10 Sweet, Savory, and International Rice Cake Recipes

If you love traditional rice cakes, then you’ve got to try these 10 international rice cakes! They come in a variety of flavors and textures, from spicy and crispy to caramelized and soft. From savory steamed Indian Lentil Idli to sweet coconut Rice Cakes With Mango Sauce, there’s something for everyone.

1. Puto Bumbong Rice Cakes

Source: Puto Bumbong Rice Cakes

Puto Bumbong is a Philippine street food that is traditionally steamed in bamboo tubes and served during the holiday season. This classic treat is easy to become nostalgic for, and this delicious, easy Puto Bumbong Rice Cake recipe by Food Empowerment Project helps take you back.

2. Persian Saffron Rice Cakes

Source: Persian Saffron Rice Cakes

The traditional Persian dish is veganized in this Persian Saffron Rice Cakes recipe by Paris Marash and baked into cute little individual-sized muffins, so everyone at the table can enjoy both the delicious crunchy outsides and the soft pillowy insides.

3. Inutak: Filipino Rice Cakes in Coconut Milk

Source: Inutak: Filipino Rice Cakes in Coconut Milk

As far as Asian desserts go, inutak may be one of the lesser known ones, but it is a delicious treat regardless. This Inutak: Filipino Rice Cakes in Coconut Milk recipe by Raymund Macaalay is comprised of rice cakes cooked in sweetened coconut milk, often with ube yam powder, to make it purple, until slightly caramelized on the outside.

4. Coconut Rice Cakes With Mango Sauce

Source: Coconut Rice Cakes With Mango Sauce

The rice keeps the cake together wonderfully. The mixed coconut flakes loosen up the dough a bit and the orange and mango give the Coconut Rice Cakes by Melanie Kröpfl a fruity, sweet and sour note.

5. Vegetable Tteokbokki: Korean Spicy Rice Cakes 

Source: Vegetable Tteokbokki: Korean Spicy Rice Cakes 

If you are looking for something with at little heat, this Vegetable Tteokbokki: Korean Spicy Rice Cakes is the perfect recipe. Tteokbokki is a Korean dish traditionally made with rice cakes, fish cakes, and a sweet, spicy, thick sauce. However, this version cuts out the fish cakes and covers the rice cakes in a rich, sweet, spicy, red miso sauce. These chewy rice cakes and bold, fiery sauce make this dish by Adam Merrin and Ryan Alvarez a perfect meal for cold weather.

6. Kutsinta: Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes

Source: Kutsinta: Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes

Kutsinta or kuchinta is an orange-brownish, sticky, jelly-textured rice cake made from a mix of rice flour (sometimes mixed with all-purpose flour), sugar, and lye water served with freshly grated coconuts. These Kutsinta: Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes by Raymund Macaalay are one of the most popular rice cakes in the Philippines and it’s sold by street vendors on a daily basis. It’s also one of the easiest rice cakes to make. Simply mix, pour into moulds, then steam!

7. Pink Bibingka: Filipino Rice Cakes

Source: Pink Bibingka: Filipino Rice Cakes

Bibingka is a sweet, spongy Filipino rice cake traditionally made with rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and eggs. Eggs are seamlessly replaced by flax seed in this pretty, pink, and veganized version by RG Enriquez. Bibinka are usually white and topped with cheese or salted egg, but these ones have a soft, pink color thanks to beet juice. A topping of fresh, sweet strawberries makes them adorable and a delicious addition to any party — but they’re so easy to make, so why wait for a party to happen?

8. Idli: Steamed Indian Lentil Rice Cakes

Source: Idli: Steamed Indian Lentil Rice Cakes

No longer just a South Indian favorite, Idli: Steamed Indian Lentil Rice Cakes are loved by people all around the world. Making an idli, is not difficult, nor does it need a lot of attention. The sourdough, however, does need preparation time for soaking and fermentation. So, just plan for 36 hours before cooking the Idli in this recipe by Rinku Bhattacharya.

9. Bibingkang Malagkit: Filipino Rice Cake With Caramelized Coconut

 Source: Bibingkang Malagkit: Filipino Rice Cake With Caramelized Coconut

Bibingkang Malagkit: Filipino Rice Cake With Caramelized Coconut is one of the several types of rice cakes hailing from the Philippines. This recipe by Raymund Macaalay is made from a simple combination of coconut milk and glutinous rice that is baked and then topped with a rich coconut caramel sauce. The cake itself is thick and chewy while the topping is crispy and caramelized.

10. Idlies: Soft Steamed Rice and Lentil Cakes

Source: Idlies: Soft Steamed Rice and Lentil Cakes

These Idlies by Rinku Bhattacharya are a classic relatively light steamed rice and lentil cake that is a popular breakfast item on Indian tables. Idlies are served with fresh coconut chutney and or a light lentil stew called sambhar. Idlies are made with a naturally fermented sourdough batter, that can be also used for dosas and uthapams. In short, a very versatile and useful batter.

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