New Year Rice Cake Stir-Fry with Shrimp

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Shanghainese dish where chewy rice cakes symbolize growth, stir-fried with plump shrimp and fresh vegetables. This asian-inspired one pot ready in about 32 minutes layers rice cakes, peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped bok choy into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 12 oz rice cakes into 1/4-inch thick pieces and soak in cold water for 10 minutes to soften, then drain well.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 6 oz shrimp and stir-fry for 2 minutes until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp minced ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves to the wok, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 cups chopped bok choy and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly wilted.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to the wok, add 12 oz drained rice cakes, and toss with 3 tbsp soy sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes until rice cakes absorb flavors and edges turn slightly golden.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does New Year Rice Cake Stir-Fry with Shrimp take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover New Year Rice Cake Stir-Fry with Shrimp?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in New Year Rice Cake Stir-Fry with Shrimp?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale New Year Rice Cake Stir-Fry with Shrimp for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with New Year Rice Cake Stir-Fry with Shrimp?

Asian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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