Sticky Rice Dumpling (粽子)
Sticky Rice Dumpling (粽子, pronounced Zòng Zi) is a traditional Chinese dish that is commonly made and eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival.
Equipment
- Bamboo leaves
- Food-safe string
- Steamer basket
- Large pot for soaking bamboo leaves
Ingredients
- 2 cups glutinous rice (also known as sticky rice)
- 500 g pork belly cut into small pieces
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 pinch salt
- 20 bamboo leaves 30 leaves if small
Complete Recipe Steps
- Rinse the sticky rice several times and soak in water for at least 2 hours.2 cups glutinous rice
- Mix the pork belly, shiitake mushrooms and soy sauce together and allow them to marinate.500 g pork belly, 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Drain the soaked rice and mix in 1 tablespoon of oil and a pinch of salt.1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 pinch salt
- Prepare the bamboo leaves by soaking them in hot water for at least 2 hours until they are soft and pliable.20 bamboo leaves
- Take 2 bamboo leaves and overlap them.
- Form the bamboo leaves into a cone shape and add a spoonful of rice into the centre and flatten it slightly.
- Add a spoonful of the pork and mushroom mixture on top of the rice.
- Add another spoonful of rice on top of the pork and mushrooms.
- Fold the leaves over the filling to form a pyramid shape. (see Prepping Tips for detailed instructions on how to wrap the Sticky Rice Dumplings).
- Tie the Sticky Rice Dumpling with food-safe string to secure it.
- Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
- Place the Sticky Rice Dumplings in a steamer basket and steam over high heat for 1 hour.
- Remove the Sticky Rice Dumplings from the steamer basket and allow them to cool for 5 minutes.
- Unwrap the bamboo leaves and serve the Sticky Rice Dumplings hot or cold.
Notes
- You can add additional ingredients such as peanuts or chestnuts to the filling for added texture and flavour.
- To prevent the Sticky Rice Dumplings from falling apart during cooking, make sure to wrap it tightly with the bamboo leaves and food-safe string.
- The leftover Sticky Rice Dumplings can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or steamed for a few minutes.