If you love rice dishes with layers of flavor and comforting textures, this Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. It blends fragrant glutinous rice with the sweet bite of Chinese sausages, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and that unmistakable umami hit from dried shrimp and soy sauce. Every mouthful is a delightful balance of tender texture and savory goodness, making it a beloved staple that transports you straight to the heart of traditional Chinese home cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though it might look like a list of simple ingredients, each one plays a vital role in creating the magic of this dish. From the sticky texture of the glutinous rice to the aromatic punch of garlic and the rich depth of dried mushrooms and shrimp, these essentials work in perfect harmony to bring unforgettable flavor and texture.
- 2 cups glutinous (sticky) rice: The star of the dish, this rice provides that signature sticky, chewy texture.
- 2 Chinese sausages (lap cheong), sliced: Adds sweetness and a savory meaty flavor that defines this recipe.
- 1/2 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and chopped: Offers a deep earthy umami that enriches the rice beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons dried shrimp, soaked and chopped: Packs a punch of intense seafood flavor, ground zero for authentic taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant base aroma that ties all ingredients together.
- 2 green onions, chopped: A fresh and subtly sharp contrast to the rich flavors, perfect for garnish.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings savory saltiness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a luscious, sweet-savory touch that enhances the overall complexity.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying and helps carry flavors evenly.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Finishing oil that gives a fragrant, nutty aroma.
- Salt and white pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate the dish without overpowering it.
How to Make Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Soak the Rice
Start by rinsing the glutinous rice multiple times until the water runs clear—this washes away excess starch for a cleaner texture. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or even overnight; this step is crucial because it allows the rice to steam perfectly tender rather than dry or undercooked.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Meats
Warm the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, sliced Chinese sausages, chopped dried shrimp, and soaked mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until everything releases its mouthwatering fragrance, and the sausages start to caramelize slightly, adding an irresistible savoriness.
Step 3: Combine Rice with Flavors
Drain the soaked rice thoroughly and add it to the wok with the aromatics and meats. Stir well to coat each grain with the flavorful oil and savory juices from the sausage and shrimp. This step ensures every bite bursts with a medley of tastes.
Step 4: Season the Rice
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sprinkle with salt and white pepper. Mix thoroughly to guarantee a balanced seasoning throughout the rice, enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavor without making it too salty or overpowering.
Step 5: Steam to Perfection
Transfer the rice mixture to a heatproof dish or a bamboo steamer lined with cheesecloth for easy removal. Steam over boiling water for approximately 30 to 40 minutes. This gentle steaming cooks the rice until it’s tender, sticky, and wonderfully fluffy, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Final Touches and Garnish
Once the rice is cooked through, drizzle the sesame oil over the top to infuse a toasty, nutty aroma. Sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a pop of fresh color and taste just before serving.
How to Serve Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are the classic final flourish, adding a lovely crunch and fresh bite. You can also scatter some toasted sesame seeds for additional texture and fragrance or a sprinkling of fried shallots to boost the savory dimension. These little touches elevate the dish from comforting to absolutely crave-worthy instantly.
Side Dishes
This Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with light vegetable stir-fries or steamed greens like bok choy or gai lan. You might also want to serve it alongside a simple soy sauce–infused braised pork belly or crispy tofu for a rounded meal. The rice is so flavorful it can stand on its own but also shines as part of a wider feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves to infuse a delicate herbal aroma, turning it into a fragrant parcel perfect for sharing. You can also mold the rice into neat portions using small bowls for individual servings that look effortless yet elegant at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sticky rice keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of its dense texture, it tends to firm up slightly, so proper reheating is key to bring back its original softness.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, freezing the rice in portioned bags works wonderfully. Just make sure to cool the rice completely before freezing, and use freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to a month without losing much quality.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe is to steam it gently, just like when freshly made. This method restores the moist, tender texture. Alternatively, you can microwave it with a damp paper towel covering the dish to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?
Regular rice does not have the same sticky, chewy texture that glutinous rice provides, so it won’t give you the authentic experience of this dish. Glutinous rice is essential for that signature bite.
What can I substitute if I can’t find Chinese sausage?
If Chinese sausage is hard to find, you can substitute with sweet Italian sausage or smoked sausage, though the flavor won’t be quite the same. You might also add a touch of Chinese five-spice powder to get closer to the original taste.
Do I need a bamboo steamer to make this recipe?
A bamboo steamer works perfectly but isn’t mandatory. You can use any heatproof dish and steam over a large pot with a steaming rack or a metal colander that fits over boiling water.
Is dried shrimp necessary? What if I’m allergic to shellfish?
Dried shrimp adds a unique umami flavor, but if you have allergies or prefer not to use it, you can omit it or replace it with finely chopped mushrooms for additional depth.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace Chinese sausage and dried shrimp with tofu, sautéed mushrooms, and perhaps some toasted nuts for texture, and use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce alternatives to keep it savory.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a taste of authentic Chinese home cooking into your kitchen. It’s cozy, comforting, and packed with flavors that feel like a warm hug. I hope you give this recipe a try—it might just become one of your all-time favorites for family dinners or special occasions!
Print
Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4 hours soaking)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus soaking time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A flavorful Chinese Savoury Sticky Rice dish featuring glutinous rice steamed with Chinese sausage, dried shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms, delivering a fragrant and delicious meal perfect for family gatherings or a comforting meal.
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 and 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 running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to soften. Drain well before cooking.
- Cook the Aromatics and Meats: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, sliced Chinese sausage, chopped dried shrimp, and soaked chopped shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the sausage starts to release its oils.
- Combine Rice with Ingredients: Add the drained glutinous rice to the wok and stir well to combine with the other ingredients, coating the rice with the flavorful mixture.
- Season the Mixture: Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, then add salt and white pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning throughout the rice.
- Prepare for Steaming: Transfer the seasoned rice mixture into a heatproof dish or a bamboo steamer lined with cheesecloth to prevent sticking and facilitate even cooking.
- Steam the Rice: Place the dish or steamer over boiling water and steam for 30-40 minutes. Check that the rice is fully cooked and tender before proceeding.
- Finalize and Garnish: Once cooked, drizzle the sesame oil over the sticky rice for added aroma and flavor. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top as a fresh garnish before serving.
Notes
- Soaking the glutinous rice overnight ensures the best texture and even cooking.
- If bamboo steamers are not available, use a heatproof dish in a metal steamer or a large pot with a steaming rack.
- Adjust soy sauce and salt quantities according to taste, especially if the Chinese sausages are salty.
- Ensure the cheesecloth is well placed to prevent rice from falling through the steamer holes.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the Chinese sausage and dried shrimp and replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian mushroom sauce.
