Shanghai-Style Sweet Fermented Rice Dessert Soup
A warm, soothing dessert soup made from sweet fermented glutinous rice with a subtle tang and creamy texture, traditionally enjoyed in Shanghai. This chinese-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers fermented glutinous rice (jiu niang), water, rock sugar 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 150 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.
Ingredients
- 200 g fermented glutinous rice (jiu niang)
- 400 ml water
- 30 g rock sugar
- 1 thin slice ginger slice
- 1 tsp dried osmanthus flowers (optional)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 400 ml water, 1 thin slice of ginger, and 30 g rock sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the water simmers gently for 5 minutes to infuse the ginger flavor.
- Step 2: Remove the ginger slice and add 200 g fermented glutinous rice (jiu niang) to the saucepan. Stir gently and warm the mixture over low heat for 3-4 minutes until heated through, avoiding boiling which can kill the fermentation.
- Step 3: If using, sprinkle 1 tsp dried osmanthus flowers into the soup and stir to incorporate the floral aroma.
- Step 4: Serve the sweet fermented rice soup warm in small bowls as a comforting Shanghainese dessert rich in natural sweetness and mellow tang.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shanghai-Style Sweet Fermented Rice Dessert Soup take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Shanghai-Style Sweet Fermented Rice Dessert Soup?
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 Shanghai-Style Sweet Fermented Rice Dessert Soup?
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 Shanghai-Style Sweet Fermented Rice Dessert Soup 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 Shanghai-Style Sweet Fermented Rice Dessert Soup?
Chinese desserts 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.
