Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of traditional Chinese cuisine! These Keefer Court Sticky Rice Dumplings are not just a recipe—they're a delectable work of art that combines layers of glutinous rice, savory pork, tender mushrooms, and creamy mung beans, all lovingly wrapped in fragrant banana leaves. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food enthusiast, this recipe promises to unlock a world of authentic flavors that will leave you craving more with every single bite.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 10 dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 cups glutinous rice
- 1/2 cup mung beans
- 1/2 cup pork, diced
- 4 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Banana leaves for wrapping
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the glutinous rice and mung beans. Rinse the 2 cups of glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Rinse again and drain.
- In a separate bowl, rinse the 1/2 cup of mung beans and soak them in water for about 2 hours. After soaking, drain and set aside.
- Prepare the filling by heating a pan over medium heat. Add the diced pork and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the chopped shiitake mushrooms, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once the mung beans are soaked, steam them in a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the banana leaves for wrapping. If using fresh banana leaves, cut them into rectangular pieces about 10 inches long. If using frozen leaves, thaw them and briefly pass them over an open flame or boil them in water to make them pliable.
- To assemble the dumplings, take a piece of banana leaf and place about 1/4 cup of the soaked glutinous rice in the center. Flatten it slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Next, add a layer of the cooked pork and mushroom filling (about 1 tablespoon) in the center of the rice, followed by a tablespoon of the steamed mung beans on top.
- Finally, add another layer of glutinous rice on top, covering the filling completely. Fold the banana leaf over the filling to create a rectangular parcel, ensuring that the filling is sealed inside. Secure with kitchen twine or a strip of banana leaf.
- Repeat this process until all the rice and filling are used, making a total of 10 dumplings.
- Once all dumplings are wrapped, prepare a steamer by filling it with water and bringing it to a boil. Place the dumplings in the steamer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Steam the dumplings for about 1 hour, checking occasionally to ensure there is enough water in the steamer.
- After 1 hour, remove the dumplings from the steamer and let them cool slightly before unwrapping.
- Serve the Keefer Court Sticky Rice Dumplings warm, accompanied by soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Tips
- Soaking is Key: Always soak your glutinous rice and mung beans thoroughly. This ensures a perfect texture and helps the ingredients cook evenly.
- Banana Leaf Technique: If fresh banana leaves are unavailable, use parchment paper as an alternative. The goal is to create a sealed, steamy environment for your dumplings.
- Filling Distribution: Be careful not to overfill your dumplings. Balanced layers of rice and filling will ensure each bite is perfectly proportioned.
- Steaming Secrets: Maintain consistent water levels in your steamer and avoid lifting the lid too frequently to preserve heat and steam.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These dumplings can be prepared in advance and frozen before steaming, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Flavor Enhancement: Experiment with additional seasonings like five-spice powder or ginger in your filling for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg
