How to Cook Rice Dumplings Chinese: A Step-by-Step Guide
Rice dumplings, also known as zongzi, are a traditional Chinese delicacy that is particularly popular during the Dragon Boat Festival. These sticky rice-filled dumplings are wrapped in bamboo leaves and cooked until they are tender and flavorful. If you’re interested in making your own rice dumplings, follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to cook rice dumplings Chinese.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of sticky rice (glutinous rice)
– 1 cup of sweet rice (optional)
– 1 cup of brown sugar or rock sugar
– 1 cup of dried shrimp (optional)
– 1 cup of dried mushrooms (optional)
– 1 cup of lotus seeds (optional)
– 1 cup of red beans (optional)
– 1 cup of pork belly (optional)
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder
– 1 teaspoon of ginger, minced
– 1 teaspoon of garlic, minced
– 1 bunch of bamboo leaves
– 1 roll of string
Instructions:
1.
Prepare the rice:
– Rinse the sticky rice and sweet rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
– Drain the rice and set it aside.
2.
Prepare the filling:
– Soak the dried shrimp, mushrooms, lotus seeds, and red beans in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
– Cut the pork belly into small cubes and marinate it with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, five-spice powder, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes.
3.
Combine the filling ingredients:
– In a large bowl, mix together the soaked shrimp, mushrooms, lotus seeds, red beans, and marinated pork belly. Add the brown sugar or rock sugar to taste.
4.
Prepare the bamboo leaves:
– Rinse the bamboo leaves under cold water and blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
5.
Wrap the rice dumplings:
– Place a bamboo leaf on a flat surface, and put a small amount of rice on the center.
– Add a spoonful of the filling on top of the rice.
– Wrap the bamboo leaf around the rice and filling, forming a tight package.
– Tie the dumpling with string to secure it.
6.
Cook the rice dumplings:
– Place the wrapped rice dumplings in a large pot, and add enough water to cover them.
– Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the dumplings for about 2 hours, or until they are tender.
7.
Serve the rice dumplings:
– Once the dumplings are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool slightly.
– Serve the rice dumplings warm, either on their own or with a side of sauce or soy sauce.
Enjoy your homemade rice dumplings, a delicious and traditional Chinese treat!
