If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with savory flavors and comforting textures, this Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. This classic favorite brings together tender glutinous rice enriched with aromatic dried shrimp, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and savory pork or Chinese sausage, all perfectly coated in a flavorful blend of soy and oyster sauces. Every bite is a wonderful harmony of softness, chewiness, and umami, making it an unforgettable meal that feels both indulgent and heartwarming.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of texture and taste in your Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe. From the chewy glutinous rice to the punchy dried shrimp and the rich seasoning sauces, every component adds a unique layer that makes this dish truly special.
- 2 cups glutinous rice: Soaked for at least 4 hours to achieve that signature sticky texture.
- 1/2 lb ground pork or chopped Chinese sausage (lap cheong): Delivers savory richness and a slight sweetness for depth.
- 1/4 cup dried shrimp: Soaked to soften, these add an irresistible umami burst.
- 4 dried shiitake mushrooms: Soaked, stemmed, and diced for earthy flavor and chewy texture.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic warmth that infuses the whole dish.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides salty umami that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Contributes a subtle sweetness and richness.
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce: Enhances color and adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Balances the savory elements with a hint of sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Introduces a gentle heat that lifts the dish.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Adds freshness and a bit of crunch.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For sautéing and flavor extraction.
- Fried shallots (optional): A crispy topping for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sticky Rice
Start by draining your well-soaked glutinous rice, then steam it for about 30 to 35 minutes until tender, or cook it in a rice cooker using a 1:1 water ratio. This step is crucial for that wonderfully sticky and chewy foundation that defines this dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Dried Shrimp and Mushrooms
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the dried shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they release their fragrant aroma. Next, add the diced shiitake mushrooms, stirring to combine their earthy goodness with the shrimp’s umami.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
Add the ground pork or chopped Chinese sausage to the pan, stir-frying until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This step brings that rich, meaty depth that makes this Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe irresistible.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Combine with Rice
Stir in minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, gently fold the cooked sticky rice into the wok, mixing carefully so you don’t mush the grains but still get an even distribution of all the ingredients.
Step 5: Season the Rice
Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Stir everything together until the rice is fully coated, glossy, and deeply flavorful. This sauce blend is the heart of the Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe’s iconic taste.
Step 6: Final Touches
Finally, sprinkle in the sliced green onions and give everything a quick toss for another minute to meld all the flavors. Serve your sticky rice warm, and don’t forget to top it with optional fried shallots for a delightful crunch.
How to Serve Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fried shallots are a spectacular crunch addition, bringing an extra layer of caramelized flavor to the dish. Fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also add brightness and fragrance that elevate the overall experience.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments like steamed bok choy or a crisp cucumber salad. The fresh vegetables balance the richness of the sticky rice, making your meal more rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe wrapped in banana leaves, which adds a hint of earthy aroma. Alternatively, portion it into small lotus leaf parcels that make for a charming presentation at dinner parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sticky rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it convenient for quick meals or snacks. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep the texture just right.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked sticky rice by portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s best to freeze in single-serving sizes so you can thaw only what you need. Frozen sticky rice stays good for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, gently steam the sticky rice or microwave it with a damp paper towel over the top to preserve moisture and softness. Avoid overheating, which can dry it out, so warm it just until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?
Regular rice will not provide the signature sticky and chewy texture this recipe requires. Glutinous rice is essential for the authentic feel and mouthfeel of Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the pork and dried shrimp, substituting with extra mushrooms and firm tofu for protein. The combination of sauces still delivers that savory punch with a delightful texture.
How long should I soak the glutinous rice?
For best results, soak the rice for at least 4 hours or overnight. This softens the grains and helps create the characteristic sticky texture.
Can I prepare the dish entirely in advance?
You can cook the sticky rice ahead of time and refrigerate it, but it’s best to combine with sauces and other ingredients just before serving for peak freshness and flavor.
What can I use instead of dried shrimp?
If you want to skip dried shrimp, you might add finely chopped cooked shrimp or omit it entirely. Keep in mind that the umami element from dried shrimp is distinctive, so consider enhancing flavor with a bit of mushroom or soy-based seasoning.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe is like inviting a little piece of culinary magic into your kitchen. The combination of textures and flavors is so satisfying that it’s sure to become one of your go-to comfort foods. I encourage you to try it out and savor every bite—it’s truly a delicious way to enjoy an authentic taste of Chinese home cooking.
Print
Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (excluding soaking time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice is a deliciously fragrant and flavorful dish made with glutinous rice, savory ground pork or Chinese sausage, dried shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms. This classic Chinese main course combines steamed sticky rice with stir-fried savory ingredients and sauces for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Rice
- 2 cups glutinous rice (soaked in water for at least 4 hours or overnight)
Meat and Seafood
- 1/2 lb ground pork or chopped Chinese sausage (lap cheong)
- 1/4 cup dried shrimp (soaked for 15 minutes and drained)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 dried shiitake mushrooms (soaked, stemmed, and diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
Condiments and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Oils and Toppings
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Optional topping: fried shallots
Instructions
- Prepare and Steam Rice: Drain the soaked glutinous rice well. Steam the rice for 30 to 35 minutes until tender, or alternatively, cook it in a rice cooker using a 1:1 water to rice ratio.
- Stir-Fry Aromatics and Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the soaked dried shrimp and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the diced shiitake mushrooms and ground pork or Chinese sausage. Stir-fry until the meat is browned and fully cooked.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Combine Rice and Seasonings: Add the cooked sticky rice to the wok. Gently toss all ingredients together to combine evenly. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper, stirring continuously until the rice is uniformly coated and flavorful.
- Finish with Green Onions: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the rice mixture and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the Chinese savoury sticky rice warm, optionally topped with crispy fried shallots for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and dried shrimp and substitute with extra mushrooms and tofu.
- Sticky rice can be prepared in advance, refrigerated, and gently reheated before serving.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
