Zongzi
Chinese Sticky Rice Dumplings
Traditional Chinese sticky rice dumplings filled with savory pork and chestnuts, meticulously wrapped in aromatic bamboo leaves. A beloved delicacy, especially during the Dragon Boat Festival.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Glutinous rice (sweet rice)(Also known as sweet rice. Rinse thoroughly before soaking.)
- 500 g Pork belly(Cut into bite-sized pieces (approx. 2-3 cm cubes).)
- 40 Dried bamboo leaves(Ensure they are food-grade. Soak in hot water until pliable, about 2-4 hours, then rinse.)
- 10 Salted duck egg yolks(Separate from the whites. Rinse briefly if desired.)
- 20 Cooked chestnuts(Peeled and whole. If using fresh, cook until tender and peel.)
- 50 g Dried shrimp(Soak in warm water for 15-20 minutes, then drain.)
- 4 tbsp Soy sauce(For marinating pork.)
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (optional)(For marinating pork.)
- 1/2 tsp White pepper(For marinating pork.)
- 1 tsp Sesame oil(For marinating pork.)
- 1 tsp Salt(For marinating pork.)
- sufficient Kitchen string(Or food-grade twine, for tying the dumplings securely.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the rice and leaves: Rinse the glutinous rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in plenty of water for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Soak the dried bamboo leaves in hot water for at least 2-4 hours until they are soft and pliable. Rinse them thoroughly and drain.
⏱️ 4+ hours (soaking) - 2
Marinate the pork: In a bowl, combine the pork belly pieces with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (if using), white pepper, sesame oil, and salt. Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
⏱️ 2-4 hours (marinating) - 3
Assemble the zongzi: Take two bamboo leaves and overlap them slightly, shiny sides facing inwards. Fold them to form a cone shape, ensuring the tip is sealed. Place about 2 tablespoons of soaked and drained rice into the cone. Add a piece of marinated pork, one salted egg yolk, one chestnut, and a few soaked dried shrimp. Top with another 2 tablespoons of rice, pressing down gently to fill any gaps. Fold the remaining part of the leaves over the filling to enclose it completely, forming a triangular or rectangular shape. Tie the zongzi securely with kitchen string, ensuring it is tight enough to prevent water from entering during cooking but not so tight that the rice cannot expand.
⏱️ 1.5 hours - 4
Cook the zongzi: Place the assembled zongzi in a large pot or Dutch oven. Ensure they are packed snugly but not overlapping too much. Cover the zongzi completely with cold water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 3 to 4 hours. The water level should be maintained; add more boiling water if necessary to keep the zongzi submerged. The zongzi are ready when the rice is tender and has a slightly translucent appearance.
⏱️ 3-4 hours - 5
Rest and serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the zongzi from the pot using tongs. Let them rest for about 15-30 minutes before serving. To eat, unwrap the zongzi from the bamboo leaves. Serve hot.
⏱️ 15-30 minutes (resting)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the bamboo leaves are tied very tightly to prevent water from seeping into the rice during the long cooking process.
- ✓The long cooking time is crucial for the glutinous rice to become tender and achieve its characteristic sticky texture.
- ✓Allowing the zongzi to rest after cooking helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to handle and eat.
- ✓If you don't have bamboo leaves, large banana leaves or even parchment paper (though less traditional) can be used as a substitute, but the aroma will differ.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Sweet Zongzi: Replace the savory filling with sweet ingredients like red bean paste, dates, or candied fruits.
- Hakka Style Zongzi: Incorporate dried shiitake mushrooms, dried oysters, and peanuts into the filling.
- Vegetarian Zongzi: Use mushrooms, tofu, and mixed vegetables as the filling.