What is a common ingredient in many Asian dessert recipes?

Rice is a common ingredient in many Asian dessert recipes, and it plays a significant role in various traditional dishes across Asian cuisines. For instance, in countries like Japan, rice is used to make mochi, which are sticky rice cakes often filled with sweet fillings such as red bean paste. In Thailand, sticky rice is a key component in desserts like mango sticky rice, where it is paired with fresh mango and coconut milk, showcasing the versatility of rice in sweet applications.

In addition to providing texture and substance, rice often serves as a base for sweet treats, allowing for the incorporation of other flavors and ingredients, such as fruits, nuts, and syrups. This highlights rice not just as a staple in savory dishes but also as an essential component in creating a variety of delightful desserts.