🍡 Sticky Rice Balls in Sweet Ginger Syrup (Chewy, Warm & Soulful)

Description

This comforting Chinese dessert features soft, glutinous rice balls floating in fragrant ginger syrup. It’s a warming treat often served during festivals — simple, chewy, and gently spicy-sweet.

Ingredients

• 🌾 150 g glutinous rice flour (1 cup)
• 💧 120 ml warm water (½ cup)
• 🍯 80 g brown sugar (⅓ cup)
• 🫚 30 g fresh ginger, sliced (2 tbsp)
• 💧 600 ml water (2 ½ cups)
• 🍋 Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest for brightness

Preparation

1. 1️⃣ Make the dough: In a bowl, mix glutinous rice flour with warm water until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Roll into 2 cm balls (about 18–20 pieces).
2. 2️⃣ Boil syrup: In a pot, add 600 ml water, brown sugar, ginger slices, and optional lemon zest. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3️⃣ Cook the balls: Bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add rice balls. When they float, cook 2 more minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.
4. 4️⃣ Serve: Add cooked balls into the hot ginger syrup and let sit for 1–2 minutes. Serve warm.

Total Time

🛠️ Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🕒 Total: 25 min

Back to full recipe