When it comes to celebrating Chinese New Year in the Philippines, food takes center stage, and nothing embodies luck and prosperity quite like this delightful sticky rice dish. It’s not just a meal; it’s a tradition that unites families and friends as they gather to share stories, laughter, and wishes for the year ahead. This special dish, often served during the festivities, is a beautiful blend of flavors and textures, with sticky rice and mung beans coming together in a warm embrace of coconut milk and savory pork belly. Trust me, the aroma wafting from the steamer is enough to make anyone’s mouth water! So, let’s dive into this culinary journey and create a dish that’s not only delicious but also steeped in rich cultural significance. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a taste of Chinese New Year food in the Philippines!
Ingredients List
- 1 kg of sticky rice (soaked overnight for the best texture)
- 500 g of mung beans (also soaked overnight to soften)
- 300 g of pork belly, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 100 g of dried shrimp (you can chop these if you prefer smaller bits)
- 2 cups of coconut milk (use fresh for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup of sugar (adjust to your taste; I love it a tad sweeter!)
- 1 tsp of salt (it balances all the flavors beautifully)
- Fresh banana leaves for wrapping (these add a lovely aroma and are essential for steaming)
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this sticky rice dish is a delightful process that brings together all the wonderful ingredients in perfect harmony. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic dish ready to share with loved ones!
Step 1: Soak the Rice and Beans
First things first, you’ll want to soak the sticky rice and mung beans overnight. This step is crucial because it helps soften the grains, allowing them to cook evenly and achieve that perfect chewy texture. Trust me, this little bit of prep makes all the difference!
Step 2: Steam the Sticky Rice
Once your rice and beans are soaked, it’s time to steam the sticky rice! Place the soaked rice in a steamer lined with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel to prevent it from falling through. Steam for about 30 minutes until it’s tender and sticky. You’ll know it’s done when it’s translucent and easily clumps together. Mmm, the smell is divine!
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large pan over medium heat, sauté the diced pork belly and dried shrimp until they’re golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the soaked mung beans, coconut milk, sugar, and salt, stirring everything together until well combined. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld those flavors, and you’ll have a delicious filling that’s bursting with savory goodness!
Step 4: Combine and Wrap
Now, it’s time to bring it all together. In a large bowl, combine the steamed sticky rice with the savory filling, mixing gently to avoid breaking the rice. Once everything is evenly mixed, take fresh banana leaves (which you should have warmed slightly to make them pliable) and scoop some of the mixture onto the leaf. Fold the sides over and wrap it up tightly, tucking in the ends to secure it. This wrapping not only keeps everything together but also infuses your dish with an amazing aroma as it cooks!
Step 5: Final Steam
Lastly, place the wrapped parcels back in the steamer and steam for another 30 minutes. This final steaming step is essential as it allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the filling is heated through. Just be sure to keep an eye on the water level in your steamer so it doesn’t run dry!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this delicious sticky rice dish? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries you might have:
Can I substitute the pork belly?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using chicken or tofu instead. Both will still give you a tasty filling while keeping the dish satisfying.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for up to three days. Just reheat them in the steamer or microwave before serving to keep that lovely texture intact!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the pork and shrimp, and add more veggies like mushrooms or carrots for added flavor and texture. You can also add some spices to enhance the taste.
What can I serve with this dish?
This sticky rice can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side of pickled vegetables for a nice contrast. It’s perfect for family gatherings during Chinese New Year!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it is! This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Enjoy with peace of mind!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a traditional dish that brings family and friends together during Chinese New Year.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
- Each bite is a delightful combination of chewy sticky rice and savory filling.
- Symbolizes luck and prosperity, making it a meaningful addition to your celebrations.
- Versatile enough to adjust sweetness and filling to suit your taste!
Tips for Success
To ensure your sticky rice dish turns out perfectly, here are some pro tips that I swear by! First, always use high-quality sticky rice; it makes a world of difference in texture and flavor. When soaking the rice and mung beans, don’t rush this step—overnight soaking is key for achieving that delightful chewiness. Also, if you can, get fresh banana leaves; they add an incredible aroma that elevates the dish to another level. When wrapping, make sure to fold tightly to prevent any filling from escaping during steaming. And remember, keep an eye on the water level in your steamer; you want to avoid any surprises like a dry pot! Lastly, don’t be afraid to adjust the sugar to match your preference—it’s all about making it perfect for you and your loved ones!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for each serving of this delightful sticky rice dish. Keep in mind that these values are approximate:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
This dish is not only delicious but also a satisfying option for your celebrations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this sticky rice dish is super easy! Once it’s cooled down to room temperature, transfer any remaining parcels into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to keep them wrapped in the banana leaves for better flavor retention.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is by steaming. This method helps maintain that wonderful texture we all love. Simply place the wrapped parcels back in the steamer for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a pinch for time, you can also use the microwave—just unwrap and place the sticky rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until warm. Either way, you’ll have a delicious treat ready to go!
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Chinese New Year Food Philippines: 5 Reasons to Celebrate
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A traditional dish served during the Chinese New Year celebrations in the Philippines, symbolizing luck and prosperity.
Ingredients
- 1 kg of sticky rice
- 500 g of mung beans
- 300 g of pork belly, diced
- 100 g of dried shrimp
- 2 cups of coconut milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tsp of salt
- Banana leaves for wrapping
Instructions
- Soak sticky rice and mung beans overnight.
- Steam the soaked sticky rice for 30 minutes.
- In a pan, sauté pork belly and dried shrimp until cooked.
- Add mung beans, coconut milk, sugar, and salt, and mix well.
- Combine the mixture with steamed sticky rice.
- Wrap the mixture in banana leaves.
- Steam the wrapped mixture for another 30 minutes.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh banana leaves for better flavor.
- Adjust sugar according to your taste.
- Can be made a day ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Filipino-Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 150 g
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Chinese New Year food Philippines, sticky rice, traditional dishes
