Chinese Sticky Rice In Banana Leaf Recipe
If you're a foodie, you've probably heard of Chinese sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice. It's a staple in Chinese cuisine and is used in a wide variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. One of the most popular and delicious ways to enjoy Chinese sticky rice is by wrapping it in a banana leaf and steaming it. This method of cooking creates a fragrant and flavorful dish that's both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
The following are the ingredients you'll need to make Chinese sticky rice:
- 2 cups of Chinese sticky rice
- 1 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 piece of ginger, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup of dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked in water for 30 minutes and then sliced
- 1/2 cup of green onions, sliced
- 12 banana leaves, cut into 10-inch squares
Instructions
Here's how to make Chinese sticky rice:
- Wash the Chinese sticky rice and soak it in water for at least 2 hours.
- In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, vegetable oil, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, garlic, ginger, salt, sugar, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken and shiitake mushrooms to the bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Drain the rice and add it to the bowl with the chicken and mushrooms.
- Stir everything together until the rice is coated in the marinade.
- Place a banana leaf square on a flat surface and spoon about 1/2 cup of the rice mixture onto the center of the leaf.
- Sprinkle some green onions on top of the rice.
- Wrap the banana leaf around the rice and secure it with bamboo toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Repeat with the remaining banana leaves and rice mixture.
- Place the banana leaf packets in a steamer basket and steam for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Benefits
Chinese sticky rice in banana leaf is not only delicious, but it's also packed with nutrition. Here are some of the benefits:
- Glutinous rice is high in fiber, which can help with digestion and prevent constipation.
- It's also a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.
- The chicken and shiitake mushrooms in this dish are rich in protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.
- Green onions are a good source of vitamins A and C, which can boost the immune system.
- The marinade in this dish contains soy sauce, which is high in antioxidants and may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Variations
Chinese sticky rice in banana leaf can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations:
- Instead of chicken, you can use pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
- You can add vegetables such as carrots, peas, or corn to the rice mixture.
- You can adjust the seasoning to make it more or less spicy.
- You can add nuts such as cashews or almonds for extra crunch.
- You can top the rice with a fried egg for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Chinese sticky rice in banana leaf is a classic dish that's both delicious and nutritious. It's easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. The fragrant aromas that fill your kitchen while cooking this dish are enough to make your mouth water. So next time you're in the mood for something savory, try making Chinese sticky rice in banana leaf – you won't be disappointed!