Table of Contents

Eight Treasure Shanghai Rice Pudding: A Jewel of Sweetness

My grandmother’s Shanghai kitchen was a magical place, overflowing with aromas of ginger, soy sauce, and sweet pastries. Among my fondest memories is watching her meticulously arrange glistening candied fruits atop a mound of sticky rice, creating what she called “Ba Bao Fan” – Eight Treasure Rice Pudding. It wasn’t just a dessert; it was a symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and the warmth of family gathered around the table. Each ingredient held a special meaning, a sweet story woven into every bite.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 8
Yield: 1 pudding
Dietary Type: Vegetarian (Can be made Vegan by ensuring vegetable shortening is used and honey is replaced with another sweetener)

Ingredients

2 cups glutinous rice, rinsed and drained
2 cups water
1/4 cup vegetable shortening or 1/4 cup lard, melted
2 tablespoons sugar

Eight Treasure Garnish

2 tablespoons sliced almonds
6 red candied dates
8-10 canned whole lotus seeds (optional)
Candied red cherries
Green glazed cherries
2 tablespoons raisins
4 candied kumquats (optional)
2⁄3 cup sweet red bean paste

Syrup

3⁄4 cup water
1⁄3 cup honey
4 teaspoons triple sec or 4 teaspoons Grand Marnier
2 teaspoons cornstarch, mixed with
1 teaspoon water

Equipment Needed

1-quart glass bowl
Steamer or wok with rack
Small damp cloth
Serving platter

Instructions

Combine the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the glutinous rice and water.
Boil and Evaporate: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Boil uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and you see large holes forming on the surface of the rice. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect sticky texture.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 25-30 minutes. The rice should be tender and fully cooked.
Fluff and Sweeten: Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and fluff it with a fork. Then, stir in the melted vegetable shortening or lard and sugar until well combined. Set the rice aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Bowl: Generously grease a 1-quart glass bowl. This will ensure that the pudding releases easily after steaming.
Arrange the Garnish: This is where the “Eight Treasures” come to life! Attractively arrange the sliced almonds, red candied dates, lotus seeds (if using), red cherries, green cherries, raisins, and candied kumquats (if using) over the bottom of the greased bowl. Be creative and make it visually appealing. This layer will be the top of your finished pudding.
First Rice Layer: Spread half of the cooked rice evenly over the decorative garnish in the bowl. Press it down lightly to create a compact layer.
Bean Paste Filling: Spread the sweet red bean paste over the rice in an even layer. This adds a delightful sweetness and creamy texture to the pudding.
Second Rice Layer: Cover the red bean paste with the remaining rice, spreading it evenly over the top.
Cover and Steam: Cover the bowl with a small damp cloth. This will help to prevent condensation from dripping onto the pudding during steaming. Place the covered bowl in a steamer or on a rack in a wok. Cover with a lid and steam over gently boiling water for one hour, replenishing the water in the steamer or wok as necessary. Maintaining a consistent steaming environment is important.
Prepare the Syrup: While the pudding is steaming, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, place the water and honey over medium heat. Swirl the pan occasionally to prevent sticking.
Reduce the Syrup: Continue to cook the syrup until it is reduced to about 1/2 cup, stirring constantly. This will concentrate the sweetness and thicken the syrup.
Finish the Syrup: Just before serving, add the triple sec or Grand Marnier to the syrup and mix well. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until it forms a slurry, then add the slurry to the syrup and mix well to thicken it. Keep the syrup warm.
Unmold and Serve: Carefully cover the bowl with a serving platter and invert it, gently shaking to unmold the pudding.
Drizzle and Serve: Pour the hot syrup evenly over the unmolded pudding and serve immediately. The warmth enhances the flavors and textures.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Rice Rinse: Thoroughly rinsing the glutinous rice removes excess starch, leading to a stickier, more desirable texture.
Garnish Prep: Lightly soaking the dried candied fruits in warm water for a few minutes can rehydrate them, making them softer and more flavorful.
Steaming Success: To ensure even steaming, make sure the water in your steamer or wok doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl.
Syrup Consistency: If your syrup isn’t thickening to your liking, add a tiny bit more cornstarch slurry. Be careful not to add too much, or it will become overly thick.
Make Ahead: The steamed rice pudding can be prepared a day in advance, cooled completely, and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it by steaming again for about 30 minutes before serving. Make fresh syrup to pour over it just before serving.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Eight Treasure Shanghai Rice Pudding hot, with the warm syrup cascading down its sides. The combination of the sticky rice, sweet bean paste, and colorful candied fruits creates a visually stunning and delectable dessert.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently steam individual portions or microwave them in short bursts until warmed through. The texture may change slightly upon reheating, but the flavor will remain delicious. This pudding is best eaten fresh or within a few days; freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the rice.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	350 kcal	18%
Total Fat	8g	12%
Saturated Fat	2g	10%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	65g	22%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Sugars	20g	N/A
Protein	4g	8%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegan Option: Substitute the lard or vegetable shortening with coconut oil and the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make this a completely vegan dessert. Ensure that the red bean paste is also vegan-friendly.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free due to the use of glutinous rice. However, always double-check the labels of your candied fruits and syrup ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
Fruit Variations: Feel free to customize the “Eight Treasures” with your favorite dried or candied fruits. Dried apricots, figs, or even chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add interesting textures and flavors.
Flavor Enhancements: A touch of ginger or orange zest added to the rice can create a subtle aromatic twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is glutinous rice, and can I use regular rice instead?
A: Glutinous rice, also known as sweet rice or sticky rice, is a type of rice that becomes sticky when cooked. Regular rice won’t provide the same characteristic texture, so glutinous rice is essential for this recipe.

Q: Can I make this without a steamer?
A: While steaming is the traditional method, you can also bake the pudding in a water bath in the oven. Cover the bowl with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Q: Where can I find red bean paste?
A: Sweet red bean paste is typically found in Asian grocery stores or in the international aisle of some supermarkets.

Q: Can I use different types of alcohol in the syrup?
A: Absolutely! Triple sec and Grand Marnier add a citrusy flavor, but you could also use a rice wine or even a splash of amaretto for a different twist.

Q: How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bowl when unmolding?
A: Generously greasing the bowl is key. You can also line the bottom of the bowl with parchment paper for extra insurance.

Final Thoughts

The Eight Treasure Shanghai Rice Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary journey through history and culture. The combination of sticky rice, sweet red bean paste, and vibrant candied fruits creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your senses. Gather your ingredients, embrace the tradition, and create a stunning masterpiece that will impress your friends and family. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the garnishes and flavors to create your own unique version of this timeless classic. Enjoy, and share the sweetness!

Eight Treasure Shanghai Rice Pudding Recipe