How to Make Mooncakes from Scratch

Mooncakes are traditional Chinese pastries that hold great significance in Chinese culture. These delicacies are usually enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a special time when families come together to celebrate and give thanks for the harvest. Mooncakes are round or square in shape, with various fillings encased in a thin crust. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making mooncakes from scratch, step by step. So, let's get started!

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the process of making mooncakes, let's gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment:

500g of mooncake flour (also known as golden syrup or golden syrup flour)
150g of vegetable oil
150g of sugar
200g of lotus seed paste (for sweet filling)
200g of red bean paste (for sweet filling)
200g of minced pork (for savory filling)
2 salted egg yolks (for savory filling)
Mooncake molds (for shaping the mooncakes)
Egg wash (1 egg yolk mixed with 2 tablespoons of water)

Preparing the Dough

To start, we need to make the mooncake dough. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine the mooncake flour, vegetable oil, and sugar. Mix well until a soft dough is formed.
Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Wrap the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Making the Filling

Mooncakes can be filled with both sweet and savory fillings. Here are some options and instructions on how to prepare them:

Sweet Fillings:

Lotus Seed Paste Filling:

In a saucepan, cook the lotus seed paste over low heat until it thickens.
Let the paste cool completely before using it as a filling.

Red Bean Paste Filling:

In a saucepan, cook the red bean paste over low heat until it thickens.
Let the paste cool completely before using it as a filling.

Savory Filling:

Minced Pork and Salted Egg Yolk Filling:

Season the minced pork with salt and pepper to taste.
Divide the minced pork into small portions and wrap each portion around a salted egg yolk.
Steam the pork and salted egg yolk dumplings for about 15 minutes until cooked through.
Let the dumplings cool before using them as a filling.

Assembling the Mooncakes

Now that we have the dough and fillings ready, it's time to assemble the mooncakes:

Divide the dough and fillings into equal portions, depending on the size of mooncakes you want.
Take a portion of dough and flatten it with your palm.
Place a portion of filling in the center of the dough.
Wrap the dough around the filling, ensuring it is completely sealed.
Place the filled dough into a mooncake mold and press firmly to shape it.
Release the mooncake from the mold and place it onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Repeat the process for the remaining dough and fillings.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Mooncake Shape and Design

To achieve the perfect mooncake shape and design, here are some tips:

Ensure the dough is evenly rolled out and of the same thickness.
Use a mooncake mold with intricate patterns for a beautiful design.
Apply a light dusting of flour to the mold before pressing the dough to prevent sticking.
Gently tap the mold on a flat surface to release the mooncake.

Baking and Cooling the Mooncakes

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the mooncakes for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Storage and Shelf Life of Mooncakes

Mooncakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 1 month. Just make sure to thaw them before serving.

Serving and Enjoying Mooncakes

Mooncakes are traditionally enjoyed with a cup of tea, such as green tea or oolong tea. They can be served as a dessert or as a snack. To enhance the flavor, you can also heat the mooncakes in a microwave for a few seconds before serving.

If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different flavors and fillings, such as chocolate, matcha, or even durian. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

Now that you have a step-by-step guide on how to make mooncakes from scratch, it's time to embark on this culinary adventure. Making mooncakes may seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, you'll be able to create these delicious pastries to share with your loved ones. So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and let the mooncakes bring joy and togetherness to your Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations!