Chinese Sticky Rice Dumplings - Zongzi 😋 (Chicken with Shiitake Mushroom) 香菇鸡肉粽 | Zongzi Recipe 粽子

glutinous rice

🥗Healthier: brown rice

💰Cheaper: regular rice

Brown rice adds fiber and nutrients.

pork

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken

Tofu is a plant-based alternative.

bamboo leaves

🥗Healthier: lotus leaves

💰Cheaper: banana leaves

Lotus leaves impart a similar flavor.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium reduces sodium intake.

Soak 800 grams of glutinous rice in water overnight.

In a large bowl, add 500 grams of boneless chicken thighs cut into smaller pieces.

Add 1 chopped green onion, 1 grated garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1/4 tsp Chinese 13 spices mix, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp brown sugar to the chicken.

Mix well and cover with a plate, then marinate in the fridge overnight.

Soak 60 grams of shiitake mushrooms in water overnight.

Soak dry bamboo leaves in water overnight if using.

The next day, rinse the soaked glutinous rice in water and set aside.

In a wok on medium-high heat, add 3 tbsp of vegetable oil, 1 chopped green onion, garlic, ginger, 1 tsp sichuan peppercorns, and 3 star anise, and stir-fry until brown.

Remove the ingredients and keep the oil in the wok, then add the glutinous rice and stir well with the oil.

Add 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, and 2 tbsp oyster sauce to the rice and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and set aside.

Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge, add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil, mix well, and set aside.

Squeeze out excess water from the soaked shiitake mushrooms.

To make the dumplings, take two bamboo leaves, overlay them with the smooth sides on the outside, and cut the top edges off to form a light.

Wrap the leaves into a taper shape, filling the bottom with glutinous rice and making a hollow in the middle.

Optionally add 1 salted egg yolk, then add 2 pieces of chicken and 2 pieces of shiitake mushrooms.

Cover with more glutinous rice and make the top even.

Fold the leaves from the sides and the top to form a pyramid shape, hold tightly, and tie with string, ensuring the knot is not too tight.

Repeat the process until all ingredients are used, making 28 small dumplings.

Place the dumplings in a pot and cover completely with water.

Simmer the dumplings for about 3 hours on medium or medium-low heat, then remove from water and serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens