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Make lunch or dinner easily with this one-pan rice cake stir fry that includes carbohydrates, protein, and fats!

One-pan meals are some of my favorite dishes because they require minimal cleanup and effort. Chinese and other Asian-style stir fry dishes are good examples of meals where you can incorporate all the macronutrients and end up with something tasty. Shanghainese rice cake stir fry (Chinese: nian gao or 年糕) is a simple one-pan, one-wok dish that features glutinous and chewy cakes made from glutinous rice flour.

Rice cakes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in soups, stew, casseroles, stir-fries, and more. They are also gluten-free, making them a great option for anyone with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease. The term “Chinese rice cake” refers to a wide variety of rice cakes in general, so it’s important to note that this recipe uses sliced rice cakes. The rice cake dough is formed into thick rods and then sliced into oval-shaped pieces, as shown in this recipe.

This dish is prepared with Asian pantry staples. You can find the ingredients in most East Asian grocery stores, or in the international aisle of your local grocery store.

Dried Shiitake Mushrooms: These mushrooms are air- or sun-dried, which allows their flavor to concentrate. They are much more flavorful than fresh shiitake mushrooms and add an intense umami depth to dishes. Their soaking water is often used in the same dish or reserved for another dish.

Oyster Sauce: A salty, sweet, and sticky sauce made from simmered oysters. It is a key ingredient commonly used in stir-fries and marinades.

White Pepper: An earthy, mildly spicy pepper made from fully ripened peppercorns. It is less pungent than black pepper is commonly used in East Asian cooking for its subtle heat and clean appearance.

Vegetarian/Vegan Option: If you would like to make a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe, you can omit the meat or swap it with a protein of your choice, such as tofu. Be sure to use a plant-based oyster sauce alternative, like vegetarian mushroom sauce.