Kamil Perry
Tikoy, or Nian Gao, is a traditional Chinese sweet rice cake dessert made from glutinous rice flour. It is considered one of China's oldest delicacies and is especially popular during the Chinese New Year. Tikoy is believed to bring good luck and is often gifted during the New Year celebrations. To cook Tikoy with cheese, the Tikoy is first sliced into thin strips and coated in beaten egg. It is then fried until golden brown and crispy. The fried Tikoy is then wrapped with cheese in a spring roll wrapper and fried again until the wrapper turns golden brown. This delicious treat is best served warm!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Combine glutinous rice flour, water, and sugar (brown sugar for a darker colour). Add chopped dates and/or sesame seeds if desired. |
| Cooking | Steam the mixture for 45 minutes. |
| Cooling | Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight. |
| Slicing | Cut into thin slices or strips. |
| Frying | Dip slices in beaten egg and pan-fry in hot oil until golden brown. |
| Serving | Serve warm with dulce de leche or ice cream, and sprinkle with crushed nuts and chocolate syrup. |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. |
Explore related products
![Artisan Cheese Making at Home: Techniques & Recipes for Mastering World-Class Cheeses [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81eH1+cYeZL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Preparing the tikoy: steaming and refrigerating
Preparing the tikoy involves several steps, including steaming and refrigerating. Here is a detailed guide:
Steaming the Tikoy
Firstly, fill the bottom part of a steamer with water and bring it to a boil. While the water is heating up, prepare the glutinous rice mixture by combining glutinous rice flour, water, and sugar. You can use brown sugar if you want your tikoy to have a darker colour. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined and distributed. Grease a round cake pan with oil or brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the glutinous rice mixture to the prepared cake pan. You can sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavour and texture. Cover the top part of the steamer with cheesecloth to avoid water drippings during steaming. Place the cake pan in the steamer, ensuring it is secure and covered. The tikoy should be steamed until set, which typically takes around 45 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the centre of the tikoy to check if it is fully cooked; if it comes out clean, the tikoy is ready.
Refrigerating the Tikoy
Once the tikoy is steamed and slightly cooled, it is important to refrigerate it to let it set and harden, making it easier to slice. Wrap the tikoy in wax paper or cling wrap, then place it in the refrigerator. It is best to chill it overnight or for at least 5 hours. If you are planning to store the tikoy for longer, you can let it dry and harden further before slicing and cooking.
The Perfect Ham and Cheese Sandwich: A Simple Guide
You may want to see also
Cutting the tikoy and cheese into strips
After preparing your tikoy, it is best to chill it in the refrigerator overnight until it hardens for easy slicing. If you are in a hurry, coat your knife with oil to make cutting easier. Cut the tikoy into thin slices or strips, about a quarter of an inch thick.
For the cheese, cut it into strips that are similar in size to the tikoy strips. You can use any type of cheese you like, but softer cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar are popular choices for this dish.
Once you have cut both the tikoy and cheese into strips, you are ready to assemble and cook your dish. Wrap the tikoy and cheese strips together in a spring roll or lumpia wrapper, making sure to wrap them tightly. Repeat this process until you have used up all your tikoy and cheese strips.
String Cheese: Melting, Frying, and Baking
You may want to see also
Wrapping the tikoy and cheese
To make this delicious snack, start by cutting the tikoy into strips. Cut the cheese into strips of a similar size. Next, it's time to wrap the tikoy and cheese together. Take a lumpia wrapper and place a piece of tikoy and cheese in the centre. Carefully roll the wrapper and fold in the sides. Make sure to seal the wrapper tightly so that the filling doesn't escape during frying. Repeat this process until you have used up all your tikoy and cheese strips.
Once you have wrapped all your tikoy and cheese, it's time to fry them. Heat some oil in a pan. Fry the wrapped tikoy and cheese in batches until they turn golden brown. You can sprinkle sugar into the oil to caramelize and stick to the wraps for an extra touch of sweetness. Drain the excess oil on paper towels and let them cool slightly before serving warm.
You can also add your own creative twist to the recipe. For example, you could sprinkle some crushed nuts on top of the fried wraps or serve them with a scoop of ice cream.
Enjoy your homemade tikoy and cheese!
Macaroni Masterpiece: Homemade Baked Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Frying the wrapped tikoy
Now, heat some oil in a pan. Fry the wrapped tikoy in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the tikoy until it turns golden brown. You can sprinkle some sugar into the oil and let it caramelize, adding a sweet touch to your fried tikoy.
Once done, remove the fried tikoy from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Let them cool down slightly before serving. Your cheese tikoy is now ready to be enjoyed!
You can serve the fried wrapped tikoy as it is or pair it with your favorite dipping sauce. It can be a delicious snack or even a unique dessert option. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this unique dish!
Cheesy Mince Pasta: A Quick, Delicious Dinner
You may want to see also
Serving the fried tikoy
Once you've cooked your tikoy with cheese, it's time to serve this delicious treat! Here are some tips to ensure your fried tikoy is served to perfection:
Allow the fried tikoy to cool slightly before handling. Use a spatula to gently lift the tikoy from the pan and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps to absorb any excess oil and ensures a neat presentation. If you've made tikoy turon (fried tikoy and cheese wrapped in a lumpia wrapper), draining the excess oil on paper towels is especially important.
Arrange the fried tikoy on a serving platter or tray. If you've made tikoy turon, place them side by side on a serving dish. For a more elegant presentation, consider garnishing the platter with fresh herbs or edible flowers.
If serving the fried tikoy as a snack or dessert, cut the tikoy into bite-sized pieces or wedges. This makes it easier for guests to pick up and enjoy. You can also provide small plates and forks if preferred.
For a complete dessert experience, consider topping the fried tikoy with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. A sprinkle of crushed nuts adds texture and flavour. This combination of hot, crispy tikoy with cold, creamy ice cream is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Finally, serve the fried tikoy warm or at room temperature. It is best enjoyed fresh, so don't let it sit too long before serving. Your guests will surely enjoy this sweet and sticky treat!
Smoked Mac and Cheese: A Tasty Twist
You may want to see also
