Muah Chee
Muah Chee is a delightful and chewy snack that hails from the streets of Southeast Asia, particularly popular in Malaysia and Singapore. This traditional delicacy is often enjoyed as a sweet treat and is made from glutinous rice flour, giving it that signature chewy texture. Coated in a mixture of ground roasted peanuts, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds, Muah Chee is not just a snack; it’s a delightful experience that combines flavors and textures in every bite. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for anyone wanting to indulge in a sweet, nutty treat that can be made right at home.
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This Muah Chee recipe has been meticulously tested to ensure that every step leads to a delectable result. The combination of glutinous rice flour and tapioca flour creates the perfect chewy texture, while the roasted peanuts and toasted sesame add a crunch that complements the softness. With easily accessible ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you will find that recreating this street food classic is easier than you think.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 3 tablespoons oil – for frying shallots and adding flavor.
- 5 cloves small shallots – peeled and sliced thinly for a savory touch.
- 2 1/4 cups glutinous rice flour (8 oz/225 g) – the star ingredient for chewiness.
- 2 tablespoons tapioca flour – adds elasticity to the dough.
- 1 1/2 cups water – to bring the flours together into a smooth batter.
- 2 cups ground roasted peanuts (8 oz /225 g) – for that nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup sugar – sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds – lightly toasted for a rich, nutty taste.
- 3 tablespoons fried shallot crisps – for an added crunch.
Toolbox for This Recipe
- Mixing bowl – for combining ingredients.
- Whisk – to ensure the batter is smooth without lumps.
- Steamer – essential for cooking the Muah Chee to perfection.
- Spatula – for spreading the dough and mixing evenly.
- Knife or bench scraper – to cut the Muah Chee into bite-sized pieces.
- Serving plate – to present your delicious creation.
Cook Muah Chee Like This
Step 1: Prepare the Shallots
Begin by heating 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced shallots and sauté until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the shallots from the oil and set them aside on a paper towel to drain.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of glutinous rice flour and 2 tablespoons of tapioca flour. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of water while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 3: Steam the Batter
Pour the batter into a greased steaming tray or a heatproof dish. Place it in a steamer and steam over high heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the batter has set and is firm to the touch. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Step 4: Cool the Mixture
Once cooked, remove the tray from the steamer and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to cut into pieces.
Step 5: Prepare the Coating
While the Muah Chee cools, combine the ground roasted peanuts, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds in a bowl. Adjust the sugar to your taste preference.
Step 6: Cut into Pieces
Once the Muah Chee has cooled, use a knife or bench scraper to cut it into bite-sized squares or rectangles.
Step 7: Coat the Muah Chee
In a large bowl, toss the cut Muah Chee pieces in the peanut mixture until they are generously coated. Add in the crispy shallots to the bowl and mix until evenly distributed.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the coated Muah Chee to a serving plate. For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional sesame seeds or fried shallot crisps on top. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful snack!
International Equivalents
- Glutinous rice flour: Also known as sweet rice flour or sticky rice flour.
- Tapioca flour: Can be found as tapioca starch in most grocery stores.
- Ground roasted peanuts: You can also use peanut butter as a substitute, but the texture will differ.
- Shallots: Can be replaced with small red onions in a pinch.
Pro Tips & Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the batter.
- Make sure to toast the sesame seeds lightly to enhance their nuttiness.
- Adjust the sugar according to your preference; Muah Chee can be made less sweet if desired.
- Fried shallots can be found at Asian grocery stores, but you can also make your own by frying in oil until crispy.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Muah Chee is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to enjoy it warm again, simply steam it for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid refrigerating, as it may alter the texture and make it too firm.
Ask & Learn
Can I use regular rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour?
No, regular rice flour will not give you the same chewy texture that glutinous rice flour provides. It’s essential for the authenticity of Muah Chee.
What can I use as a substitute for peanuts?
If you have nut allergies, sunflower seed meal or crushed pumpkin seeds can be used as a substitute for the ground roasted peanuts.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved?
Absolutely! You can easily adjust the quantities of the ingredients to suit your needs. Just ensure that the steaming time is adjusted accordingly if you make a larger batch.
What is the best way to serve Muah Chee?
Muah Chee is traditionally served at room temperature, garnished with additional toasted sesame seeds and fried shallots, making it visually appealing and delicious.
One Pan, More Ideas
- Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies – A delightful nutty treat for dessert lovers.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread – A moist and flavorful bread that incorporates the delicious flavors of peanut butter.
- Thai Peanut Sauce – Perfect for dipping or drizzling over your favorite dishes.
- 5-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups – A quick and easy chocolatey treat!
Bring It Home
Muah Chee is more than just a snack; it is a piece of cultural heritage that brings joy and comfort. Making this dish at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to savor the flavors and textures of this beloved treat. The chewy, nutty, and slightly sweet combination makes Muah Chee an unforgettable indulgence that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you enjoy it as a dessert or a snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the delightful world of homemade Muah Chee!
Muah Chee
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by heating 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced shallots and sauté until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the shallots from the oil and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of glutinous rice flour and 2 tablespoons of tapioca flour. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of water while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour the batter into a greased steaming tray or a heatproof dish. Place it in a steamer and steam over high heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the batter has set and is firm to the touch. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Once cooked, remove the tray from the steamer and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes to make it easier to cut into pieces.
- While the Muah Chee cools, combine the ground roasted peanuts, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds in a bowl. Adjust the sugar to your taste preference.
- Once the Muah Chee has cooled, use a knife or bench scraper to cut it into bite-sized squares or rectangles.
- In a large bowl, toss the cut Muah Chee pieces in the peanut mixture until they are generously coated. Add in the crispy shallots to the bowl and mix until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the coated Muah Chee to a serving plate. For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional sesame seeds or fried shallot crisps on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the batter.
- Make sure to toast the sesame seeds lightly to enhance their nuttiness.
- Adjust the sugar according to your preference; Muah Chee can be made less sweet if desired.
- Fried shallots can be found at Asian grocery stores, but you can also make your own by frying in oil until crispy.
