Pasta & rice main dishes

Rice gnocchi with fish and vegetables

⏱ 20 min👤 2 pp★★★☆☆

On the menu of any Chinese restaurant you won’t fail to see this dish. Rice dumplings do not resemble in any way the gnocchi of Italian cookery, but they are interesting and tasty. To begin with you must get hold of the rice dumplings, an ingredient which is not easy to find in Italy but readily available in many ethnic food shops. Maybe, if you've never tasted them before, you might at first find them a little chewy, but we guarantee it will only be a first impression, and almost everyone will want to have a second taste. You’ll find them in Chinese shops in the "dry" products section. You need to soak them before cooking: remember that you have to soak them for at least 12 hours. If you are going to make these rice dumplings, it’s best to get organised the night before. We suggest eating them with vegetables and mussels, but if you are not particularly fond of mussels or fish in general, you can have them with a simple vegetable sauce. Here’s the recipe!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 280 kcal / serving

Protein
22g
Carbohydrates
28g
Fat
8g
Fiber
4g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Total time
Serves 2 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Soak the rice dumplings for 12 hours, so plan ahead. Take the vegetables and cut them into julienne strips, but not too thin. Clean the prawns and mussels. Cook the dumplings in boiling water until they float. Once cooked chuck them in cold water to stop their cooking. Now in a large wok, add 3-4 tablespoons of sesame oil over a high heat. When the oil is hot throw in all the vegetables and fry them together until they give up their moisture. Then add the mussels: cook everything together. Just before the mussels open, add the prawns and spice it all up with a little cumin and ginger. When the prawns take on colour, add the rice dumplings, fry for a minute and serve!

Tips
If you want to make rice dumplings at home, remember that you have to buy a glutinous rice flour, which is easy to work with and just right for this type of recipe.
Trivia
It’s possible to make rice dumplings at home, kneading the rice flour with water at room temperature. You will get a very sticky mixture at first, then smooth and uniform. Let the mixture stand in the fridge for at least an hour, then roll out the dough and make these fabulous rice dumplings.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Rice Gnocchi with Fish and Vegetables in Chinese Style

A delicious variant of rice gnocchi is represented by those prepared in Chinese style, where vegetables and fish come together to create a dish rich in flavors. This version uses fresh ingredients such as shrimp and mussels, which pair perfectly with a selection of julienned vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers. Cooking takes place in a wok, allowing the flavors to be enhanced through a quick and high-temperature preparation. The final touch is given by soy sauce and sesame oil, which provide an unmistakable aroma and taste. The rice gnocchi, light and delicate, blend perfectly with the fish and vegetables, making this dish a true delight for the palate.

Rice Gnocchi with Fish and Vegetables in Wok Style

The preparation of rice gnocchi with fish and vegetables in wok style is a technique that allows the colors and nutritional properties of the ingredients to remain intact. Using a wok, one can achieve quick cooking, ideal for vegetables that need to stay crunchy and flavorful. The shrimp and mussels, after being cleaned, are added to the mix of vegetables, creating a dish that enhances the fresh flavors of the sea. Cooking this way allows for a perfect consistency, where each ingredient blends without losing its identity. This method is particularly appreciated in Asian cuisine, where the speed of preparation and the quality of ingredients are fundamental.

Light Rice Gnocchi with Fish and Vegetables

For those mindful of their figure, rice gnocchi with fish and vegetables can be prepared in a light version, reducing the use of oils and sauces. Opting for steaming the vegetables allows for the natural flavor to be maintained without adding unnecessary calories. Additionally, the amount of sesame oil and soy sauce can be limited, using spices like cumin and ginger to flavor the dish. The shrimp and mussels, rich in protein and low in fat, contribute to making this dish not only light but also nutritious. Thus, one can enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal, ideal for those wishing to maintain a balanced diet.

Nutritional Benefits of Rice Gnocchi with Fish and Vegetables

Rice gnocchi with fish and vegetables offer numerous nutritional benefits thanks to the combination of fresh and healthy ingredients. The rice, the base of this dish, is a source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-term energy. The vegetables, rich in vitamins and minerals, contribute to overall well-being, while the shrimp and mussels provide high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health. On average, a serving of this dish contains about 350-400 calories, making it a balanced option for a complete meal. Additionally, the consumption of fish is associated with numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and improvements in cognitive functions.

Can Rice Gnocchi with Fish and Vegetables be Frozen?

The question of whether it is possible to freeze rice gnocchi with fish and vegetables is very common among those who wish to prepare their meals in advance. In general, it is possible to freeze rice gnocchi, but it is important to consider some factors. If the gnocchi have already been cooked, their texture may change once thawed, becoming a bit softer. It is advisable to freeze the raw gnocchi to preserve their quality. For the fish and vegetables, it is better to cook them separately and freeze them to then combine with the gnocchi at the time of cooking. This way, a fresh and tasty dish will be guaranteed even after freezing.