African-inspired Chien Chang Go

Ingredients

In this African adaptation of Chien Chang Go, we incorporate African spices and flavors to give the dish an authentic African twist. The original Chinese dish is typically made with rice flour and served with a soy-based sauce, whereas our African-inspired version uses cooked rice as the base and features a spicy peanut sauce for a bold and vibrant flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Chien chang go, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) cooked rice 2 cups (400g) cooked rice
• 1 cup (150g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (150g) all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Spicy Peanut Sauce: For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
• 1/2 cup (120g) peanut butter 1/2 cup (120g) peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Water, as needed to adjust consistency Water, as needed to adjust consistency

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 5g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, all-purpose flour, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the rice mixture into small patties or balls, about 2 inches in diameter.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the rice cakes in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper. Add water gradually to achieve the desired consistency for the sauce.
5. 5.
   Serve the African-inspired Chien Chang Go rice cakes with the spicy peanut sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cooked rice — Ensure that the rice is cooked and cooled before using it in the recipe. Cold rice works best for binding the ingredients together.
• Peanut butter — Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oil for a healthier and more authentic taste.
• Cayenne pepper — Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the rice mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
• Serve the rice cakes with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftover rice cakes can be refrigerated and reheated in a toaster or oven for a quick and delicious snack.

Serving advice

Serve the African-inspired Chien Chang Go rice cakes as an appetizer or main course. Arrange them on a platter with a bowl of the spicy peanut sauce in the center for dipping. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh herbs for an added touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown rice cakes on a vibrant African-inspired serving dish. Drizzle the spicy peanut sauce over the rice cakes or serve it in a separate bowl for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh herbs to enhance the visual appeal.