Master the Art of Pan-frying Chinese New Year Pudding – Zero Failure!
February 16, 2026
With Lunar New Year around the corner, it is time to showcase your culinary skills and enjoy delicious pan-fried puddings. However, for many, this presents a sticky challenge: the pudding often adheres to the pan, turning into a messy gloop. In this article, we detail 4 major techniques to prevent your traditional pudding from sticking to the pan, and we introduce this year's must-have festive puddings to help you become a master chef with perfect, aromatic results!
Tip 1: The Art of the Thick Slice
Never slice your pudding too thin! Due to the high stickiness of the pudding (Nian Gao), slices that are too thin are not only difficult to flip but also tend to melt easily into a shapeless mess. Conversely, if the slice is too thick, the center will remain cold while the outside burns, wasting the pastry. Therefore, we recommend an optimal thickness of about 1cm - 1.5cm. A pro-tip: slicing the pudding while it is still cold from the fridge makes it much easier to control the shape!
Tip 2: The Egg Wash Coat
You might assume the older generation dips pudding in egg wash solely to add texture, but there is a scientific trick to it! When you coat the pudding evenly with a layer of egg wash before placing it into a hot, oiled pan, the egg coagulates quickly. This creates a protective film that effectively separates the sticky pudding from the direct heat of the pan, guaranteeing a zero-failure frying experience.
Tip 3: Patience and Medium Heat
Controlling the heat is a crucial part of frying the perfect pudding! Always use medium-low heat; never rush the process with a high flame. Heat the pan first, add oil, and wait for the oil to warm up before placing the pudding inside. Do not flip frequently. You should wait until one side turns golden brown before flipping to cook the other side. This patience ensures a perfect texture: crispy on the outside and soft and golden on the inside.
Tip 4: The Parchment Paper Hack
For beginners looking to minimize the risk of sticking even further, try lining the bottom of your pan with a sheet of baking (parchment) paper before adding oil and frying. This way, even as the pudding softens with the heat, it absolutely will not stick to the pan. It works like a charm every time!
Now that you have mastered these 4 non-stick techniques, it is time to stock up on delicious puddings to show off your skills! Here are 4 must-buy Lunar New Year pudding recommendations for 2026, featuring authentic recipes and solid ingredients—don't miss out!
2026 Chinese New Year Pudding Recommendations:
Recommendation 1: Chinese New Year Pudding (1050g)
For those seeking authentic, nostalgic flavors, Kee Wah’s signature Chinese New Year Pudding is the top choice! Inheriting the traditional craftsmanship of the Kee Wah founder's mother, this pudding is steamed using premium Thai glutinous rice that is stone-ground into a paste. The texture is incredibly soft and chewy. Remember to fry it with egg wash; the combination of egg fragrance and rich cane sugar aroma is sweet without being cloying. The substantial 1050g portion is perfect for sharing during family reunions.
Recommendation 2: Chinese New Year Radish Pudding (900g)
Savory food lovers will not be able to resist this! Kee Wah’s Chinese Turnip Pudding features premium Chinese sausage (lap cheong) and fresh, sweet turnip, enriched with Japanese dried scallops and high-quality dried shrimp. Generous with ingredients and steamed using traditional methods, every bite offers the texture of real turnip chunks and the savory, aromatic kick of cured meats. It truly stands out as the ultimate savory pudding!
Recommendation 3: Selected Chinese New Year Pudding
Facing a dilemma between the two puddings above? Adults and children alike don't need to choose! Simply opt for the Kee Wah Selected Chinese New Year Pudding Voucher, which includes both the Chinese New Year Pudding and the Chinese Radish Pudding. This allows everyone to enjoy the dual delights of sweet and savory flavors. It is an excellent choice for self-indulgence or as a gift when visiting friends and relatives!
Recommendation 4: Kee Wah Selected Pudding Set (Online Store Exclusive)
During the festive season, should health concerns stop you from enjoying traditional treats? Kee Wah’s Low Sugar Chinese New Year Pudding with Maltitol Gift Box answers your needs. By replacing traditional slab sugar with maltitol, the sugar content and calories are significantly reduced while maintaining the classic texture and flavor—perfect for those monitoring blood sugar.
The set also features the Chinese New Year Pudding with Ginger Juice. The master chefs select premium Thai glutinous rice for stone-grinding and mix it with ginger juice. The ginger flavor slowly permeates the pudding, offering a warming sensation for the stomach without compromising the chewy, soft texture. This Online Exclusive Set allows you to savor both unique variations in one go!
