Coconut Koi Fish Rice Cake (Nian Gao)

Coconut Rice Cake (Nian Gao) originates from the traditional Chinese New Year cake culture. Made primarily with glutinous rice, rice cake symbolizes “rising higher every year,” carrying wishes for progress, prosperity, and good fortune in the coming year. By incorporating rich coconut aroma into the traditional recipe, coconut rice cake offers a smoother and more delicate texture. Shaping the rice cake into a koi fish has become a popular modern New Year creation, blending tradition with aesthetics, and making it a highly sought-after festive gift.

The koi fsh-shaped rice cake carries even deeper auspicious symbolism: koi represent wealth, good fortune, and abundance year after year. The word “koi” (鯉) shares the same sound as “profit” (利), symbolizing success and smooth progress. The graceful form of the koi further signifies continuous good luck and flourishing prosperity.

Cooking Instructions(Choose One Method):
-From Frozen:
Remove the coconut koi fish rice cake and place it in a steamer. Once the water is boiling, steam for 20 minutes until soft and springy.
-Thawed: Defrost in the refrigerator at 0–4°C for 6–12 hours. Remove the coconut koi fish rice cake and place it in a steamer. Once the water is boiling, steam for 10 minutes until soft and springy.

Storage:
Keep frozen at -18°C. Once thawed, keep refrigerated at 0–4°C and consume within 2 days. Do not refreeze after thawing.