Shortcut Zongzi Sticky Rice Dumplings

Name: Shortcut Zongzi Sticky Rice Dumplings
Prep time: 360 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 450 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 8 oz pork belly; 3 Chinese sausages; 2 1/2 cup sticky rice; 1/2 cup raw shelled peanuts; 10 dried bamboo leaves; 3 scallions; 2 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine; 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce; 1/2 tsp sugar; 1/2 tsp white pepper

This shortcut version of zongzi delivers the savory, aromatic flavor of traditional sticky rice dumplings without the individual wrapping. Steamed with bamboo leaves, pork belly, peanuts, and Chinese sausage, it comes out rich, sticky, and deeply comforting. Serve it hot for a festive dim sum-style dish that is much easier to make at home.

Servings6 Portions

Prep Time360 Mins

Cook Time90 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

pork belly
8 oz
Chinese sausages
3
sticky rice
1 cup
raw shelled peanuts
0.5 cup
dried bamboo leaves
10
scallions
3
light soy sauce
2 tbsp
salt
0.5 tsp
Shaoxing wine
1 tbsp
dark soy sauce
0.5 tsp
sugar
0.5 tsp
white pepper
0.5 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soak the sticky rice in plenty of water overnight or for at least 6 hours. Soak the dried bamboo leaves in water for at least 3 hours or overnight, then rinse both sides well and keep them submerged so they stay pliable.

Cut the pork belly into 1/2-inch pieces. In a bowl, combine the pork with 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and white pepper. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.

Soak the peanuts for 1 hour. Boil them for 10 minutes until slightly tender, then drain and set aside.

Drain the soaked rice very well and transfer it to a large bowl. Toss with the remaining 1 tbsp light soy sauce and 1 tsp salt until evenly seasoned.

Slice the Chinese sausages and chop the scallions. Add them to the rice along with the cooked peanuts, and mix well. If you are using any optional add-ins, fold them in at this stage.