20 Traditional Chinese Zongzi Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
For centuries, traditional Chinese zongzi have been a staple dish in Chinese cuisine. These savory rice dumplings are usually made during the annual Dragon Boat Festival, in honor of the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan. Today, zongzi can be found in many Chinese households and are enjoyed throughout the year. In this article, we will delve into the history and ingredients of this beloved dish, as well as provide a step-by-step guide on how to make your own traditional Chinese zongzi.
Shrimp Stir-Fry with Sticky Rice (Chinese Five Spice)
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice, Egg Whites, Cornstarch, Ground White
If you're looking for a flavorful and easy dinner recipe, look no further than this delicious shrimp stir-fry with sticky rice. The combination of Chinese five spice and sticky rice gives this dish a unique and delicious twist that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it's quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Start by cooking your sticky rice according to package instructions. While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in some chopped garlic, ginger, and Chinese five spice, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add in your shrimp and stir-fry until they turn pink and are cooked through. Then, add in your vegetables of choice, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and onions, and cook until they are tender.
Finally, add in your cooked sticky rice and toss everything together until well combined. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of this shrimp stir-fry with sticky rice!
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Coconut Sticky Rice
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice, Unsweetened Coconut Milk, Water, Salt
If you're a fan of Thai cuisine, you've probably heard of coconut sticky rice. This popular dessert is made with sticky rice, coconut milk, and sugar, giving it a sweet and creamy flavor that is simply irresistible. It's also incredibly easy to make at home and requires only a few ingredients.
To make coconut sticky rice, start by soaking your sticky rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain the rice and place it in a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth. Steam the rice for about 20 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
In a separate pot, heat coconut milk and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the mixture over the cooked sticky rice and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve warm and top with fresh mango slices for a delicious and tropical twist on this classic dessert.
Also known as "lo mai gai," Chinese sticky rice is a popular dish often served during dim sum. It consists of sticky rice, chicken, Chinese sausage, and various other ingredients wrapped in a lotus leaf and steamed to perfection. This dish may seem intimidating to make at home, but it's actually quite simple and can be customized to your liking.
To make Chinese sticky rice, start by soaking your sticky rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain the rice and mix in some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. In a separate pan, cook your chicken and Chinese sausage until they are fully cooked.
Next, take a lotus leaf and place a scoop of the sticky rice mixture on top. Add in your cooked chicken and sausage, along with any other desired ingredients such as mushrooms or water chestnuts, and wrap it up tightly. Steam the wrapped rice for about 20 minutes, then unwrap and enjoy the delicious flavors of Chinese sticky rice.
Chinese sausage, also known as lap cheong, is a cured and dried sausage commonly used in Chinese cooking. Its sweet and savory flavor pairs perfectly with sticky rice, making it a popular ingredient in many recipes. This dish is simple and quick to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
To make sticky rice with Chinese sausage, start by soaking your sticky rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain the rice and mix in some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. In a separate pan, cook your Chinese sausage until it is slightly crispy on the outside.
Add the cooked sausage to the sticky rice mixture and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of sticky rice and Chinese sausage.
If you're tired of the traditional bread stuffing for your holiday meals, why not try something new and make a Chinese sticky rice stuffing? This dish incorporates the flavors of Chinese sticky rice with traditional stuffing ingredients, giving a unique and delicious twist to a classic dish.
Start by soaking your sticky rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain the rice and mix in some chicken broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. In a separate pan, cook your sausage, celery, and onions until they are slightly softened.
Mix the cooked sausage and vegetables into the sticky rice mixture and transfer it to a greased baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden brown. Serve alongside your holiday meal and impress your guests with this delicious and unique Chinese sticky rice stuffing.
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Lazy Sticky Rice Dumplings (Zongzi)
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice, Bamboo Leaves, Pork Belly, Light Soy
Zongzi, or sticky rice dumplings, are a traditional Chinese dish typically eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival. They are made by wrapping sticky rice and various fillings in bamboo leaves and steaming until cooked. While traditional zongzi can be time-consuming to make, this "lazy" version is quick and easy, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
To make lazy sticky rice dumplings, start by soaking your sticky rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain the rice and mix in some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. In a separate pan, cook your desired fillings, such as chicken, pork, mushrooms, or vegetables.
Take a bamboo leaf and place a scoop of the sticky rice mixture on top. Add in your cooked filling and wrap the leaf tightly. Steam the wrapped dumplings for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the filling is hot. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of these lazy sticky rice dumplings.
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Chinese Sticky Rice with Ribs
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice, Ribs, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Salt
Looking for a hearty and flavorful meal? Look no further than Chinese sticky rice with ribs. This dish combines the tender and juicy flavor of ribs with the delicious and sticky texture of rice, creating a mouthwatering dish that will have you coming back for seconds.
To make Chinese sticky rice with ribs, start by marinating your ribs in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and Chinese five spice. Let the ribs marinate for at least 1 hour, then place them in a baking dish and bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes.
In a separate pot, cook your sticky rice according to package instructions. Once the rice is cooked, add in some chopped green onions and mix well. Serve the sticky rice alongside the ribs for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients: Bamboo Leaves, Sticky Rice, Pork Belly, Light Soy
If you're a fan of zongzi, you'll love this Shanghai style pork zongzi. This version uses pork belly, a popular ingredient in Shanghai cuisine, as the filling for the sticky rice dumplings. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that will have you craving more.
Start by soaking your sticky rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain the rice and mix in some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. In a separate pan, cook your pork belly until it is slightly crispy on the outside.
Take a bamboo leaf and place a scoop of the sticky rice mixture on top. Add in your cooked pork belly and wrap the leaf tightly. Steam the wrapped dumplings for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the pork is hot. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of Shanghai style pork zongzi.
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Chinese Sticky Rices-Two Ways
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice, Mushroom, Shrimp, Chinese Sausage, Cooking
If you can't decide between savory or sweet, why not try both? This Chinese sticky rice dish combines two delicious variations in one dish, making it perfect for those who can't make up their minds.
Start by soaking your sticky rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain the rice and mix half of it with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, and the other half with coconut milk and sugar.
In a separate pan, cook your desired fillings, such as chicken, pork, mushrooms, or vegetables. Once cooked, mix half of the fillings into the savory sticky rice and the other half into the sweet sticky rice.
Transfer the two mixtures to a greased baking dish and bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy the best of both worlds with this delicious Chinese sticky rice dish.
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Chinese Almond Tea – Traditional Style
Main Ingredients: Almonds, Sticky Rice, Water, Rock Sugar
Chinese almond tea, also known as "badam milk," is a popular drink in Chinese culture. It is made by simmering almonds, milk, and sugar until creamy and smooth. This traditional style recipe is easy to make and has a comforting and nutty flavor that is perfect for cold winter days.
To make Chinese almond tea, start by soaking your almonds in hot water for about 30 minutes. Drain the almonds and blend them with some milk and sugar until smooth.
In a pot, heat the almond mixture until it comes to a simmer. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious and comforting flavors of Chinese almond tea.
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Steamed Chicken Sticky Rice
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice, Shiitake Mushrooms, Chicken Thigh, Chinese
If you're a fan of dim sum, chances are you've tried steamed chicken sticky rice before. This dish is a classic in Chinese cuisine and is made by steaming sticky rice with chicken and other fillings in a lotus leaf. It may seem intimidating to make at home, but with a few simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Start by soaking your sticky rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain the rice and mix in some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. In a separate pan, cook your chicken until it is fully cooked.
Take a lotus leaf and place a scoop of the sticky rice mixture on top. Add in your cooked chicken and any other desired fillings, such as Chinese sausage or mushrooms, and wrap it up tightly. Steam the wrapped rice for about 20 minutes, then unwrap and enjoy the delicious flavors of steamed chicken sticky rice.
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Pork Chop Sticky Rice Bake
Main Ingredients: Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops, Soy Sauce, Shaoxing
This dish takes the flavors of sticky rice and pork chops and combines them into one delicious and hearty meal. The result is a savory and satisfying dish that will have your taste buds begging for more.
Start by soaking your sticky rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain the rice and mix in some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. In a separate pan, cook your pork chops until they are slightly browned on both sides.
In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked sticky rice and pork chops, making sure to top the rice with some extra sauce for added flavor. Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked and the rice is slightly crispy on top. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious pork chop sticky rice bake.
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Boiling Water, Sticky Rice
If you're a fan of dumplings, you'll love this recipe for sticky rice mushroom shumai. These bite-sized dumplings are filled with a savory mixture of sticky rice, mushrooms, and other seasonings, making them a perfect appetizer or snack.
To make the wrappers for the shumai, mix together some flour, water, salt, and oil until a dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut it into small circles.
For the filling, soak your sticky rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain the rice and mix in some chopped mushrooms, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Place a small scoop of the filling onto each dough circle and wrap it up tightly.
Steam the shumai for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the dough is slightly translucent. Serve hot and enjoy these delicious sticky rice mushroom shumai with homemade wrappers.
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Mango Sticky Rice
Main Ingredients: Sticky Rice, Coconut Milk, Sugar, Salt, Mangoes
Mango sticky rice is a popular dessert in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. It consists of sticky rice, fresh mango slices, and a sweet and creamy coconut milk sauce. This dessert is easy to make at home and is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
Start by soaking your sticky rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain the rice and steam it until it becomes translucent and soft.
In a separate pot, heat coconut milk and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the mixture over the cooked sticky rice and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve with fresh mango slices and enjoy this delicious and refreshing dessert.
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Zongzi
Main Ingredients: Bamboo Leaves, Sticky Rice, Light Soy Sauce, Salt
Zongzi, also known as sticky rice dumplings, are a traditional Chinese dish often eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival. They are made by wrapping sticky rice and various fillings in bamboo leaves and steaming until cooked. This dish may seem intimidating to make at home, but with a few simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious and festive dish in your own kitchen.
To make zongzi, start by soaking your sticky rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain the rice and mix in some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. In a separate pan, cook your desired fillings, such as pork, chicken, mushrooms, or vegetables.
Take a bamboo leaf and place a scoop of the sticky rice mixture on top. Add in your cooked filling and wrap the leaf tightly. Steam the wrapped dumplings for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the filling is hot. Serve hot and enjoy this traditional and delicious dish.
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Instant Pot Century Egg Rice Porridge (Cháo hột vịt...
Main Ingredients: Rice, Sticky Rice, Chicken Broth, Water, Ground Pork
This Cantonese-style rice porridge, also known as "congee," is a popular breakfast dish in China. It is made by cooking rice in water or broth until it becomes a thick and creamy porridge. This version adds century eggs, a preserved delicacy in Chinese cuisine, for a unique and delicious twist on this classic dish.
The History of Zongzi
The Legend of Qu Yuan
According to legend, zongzi were created as a way to honor the ancient Chinese poet, Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a loyal minister in the State of Chu during the Warring States period in China. When the state was conquered by the State of Qin, he drowned himself in the Miluo River as an act of protest. The local villagers, who admired Qu Yuan, raced out in their boats to try and save him. They threw rice into the river to prevent the fish from eating his body. It is said that the rice dumplings, or zongzi, were created as a way to mimic the rice thrown into the river and to honor Qu Yuan's sacrifice.
The Evolution of Zongzi
Over time, the traditional Chinese zongzi recipe has evolved and adapted to different regions and cultures. In the northern regions of China, zongzi are typically made with a savory filling of pork, chestnuts, and mushrooms, and wrapped in a triangular shape. In the southern regions, such as Guangdong and Hong Kong, zongzi are often filled with sweet ingredients, such as red bean paste or lotus seeds, and are wrapped in a pyramid shape.
Ingredients and Preparation
Rice and Filling
The main ingredients for traditional Chinese zongzi are glutinous rice and a filling of your choice. Glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice, is a short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked, making it perfect for zongzi. The filling can vary from region to region, but some popular choices include pork, Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and chestnuts. The rice and filling are typically seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other spices to add flavor.
Wrapping and Cooking
The most traditional way of wrapping zongzi is to use bamboo leaves, which give the dish a distinct aroma and flavor. However, some modern recipes may use other types of leaves, such as lotus leaves or even aluminum foil. The wrapping process can be a bit tricky, but with practice, it becomes easier. Once the zongzi are wrapped, they are usually boiled or steamed for a few hours until the rice is fully cooked and the filling is tender.
In Conclusion
Traditional Chinese zongzi may seem like a complex dish, but with the right ingredients and technique, anyone can make them at home. Whether you prefer a savory or sweet filling, the rich history and cultural significance of zongzi make them a must-try dish. So why not gather some friends and family and have a zongzi-making party? It's a fun and delicious way to celebrate Chinese culture and cuisine. Try out our recipe and taste the traditional Chinese zongzi for yourself!
Shrimp Stir-Fry with Sticky Rice (Chinese Five Spice)
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