Chinese Savory Sticky Rice Recipe

Glutinous rice: A type of rice that becomes sticky when cooked, essential for the texture of this dish.

Water: Used to cook the rice and blend with the chicken broth.

Chicken broth: Adds depth and flavor to the rice.

Soy sauce: Provides a salty and umami flavor to the dish.

Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and taste when sautéing the ingredients.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its pungent taste.

Chinese sausage: A sweet and savory cured sausage that adds a unique flavor.

Shiitake mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms that complement the other ingredients.

Green onions: Fresh and crisp, used as a garnish to add a pop of color and flavor.

When preparing glutinous rice, make sure to rinse it thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, which helps achieve the desired sticky texture without becoming overly gummy. Additionally, when sautéing garlic, Chinese sausage, and shiitake mushrooms in the wok, ensure the heat is at a medium level to prevent the garlic from burning while allowing the sausage to brown evenly and the mushrooms to become tender. This will enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• glutinous rice - Substitute with sushi rice: Sushi rice has a similar sticky texture when cooked, making it a good alternative for achieving the desired consistency.

• water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more flavor compared to plain water, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• chicken broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth provides a rich umami flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar salty and savory flavor profile.

• sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used if sesame oil is unavailable, though it will impart a different flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can still enhance the dish.

• chinese sausage - Substitute with smoked sausage: Smoked sausage can provide a similar savory and slightly sweet flavor.

• shiitake mushrooms - Substitute with cremini mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms have a similar texture and earthy flavor, making them a good alternative.

• green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.

• Allow the sticky rice to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the rice soggy.
• Transfer the cooled sticky rice to an airtight container. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the rice within 3-4 days. This keeps the chinese sausage and shiitake mushrooms fresh.
• For longer storage, place the sticky rice in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the sticky rice in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat the rice in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Alternatively, reheat the rice in a steamer for a few minutes until heated through. This method helps retain the original texture and flavor.
• Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving to refresh the dish.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover Chinese savory sticky rice in a non-stick pan.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
  3. Cover the pan with a lid and heat over medium-low heat.
  4. Stir occasionally until the rice is heated through, ensuring the chinese sausage and shiitake mushrooms are warmed evenly.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the leftover sticky rice to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Sprinkle a little water or chicken broth over the rice to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check if the rice is heated through; if not, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.

• Steamer Method:

  1. Place the leftover Chinese savory sticky rice in a heatproof dish.
  2. Set up a steamer and bring the water to a boil.
  3. Place the dish in the steamer basket and cover with a lid.
  4. Steam for about 5-7 minutes or until the rice is thoroughly heated.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Spread the leftover sticky rice evenly in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap the steam.
  5. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Rice cooker: Used to cook the glutinous rice with water and chicken broth to achieve the perfect texture.

• Wok: Essential for stir-frying the garlic, Chinese sausage, and shiitake mushrooms, and for combining all ingredients.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring and mixing ingredients in the wok to ensure even cooking.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the Chinese sausage and shiitake mushrooms, and for chopping the green onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for slicing and chopping ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the glutinous rice, water, and chicken broth accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring the soy sauce and sesame oil to ensure the right flavor balance.

• Garlic press: Convenient for mincing the garlic quickly and efficiently.

Rinse the rice ahead: Rinse the glutinous rice in advance and store it in the fridge to save time on cooking day.

Pre-slice ingredients: Slice the chinese sausage and shiitake mushrooms beforehand and store them in airtight containers.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Batch cook rice: Cook a larger batch of glutinous rice and freeze portions for future use.

Utilize a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop green onions and other vegetables.

Prepare in stages: Break down the recipe into stages and complete some steps, like cooking the sausage and mushrooms, the day before.