mung bean cakes

How to Make Mung Bean Cake: A Simple Guide

Mung bean cake, a beloved Asian delicacy, delights with its subtle sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s a straightforward guide to crafting this treat at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Mung Beans

Soak 200g dried mung beans in water for at least 4 hours, or overnight until softened. Drain, then steam them for 25–30 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly, then blend into a smooth paste using a food processor. For extra smoothness, pass the paste through a fine sieve.

Step 2: Sweeten and Cook

In a pan, combine the mung bean paste with 100g sugar, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the pan (about 10–15 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Step 3: Shape and Set

Let the paste cool until warm. Lightly oil your hands and form the paste into small balls or press into a greased 8-inch square pan. For a traditional touch, press a salted egg yolk or a red bean into the center of each ball.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

This simple recipe yields soft, fragrant mung bean cakes perfect for tea time or as a thoughtful gift. Enjoy the process and savor the homemade goodness!