These Vegan Chinese Steamed Rice Cakes require only 6 ingredients to make. They are light and take minimal time to make. 

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I wake up in the middle of the night seeing my mom leave the bedroom.

Before I shared a room with my sister, I used to stay in my parents’ small bedroom. Whenever she has a lot to do the following day, my mom would wake up extra early sometimes a little before 4am to get the day started before her day gets chaotic.

My brother and I had wanted my mom to make Chinese Steamed Rice Cakes (Fa Gao) for several months after she bought them at one of the Vietnamese supermarkets in Boston. They’re soft and slightly chewy with hints of coconut flavor to them.

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One morning, I felt her movement, leaving the bed as she headed downstairs to make the steamed rice cakes. I can hear the sounds of pots and mixing bowls being taken out from the cabinets as she gets started with them. I would lay in bed trying to fall back asleep, giving her some quiet time before leaving bed myself.

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By the time I entered the kitchen, my mom would be nearly done with them all, the steamer pots filled with rice cakes slowly cooking on the stove. There would be large plates of the Steamed Rice Cakes on our kitchen counter and dining table, some colored pink or green for pandan flavor, and others left plain. She let me know they were ready to be eaten, telling me to grab a plate and eat in the living room as she finishes up.

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Even though she woke up early, she did not look tired at all, but peaceful as she had the whole kitchen to herself, making food for her family. At that time, I was too young to understand how she could do it all but now realized that the love she has for our entire family is so strong that even when her soul is tired, she continues to find strength for her family.

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Even though she woke up early, she did not look tired at all, but peaceful as she had the whole kitchen to herself, making food for her family. At that time, I was too young to understand how she could do it all but now realized that the love she has for our entire family is so strong that even when her soul is tired, she continues to find strength for her family.

Who is someone you care and love deeply that you would go thousands of miles for them?

If you’re ready to make these Chinese Steamed Rice Cakes, let’s start baking!