Savory Sticky Rice Recipe Xoi Man

There’s something truly magical about transforming a humble grain into a sumptuous, flavor-packed dish, and that’s exactly what we do with this Xoi Man recipe. From the heady aroma of golden-brown shallots to the satisfying crunch of crushed peanuts, every step is a sensory delight that combines to create a meal that’s as awesome to make as it is to eat. Let me take you on this culinary adventure where sticky rice becomes the star of an unforgettable dish.

For making Xoi Man, I really enjoy using glutinous rice to create a satisfyingly chewy dish that is rich with the flavors of Chinese sausage and cooked pork belly. Shallots and garlic sautéed in vegetable oil take it to the next level, adding a savory aroma that is oh-so-close to the actual definition of umami.

Fish sauce and soy sauce drizzle everything in a coating that is mainly salty with just a tiny twinge of sweetness. Nutritionally, the fiber in the rice paired with protein-rich toppings (think dried shrimp and roasted peanuts) makes for a well-balanced meal that is quite delicious.

Savory Sticky Rice Recipe Xoi Man Ingredients

• Glutinous rice: Rich in carbohydrates, it provides the sticky texture essential for this dish.
• Chinese sausage: Adds a sweet, savory flavor with a satisfying chewiness.
• Cooked pork belly: Provides protein and a rich, savory taste, enhancing the dish’s depth.
• Dried shrimp: Intensifies umami flavor, offering a seafood essence and additional protein.
• Soy sauce: Balances salty and umami notes, deepening overall flavors.
• Fish sauce: Intensifies the savory aspect with a touch of the sea’s essence.
• Roasted peanuts: Adds crunch and nuttiness, rich in protein and healthy fats.

Savory Sticky Rice Recipe Xoi Man Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups glutinous rice (sticky rice)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Chinese sausage, sliced
• 1 cup cooked pork belly, sliced
• 1/2 cup dried shrimp, soaked and drained
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
• 2 tablespoons fried shallots
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

How to Make this Savory Sticky Rice Recipe Xoi Man

1. Wash the sticky rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak it in fresh water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain the rice, then cook it in a rice cooker or over the stovetop in a pot of boiling water.

2. Soak the rice in water for 20-30 minutes, then drain. Inside a steamer, line with cheesecloth or a banana leaf, then fill with the soaked rice. Steam the rice for 20-25 minutes, by which point it should be fully cooked and unbelievably tender. Set it aside.

3. In a large frying pan, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat. Toss in the shallots and the garlic, minced, and cook until they are both very fragrant and deep golden brown.

4. In the sliced Chinese sausage and cooked pork belly to the pan, stirring occasionally until they are lightly browned.

5. Combine the flavors by adding the dried shrimp and cooking them for another 2-3 minutes.

6. Combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Pour the mixture into the pan and stir everything around so that the ingredients are evenly coated. This is a great way to make sure the flavor gets into every bite.

7. Add the sticky steamed rice to the pan and mix gently until the rice is evenly coated with the sauce mixture and the meats.

8. Combine the chopped green onions and crushed, roasted peanuts with the sticky rice. Mix them into the sticky rice, albeit gently. You want the ingredients to be incorporated into the rice, yes, but you also want to maintain the rice’s unique sticky quality—hence the gentle mixing. Also, remember that the green onions and the crushed peanuts are to taste. Adjust their quantities in your mind, and in your action, as needed.

9. Move the sticky rice to a serving plate and top it with fried shallots and fresh cilantro.

10. Serve Xoi Man warm; it is a flavorful and hearty dish that stands well on its own or as a side. Enjoy!

Savory Sticky Rice Recipe Xoi Man Equipment Needed

1. Rice cooker or large pot
2. Steamer
3. Cheesecloth or banana leaf
4. Large frying pan
5. Mixing bowl
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. Spoon (for measuring)
10. Plate or serving dish

FAQ

• Q: Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?A: No, regular rice will not provide the same sticky and chewy texture that gives Xoi Man its characteristic quality.
• Q: How long should I soak the dried shrimp?A: In warm water, soak the dried shrimp for approximately 20 minutes until they are soft, then drain them well.
• Q: Can I substitute any ingredients?A: Absolutely, you can replace cooked chicken with pork belly or omit the dried shrimp if you want a more subtly flavored dish.
• Q: How do I prevent the rice from becoming too mushy?A: Use the correct ratio of water to rice and do not soak the glutinous rice too long. For the best possible texture, steam instead of boil.
• Q: What type of Chinese sausage should I use?A: If of sweet flavor, as it either complements or balances the following ingredients, use Cantonese-style Chinese sausage (lap cheong).
  Or else use:
  —Any naturally sweet or slightly sweet sausage (e.g., Italian sausage, fresh).
  —Any type of fresh sausage with a sweet flavor profile.
• Q: How can I store leftover Xoi Man?A: You can keep uneaten food in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it should be preserved in an airtight container. To reheat it, try one of these methods:
  – Steam it.
  – Put it in the microwave.
  Using a damp paper towel as a cover will help retain moisture.
• Q: Is the fish sauce necessary for the recipe?The fish sauce lends an essential umami depth of flavor, but if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian or really don’t like fish sauce, you could substitute soy sauce for a less potent flavor.

Savory Sticky Rice Recipe Xoi Man Substitutions and Variations

For glutinous rice: Use sushi rice or Arborio rice instead, and you get a similar sticky texture.
For Chinese sausage: Use chorizo or kielbasa for a different tasting experience.
For pork belly: Use bacon or leftover roast pork in its place.
To prepare dried shrimp: Substitute fresh shrimp for a bolder flavor, or skip this step for a milder taste.
For fish sauce: Replace with soy sauce or a blend of soy sauce and a touch of Worcestershire sauce.

Pro Tips

1. Perfectly Cooked Rice: To ensure that the sticky rice cooks evenly and achieves the desired texture, make sure it’s fully soaked (preferably overnight) and drained well before steaming. If you find the rice a bit too dry after steaming, you can sprinkle a small amount of water over it and cover it for a few extra minutes.