If you’ve ever wished for a dish that wraps you in cozy, rich flavors, then this Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. Packed with fragrant Chinese sausages, savory dried shrimp, and earthy shiitake mushrooms, this dish combines simple ingredients into a comforting treasure of taste and texture. Its sticky rice base absorbs every bit of soy sauce and oyster sauce goodness, creating a delightful harmony that both fills the belly and warms the heart. Whether you’re looking to impress at a family dinner or just crave something uniquely satisfying, this recipe is an absolute must-make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing its own layer of flavor, texture, or color to the Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe. From the chewy bite of glutinous rice to the sweet-savory burst of lap cheong, every element plays a critical role in achieving that perfect balance you’re trying to find.
- Glutinous (sticky) rice, 2 cups: This is the foundation—its sticky texture binds everything together beautifully.
- Chinese sausages (lap cheong), 2 sausages sliced: Adds a sweet, smoky depth that’s unmistakably aromatic.
- Dried shiitake mushrooms, 1/2 cup soaked and chopped: Provide a meaty, umami flavor with a tender bite.
- Dried shrimp, 2 tablespoons soaked and chopped: Infuse the dish with savory richness and a hint of the sea.
- Garlic, 2 cloves minced: Brings a sharp warmth that wakes up the whole dish.
- Green onions, 2 chopped: Offers freshness and a mild onion flavor as a final touch.
- Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons: Provides saltiness and a deep savory backbone.
- Oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon: Adds a luscious, slightly sweet complexity.
- Vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon: Used for stir-frying to develop flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Sesame oil, 1 teaspoon: Drizzled at the end for a fragrant, nutty aroma.
- Salt and white pepper, to taste: Critical for seasoning and balancing all those robust flavors.
How to Make Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Rice
Start by rinsing the glutinous rice several times in cold water until it runs clear; this helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from clumping too much. Then soak the rice for at least 4 hours or overnight—this soaking step is vital to achieve the perfect sticky, tender texture once steamed.
Step 2: Stir-Frying the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic, sliced Chinese sausage, dried shrimp, and chopped shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry these ingredients for 3 to 4 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen—it’s the moment when all the flavors start to develop a mouthwatering magic.
Step 3: Combining the Rice
Drain the soaked rice thoroughly and add it directly into the wok with the stir-fried mixture. Stir everything together well so the rice gets coated and infused with the savory goodness from the sausage and dried shrimp. This step ensures every grain is bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Seasoning the Mixture
Now it’s time for the seasoning magic. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and white pepper to the rice mixture. Mix thoroughly so the rice evenly absorbs all those savory sauces and spices—the key to that iconic taste in this Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe.
Step 5: Steaming the Rice
Transfer the rice mixture into a heatproof dish or a bamboo steamer lined with cheesecloth for easy removal. Steam over boiling water for 30 to 40 minutes, checking for softness. The steaming technique cooks the rice fully while keeping it fluffy and sticky without drying it out.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
When the rice is tender and cooked through, drizzle the sesame oil evenly across the top for that irresistible nutty fragrance. Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor just before serving. This finishing touch brings the whole dish alive.
How to Serve Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding vibrant garnishes can take your presentation to the next level and add layers of texture. Besides chopped green onions, try scattering some toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro leaves. A small drizzle of chili oil also works wonders if you enjoy a gentle kick alongside the rich savory notes.
Side Dishes
This sticky rice pairs beautifully with many classic Chinese dishes. Consider serving it alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli to add freshness. A simple clear soup or steamed fish can balance out the richness, making your meal round and satisfying without being overwhelming.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe in small individual bamboo steamers for an authentic feel. You can also make neat little rice cakes by compressing the steamed rice into molds, then pan-frying them until crispy on the outside—offering a delightful texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sticky rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because sticky rice tends to clump, you may need to gently loosen it with a fork before reheating, but the flavors only deepen as it sits.
Freezing
You can freeze Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe leftovers by portioning into freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture results.
Reheating
To reheat, the recommended method is steaming or microwaving with a damp paper towel covering the rice. This helps restore moisture and keeps the rice from drying out or becoming too hard, preserving the original softness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?
While regular rice can be used in a pinch, it won’t have the same characteristic sticky texture that defines this dish. Glutinous rice is essential for achieving that signature chewiness and binding effect.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the Chinese sausage and dried shrimp, and add extra mushrooms or firm tofu for protein. Using vegetarian oyster sauce ensures the savory taste remains strong.
Can I prepare this dish without a steamer?
If you don’t have a steamer, you can steam the rice over a pot with a steaming rack or even use a covered pan with a tight-fitting lid on very low heat. Just be cautious to prevent burning or drying out.
How important is the soaking step for the rice?
Soaking is crucial because it hydrates the rice grains evenly, which helps them cook fully and become sticky but tender. Skipping it often results in uneven texture or undercooked grains.
What can I substitute for Chinese sausage if I can’t find it?
Pork sausage with a hint of sweetness, chorizo, or even smoked ham can work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will slightly differ. Chinese sausage has a unique sweetness and texture that’s hard to exactly replicate.
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe, it’s easy to see why it’s a beloved comfort food. Rich, aromatic, and utterly satisfying, this dish is perfect for sharing, celebrating, or simply treating yourself to a moment of culinary joy. Trust me, every spoonful will bring a smile to your face, so go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4 hours soaking time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This authentic Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice is a delightful dish combining glutinous rice with flavorful Chinese sausages, dried shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp, and aromatic seasonings. Steamed to perfection, this dish offers a tender, fragrant, and savory experience, perfect as a comforting main or side dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups glutinous (sticky) rice
- 2 Chinese sausages (lap cheong), sliced
- 1/2 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons dried shrimp, soaked and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the glutinous rice several times under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to ensure it softens evenly. Once soaked, drain thoroughly.
- Stir-Fry Aromatics and Meats: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced Chinese sausage, soaked dried shrimp, and chopped shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and the sausage begins to release oil.
- Combine with Rice: Add the drained glutinous rice to the wok, stirring well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season the Mixture: Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce, then sprinkle salt and white pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure every grain of rice is seasoned.
- Prepare for Steaming: Transfer the combined mixture into a heatproof dish or line a bamboo steamer with cheesecloth for easy removal and steaming.
- Steam the Rice: Place the dish or bamboo steamer over boiling water and steam gently for about 30 to 40 minutes. This cooking process will make the rice fully tender and sticky, absorbing all the savory flavors.
- Finish and Garnish: Once cooked, drizzle sesame oil evenly over the hot rice, then garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch before serving.
Notes
- Soaking the glutinous rice is essential to achieve the desired sticky texture and to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute Chinese sausage with other cured sausage varieties if unavailable, but lap cheong gives the most authentic flavor.
- Adjust salt and soy sauce according to your taste preference, especially if using salted dried shrimp.
- This dish is best served hot and freshly steamed for optimal texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and lightly pan-fried or steamed again before serving.
