Chinese Beef Zongzi Recipe (Dragon Boat Festival Special)

glutinous rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: regular rice

Quinoa is a healthier grain option, while regular rice is more economical.

beef

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Chicken offers a leaner alternative, while pork can be more budget-friendly.

shiitake mushrooms

🥗Healthier: button mushrooms

💰Cheaper: canned mushrooms

Button mushrooms are more accessible and affordable.

bamboo leaves

💰Cheaper: banana leaves

Banana leaves can be used as a substitute for wrapping.

Soak glutinous rice in water for 6 hours or soak in hot water for 1 hour.

Soak shiitake mushrooms for 1 hour to rehydrate.

Cut beef into bite-size pieces and place in a mixing bowl.

Grate 4 cloves of garlic and ½ inch of ginger, then add to the beef.

Add 1 piece of fermented bean curd, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp five-spice powder, 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder, 1 Tbsp chili flakes, and ½ Tbsp brown sugar to the beef. Mix well and marinate in the fridge for 1 hour.

Prepare bamboo leaves by rinsing fresh ones or rehydrating dried ones. Cover with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

Check the soaked glutinous rice for consistency and drain completely.

In a pan, heat a few tablespoons of cooking oil over low heat, add diced shallots and scallions, and stir until golden brown.

Add the drained glutinous rice and 4 tsp dark soy sauce, stirring until slightly sticky. Set aside.

Add the soaked mushrooms to the marinated beef and stir to combine.

Wrap the zongzi by stacking two bamboo leaves, forming a triangular pocket, and adding glutinous rice, 2 pieces of mushrooms, 1 salted egg yolk, and 1 piece of beef. Cover with another layer of rice and pack tightly.

Fold the bamboo leaves over the filling and tie with kitchen twine.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the zongzi, and simmer for 2.5 hours, partially covering the pot to prevent overflow.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary