Chinese Steamed Sticky Rice Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Dish

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you're likely familiar with steamed sticky rice. This delicious dish is a staple in many Chinese households and is enjoyed for its unique texture and flavour. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, it's actually quite simple and requires only a few essential ingredients.

To make Chinese steamed sticky rice, you'll need glutinous rice, which is a type of short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked. You'll also need Chinese sausage, dried mushrooms, and other seasonings and spices to give the dish its signature flavour. Once you have all your ingredients, you'll steam the rice and other ingredients together in a bamboo steamer until everything is cooked through and fragrant.

If you're looking to switch things up, you can also add seafood to your Chinese steamed sticky rice recipe. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are all great options that will add a delicious seafood flavour to the dish. Simply add the seafood to the steamer along with the other ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese steamed sticky rice is a delicious and unique dish that is easy to make at home.
• Essential ingredients include glutinous rice, Chinese sausage, and dried mushrooms.
• Seafood can be added to the recipe to give it a new and delicious twist.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese steamed sticky rice, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need to have on hand. In this section, we will discuss the key components of a delicious sticky rice dish, including the rice itself, protein and vegetables, and seasonings and sauces.

Choosing the Right Rice

The first and most important ingredient in any sticky rice recipe is, of course, the rice itself. Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice or sweet rice, is a short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked. To ensure that your sticky rice turns out perfectly, it is essential to choose the right type of rice.

Look for a high-quality glutinous rice that is specifically labelled as such. Avoid using regular rice or sushi rice, as these types of rice will not yield the same sticky texture that is characteristic of a great sticky rice dish.

Protein and Vegetables

While sticky rice is delicious on its own, it is often served with a variety of protein and vegetable toppings to add flavour and texture. Popular protein options include Chinese sausage, chicken, pork belly, and seafood such as shrimp or scallops.

When it comes to vegetables, you can choose from a variety of options such as shiitake mushrooms, lotus root, and mixed vegetables. Be sure to select fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.

Seasonings and Sauces

Finally, a great sticky rice dish is not complete without the right seasonings and sauces. Popular options include soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce. You can also add garlic, ginger, and scallions for extra flavour.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding some seafood to your sticky rice dish. Shrimp, scallops, and crab meat are all great options that will add a delicious flavour and texture to your dish.

By choosing the right rice, protein and vegetables, and seasonings and sauces, you can create a delicious and authentic Chinese steamed sticky rice dish that is sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the trick to making perfectly steamed sticky rice?

The trick to making perfectly steamed sticky rice is to use the right type of rice. Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice, is a short-grain rice that is naturally sticky when cooked. It is important to soak the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking to ensure that the grains absorb enough water. Once the rice is soaked, it should be steamed in a bamboo steamer or a rice cooker until it is fully cooked.

How do you prepare sticky rice in a rice cooker?

To prepare sticky rice in a rice cooker, you will need to use the correct ratio of rice to water. For every cup of sticky rice, you should use 1 1/2 cups of water. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then soak the rice for at least 30 minutes. Once the rice is soaked, drain the water and add the rice to the rice cooker with the water. Turn the rice cooker on and let it cook until the rice is fully cooked.

Can you use ordinary rice to make Chinese sticky rice?

No, you cannot use ordinary rice to make Chinese sticky rice. Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice, is a short-grain rice that is naturally sticky when cooked. Ordinary rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice, will not have the same sticky texture.

What are the steps to making Cantonese style glutinous rice?

To make Cantonese style glutinous rice, you will need to soak the sticky rice for at least 30 minutes. While the rice is soaking, prepare the filling by stir-frying diced Chinese sausage, dried shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and scallions. Once the rice is soaked, mix it with the filling and steam the rice until it is fully cooked. Serve the Cantonese style glutinous rice hot.

How long should you steam sticky rice for the best results?

You should steam sticky rice for at least 20-25 minutes for the best results. The exact time will depend on the type of steamer you are using and the amount of rice you are cooking.

What are the traditional ingredients wrapped with sticky rice in leaves?

The traditional ingredients wrapped with sticky rice in leaves are Chinese sausage, shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp, and sometimes pork belly. These ingredients are mixed with the sticky rice and then wrapped in bamboo leaves before being steamed.

If you want to add seafood to your sticky rice recipe, you can try using shrimp or scallops. Simply stir-fry the seafood with your other filling ingredients before mixing it with the sticky rice.