

Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Allow the Nian Gao to simmer for about 10-15 minutes. You may set a timer to help monitor the cooking duration. Check occasionally and add more chicken broth if the mixture looks too dry.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Remove the lid and stir in the green parts of the scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Season with white pepper and salt to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the scallions are bright green.

Serving and Enjoyment

Transfer the scallion braised Nian Gao to a serving dish. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple steamed vegetable or a side of marinated tofu. It can be enjoyed as a part of a larger family-style meal, symbolizing longevity and prosperity. For an authentic culinary experience, enjoy it with chopsticks and small bowls of jasmine tea.

Pro Tips

• If the Nian Gao is frozen, make sure to thaw it ahead of time for even cooking.
• Adjust the spice level by adding chili oil or fresh peppers if desired.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water.