Tang Yuan

Tang Yuan Recipe: Sweet Glutinous Rice Balls for Every Celebration

Tang Yuan, or sweet glutinous rice balls, is a beloved Chinese dessert that symbolises family togetherness and happiness.

Often enjoyed during Lantern Festival, Winter Solstice, and other special occasions, Tang Yuan’s chewy texture and sweet fillings make it an irresistible treat.

Whether served in a clear sugar syrup or a creamy ginger broth, this dish warms the heart and satisfies every sweet tooth.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

200g glutinous rice flour

120-150ml warm water

For the Filling:

60g black sesame seeds or roasted peanuts, finely ground

30g granulated sugar

40g unsalted butter or lard, softened

For the Syrup:

1.5L water

150g rock sugar or granulated sugar

3-4 slices of fresh ginger

Optional: pandan leaves or osmanthus flowers

How To Make It

Prepare the Filling:

Mix the ground black sesame seeds (or peanuts) with sugar and softened butter until it forms a paste.
Roll the paste into small balls, about the size of a marble, and chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes until firm.

Make the Dough:

Place the glutinous rice flour in a bowl and gradually add warm water, kneading until a smooth, pliable dough forms. It should not be sticky but should hold together easily.
Divide the dough into small pieces, rolling each into a ball.

Assemble the Tang Yuan:

Flatten a dough ball in your palm, place a filling ball in the center, and carefully seal the dough around it. Roll it gently to ensure the filling is fully enclosed.
Repeat for all dough and filling.

Cook the Tang Yuan:

Bring a pot of water to a boil and gently drop in the Tang Yuan.
Cook until they float to the surface, then allow them to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Prepare the Syrup:

In a separate pot, bring water, sugar, and ginger to a boil. Add pandan leaves or osmanthus flowers if desired, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Serve:

Divide the Tang Yuan into serving bowls and ladle the warm syrup over them. Serve immediately.

Head Over To Sing Kee Foods Today!

At Sing Kee Foods, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of premium Asian ingredients to make authentic dishes like Tang Yuan.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to explore traditional Chinese desserts, you’ll find everything you need to create a delicious masterpiece. From glutinous rice flour to fragrant osmanthus flowers, Sing Kee Foods has got you covered!