
Pumpkin Cake (Steamed-Savory-Sweet Glutinous Pancakes)
南瓜饼 · nán guā bǐng
My uncle in Hangzhou made these every Mid-Autumn morning—he’d steam local kabocha squash, mash it with his wooden pestle, and fry small cakes in lard-free oil while humming old Shaoxing opera tunes.
Recipe author: HǎoWèi Test Kitchen
Home-cooking research team
Reviewed by HǎoWèi editorial team · Last updated 2026-08-29
Ingredients
- kabocha squash (peeled, cubed)日本南瓜(去皮切块)🛒 local300 g
- glutinous rice flour糯米粉🏮 asian180 g
- granulated sugar白砂糖🛒 local30 g
- neutral oil (for frying)无味植物油(煎制用)🛒 local30 ml
kabocha squash (peeled, cubed): Substitute: butternut squash or canned unsweetened pumpkin purée (200 g drained weight).
glutinous rice flour: Must be labeled 'sweet rice flour' or 'glutinous rice flour'.
neutral oil (for frying): Use canola, grapeseed, or sunflower oil.
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Instructions
1Steam cubed kabocha over boiling water until fork-tender (15–18 minutes). Drain well, then mash into smooth purée while still warm.
蒸南瓜压泥
🔍 Look for High heat 15–18 分钟 · 15–18 minutesVisual: 泥糊浓稠无颗粒,搅拌后留清晰纹路Purée is thick, lump-free, and holds ridges when stirred
You know it's right when: 蒸汽减弱,南瓜块轻压即塌Steam stops rising vigorously and cubes collapse when pressed
2Let purée cool to lukewarm (≈40°C), then mix in sugar and glutinous rice flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
混合成团
🔍 Look for 2–3 分钟 · 2–3 minutesVisual: 面团成团利落,碗壁留薄层微黏Dough gathers cleanly and leaves slight residue on bowl
You know it's right when: 无干粉残留,面团温热且易操作No dry flour remains and dough feels warm but workable
3Divide dough into 12 equal portions (~45 g each). Flatten each into 6 cm (2.5-inch) discs using floured palms.
分剂压饼
🔍 Look for 3–4 分钟 · 3–4 minutesVisual: 饼坯厚薄均匀、边缘完整无裂Discs are even thickness with smooth edges, no tearing
You know it's right when: 面团受压微延展,不裂不散Dough yields gently under palm pressure without cracking
4Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry cakes until golden brown and crisp on both sides (2–3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towel.
中小火煎至金黄
🔍 Look for Medium heat 每面2–3 分钟 · 2–3 minutes per sideVisual: 边缘微翘,表面初现细泡后转色Edges curl slightly and surface bubbles faintly before browning
You know it's right when: 底面深金黄,轻推即离锅Bottom is deep golden and releases easily from pan
5Cool on wire rack for 2 minutes before serving. Best eaten warm—the outer crisp gives way to a tender, sweet-savory interior.
稍晾后趁热食
🔍 Look for 2 分钟 · 2 minutesVisual: 表面微亮,散发柔和热气Surface glistens faintly and emits gentle steam
You know it's right when: 触之温热不烫手Cakes feel warm to touch but not scalding
Tips
- · Add 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to dough for subtle warmth.
- · For crispier cakes, chill shaped discs for 15 minutes before frying.
- · Serve with a pinch of flaky sea salt—it balances sweetness beautifully.
Sources & references
Quantities, technique notes, and substitution ratios are cross-checked against established Chinese cookery references and standard food-science sources.
- Read our editorial policy
- Fuchsia Dunlop, Land of Plenty: A Treasury of Authentic Sichuan Cooking
- USDA FoodData Central — ingredient nutrition and portion data
- Traditional Chinese family-kitchen practice and regional taste records
Common questions
Is there a vegan substitute for oyster sauce?
Yes — 'mushroom oyster sauce' (often labeled vegetarian/vegan) is sold in most Asian grocers and increasingly in mainstream supermarkets. It behaves 1:1 and adds the same glossy umami. Watch labels if you're also gluten-free; most brands are GF, some aren't.
Source: HǎoWèi substitution engine
How do I make this vegetarian/vegan?
Swap meat for tofu, mushrooms (dried shiitake for umami), or seitan. Replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce, chicken stock with veg stock, and watch for fish sauce and shrimp in sauces. Doubanjiang is vegetarian but check brands. Most of our recipes include a 'make it veg' note in the tips.
Source: HǎoWèi diet guide
I only have 30 minutes. Which recipes should I pick?
Look for the 'Quick' filter (≤30 min) — tomato & egg, egg fried rice, scallion pancakes, beef & broccoli, and mapo tofu (if you have doubanjiang) all fit. Prep tip: mise-en-place everything first; the actual cooking is usually under 10 minutes.
Source: HǎoWèi recipe collection
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