If you’re craving something irresistibly comforting with layers of flavor, this Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe is your perfect go-to dish. It’s a traditional favorite that brings together tender, chewy glutinous rice with the rich, savory goodness of Chinese sausage, shiitake mushrooms, and dried shrimp, all steamed to perfection. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and umami-packed tastes that make it truly unforgettable. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe promises warmth and satisfaction in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe lies in a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s enhancing the taste, adding wonderful texture, or bringing that signature savory aroma that sticks with you long after the meal.
- 2 cups glutinous (sticky) rice: The foundation of the dish, this rice becomes delectably chewy and sticky when cooked.
- 2 Chinese sausages (lap cheong), sliced: Adds a sweet and savory punch with its slightly smoky flavor.
- 1/2 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and chopped: Offers earthy notes and meaty texture that elevate the dish.
- 2 tablespoons dried shrimp, soaked and chopped: Brings an intense seafood umami that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth that’s simply irresistible.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Adds freshness and a mild bite as a vibrant garnish.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Essential for saltiness and that distinctive savory backbone.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances the richness and adds a subtle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying to meld the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Drizzled at the end to provide a nutty finish.
- Salt and white pepper, to taste: Seasonings that balance and brighten the dish perfectly.
How to Make Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by rinsing the glutinous rice several times in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming overly gummy. After rinsing, soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is key to achieving that soft but delightfully sticky texture once steamed. When ready, drain the rice well and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Meats
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic first, letting it release its fragrant aroma without burning. Next, add the sliced Chinese sausage, dried shrimp, and chopped shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry these ingredients for about 3 to 4 minutes until everything is fragrant and the sausage has started to lightly caramelize. This quick step builds the base flavor that will infuse the rice later.
Step 3: Combine Rice with Flavorful Mixture
Add the drained glutinous rice into the wok with the sausage and mushroom mix. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the rice grains are evenly coated and mingle with those juicy bits of meat and mushroom. This helps each grain soak up the savory flavors as it steams.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, then sprinkle with salt and white pepper to taste. Mix the seasonings through carefully but thoroughly, paying attention that every grain of rice has some seasoning. These sauces create that irresistibly rich and umami-forward taste that defines this Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe.
Step 5: Prepare to Steam
Transfer the rice and ingredient mixture to a heatproof dish or traditional bamboo steamer lined with cheesecloth to prevent sticking. Spreading the rice evenly helps it cook uniformly and stay fluffy.
Step 6: Steam Until Tender
Place the dish or steamer over boiling water and cover tightly. Let the rice steam for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until fully cooked and wonderfully tender. The steaming process allows the rice to soak in all those lovely meaty and mushroomy flavors while achieving a perfect sticky consistency.
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
Once steamed, drizzle the sticky rice with fragrant sesame oil for an extra layer of nutty richness. Then sprinkle the chopped green onions on top to add a fresh, crisp contrast in both flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy every fragrant, flavorful bite!
How to Serve Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are the classic garnish that brings out brightness and freshness against the savory richness. You can also sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds to add a toasty crunch and a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
This sticky rice is rich and filling, so lighter side dishes like stir-fried greens, steamed bok choy, or a crisp cucumber salad create a lovely balance. Complement with simple broths or a mild soup to keep the meal harmonious and enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe in small lotus leaf parcels or banana leaf cups to add a beautiful visual element and subtle fragrance. You can also shape the rice into small cakes and pan-fry them for a crispy exterior, giving a delightful textural contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover sticky rice cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors often develop even more after resting!
Freezing
If you want to keep the Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe longer, freeze portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can last for up to 1 month without losing too much texture or flavor. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the sticky rice gently by steaming it again or microwaving with a sprinkle of water to prevent it from drying out. A quick stir after heating helps to fluff it back up and redistribute the flavors evenly.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?
Regular rice won’t give you the characteristic sticky and chewy texture essential to this dish. Glutinous rice is what makes Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe unique and authentic, so it’s best to stick with it.
Where can I find dried shrimp and lap cheong?
These ingredients are commonly available in Asian grocery stores. You can also order them online. Soaking dried shrimp beforehand is important to soften and mellow their flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the Chinese sausage and dried shrimp and increase mushrooms or add other plant-based proteins like tofu. Just adjust seasoning to maintain a balanced umami taste.
Is soaking the rice really necessary?
Yes, soaking allows the glutinous rice grains to absorb water evenly, resulting in better texture after steaming. It also shortens the cooking time and ensures the rice cooks through thoroughly.
Can this recipe be cooked without a steamer?
While steaming is traditional and gives the best texture, you can try using a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight lid to mimic steaming. Just be careful to avoid burning the rice at the bottom and add a bit more water if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe is a heartwarming dish that invites you to savor every bite, bringing authentic flavors and a comforting texture right to your table. It’s a dish that comforts the soul and impresses guests, making it a fantastic recipe to keep in your culinary repertoire. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite that’s passed down through generations.
Print
Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice recipe features fragrant glutinous rice cooked with flavorful Chinese sausages, dried shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms. Enhanced with garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, this traditional dish is steamed to perfection to achieve its signature sticky and tender texture, making it a delightful and hearty meal perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Rice and Base Ingredients
- 2 cups glutinous (sticky) rice
Meats and Mushrooms
- 2 Chinese sausages (lap cheong), sliced
- 1/2 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons dried shrimp, soaked and chopped
Flavorings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the glutinous rice several times under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to ensure even cooking and the right sticky texture. Drain the rice thoroughly before cooking.
- Cook the Aromatics and Meats: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced Chinese sausage, soaked and chopped dried shrimp, and chopped shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry these ingredients together for about 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and the sausage releases its oils.
- Combine Rice with Aromatics: Add the drained glutinous rice to the wok or skillet. Stir well to combine the rice evenly with the sautéed ingredients, allowing the rice to absorb flavors and get coated in the savory mixture.
- Season the Mixture: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and season with salt and white pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure that all the rice grains and ingredients are evenly seasoned.
- Transfer to Steaming Dish: Move the entire rice mixture into a heatproof dish or a bamboo steamer lined with cheesecloth, which will help prevent sticking during steaming and allow excess moisture to drain.
- Steam the Rice: Place the dish or steamer over boiling water and steam the rice for approximately 30 to 40 minutes. This slow steaming method cooks the rice thoroughly while keeping it moist and tender.
- Finish and Garnish: Once the rice is fully cooked, drizzle the sesame oil evenly over the top to add fragrance and depth of flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving to provide a fresh and vibrant contrast.
Notes
- Soaking the glutinous rice overnight deeply improves the texture and reduces steaming time.
- If you do not have a bamboo steamer, use a metal steaming rack inside a large pot with a tight lid.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce according to your preferred saltiness.
- Chinese sausage (lap cheong) can be substituted with smoked sausage if unavailable, though the flavor will differ slightly.
- Be sure to soak and chop dried shrimp and mushrooms well to soften them and help them blend better into the dish.
- Serve this dish hot as a main or side to complement other Chinese dishes.
