Imagine a traditional Cantonese delicacy that combines the richness of Chinese sausage, the umami of dried shrimp, and the unique texture of glutinous rice, all lovingly wrapped in fragrant banana leaves. These Sticky Rice Dumplings, known as "Zongzi," are not just a meal—they're a cultural experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Guangdong province. Get ready to master an ancient cooking technique that has been delighting families for generations!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Cantonese
Serves: 10 dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 cups glutinous rice
- 1/2 cup dried mushrooms
- 1/2 cup dried shrimp
- 1/2 cup Chinese sausage, diced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- Banana leaves or bamboo leaves for wrapping
Instructions
- Soak glutinous rice in cold water for 2-3 hours, then drain thoroughly.
- Rehydrate dried mushrooms in warm water for 30 minutes, then finely chop. Drain and pat dry.
- Rinse dried shrimp and chop into small pieces. Dice Chinese sausage into small cubes.
- Heat sesame oil in a wok, stir-fry mushrooms, shrimp, and Chinese sausage until fragrant and slightly crisp.
- Mix the stir-fried ingredients with glutinous rice, adding soy sauce and mixing well to coat evenly.
- Soak banana or bamboo leaves in hot water to make them pliable and prevent cracking.
- Cut leaves into rectangular pieces about 8x10 inches.
- Place a portion of rice mixture in the center of each leaf, fold and wrap tightly to create a sealed triangular or rectangular dumpling.
- Secure each dumpling with kitchen twine to prevent unwrapping during cooking.
- Prepare a large steamer or pot with boiling water. Place dumplings in the steamer, ensuring they don't touch.
- Steam dumplings on high heat for
- 5-2 hours, replenishing water as needed.
- Remove dumplings, let cool for 10 minutes, then unwrap and serve hot.
Tips
- Patience is key: Don't rush the soaking process for rice and leaves. Properly hydrated ingredients ensure the best texture and flavor.
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Fresh dried shrimp and authentic Chinese sausage make a significant difference in taste.
- Wrapping technique matters: Practice folding and tying your dumplings tightly to prevent them from falling apart during steaming.
- Water level is crucial: Always ensure your steamer has enough water and check periodically to prevent burning.
- Let them rest: Allowing dumplings to cool slightly after steaming helps them set and makes unwrapping easier.
- Make extras: These dumplings freeze beautifully, so consider making a larger batch for future quick meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg
