Ingredients
- Glutinous Rice2 cups
- Coconut milk1 cup
- Brown Sugar1/2 cup
- Salt1/2 tsp
- Banana Leaves8
- Mung Bean Paste1 cup
Sticky rice cake is a traditional treat that highlights the use of glutinous rice and mung bean paste. The steaming process infuses the rice with the tropical flavor of coconut milk, while the banana leaves not only add flavor but also create a beautiful presentation. Serve these cakes at gatherings for a taste of authentic Southeast Asian cuisine!
Instructions
Drain the Glutinous Rice
5 minRinse the soaked glutinous rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
Mix Coconut Milk Ingredients
3 minIn a medium bowl, combine coconut milk, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a smooth mixture for the rice.
Combine Rice and Coconut Mixture
15 minAdd the drained rice to the coconut mixture, gently folding to coat each grain. Let it sit for 15 minutes so the rice can absorb the flavors.
Prepare the Steamer
5 minFill the bottom pot of your steamer with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Ensure it's ready for steaming the parcels.
Prepare Banana Leaf Wrappers
3 minLay an 8-inch square of banana leaf shiny side up on your workspace. Spoon ¼ cup of the rice mixture into the center and spread it into a rectangle approximately 4 inches wide.
Add Mung Bean Filling
2 minPlace 2 tablespoons of mung bean paste along the center of the rice rectangle. This will be the delicious filling for your rice cake.
Fold the Banana Leaf
5 minFold the banana leaf over the filling lengthwise, then tuck in the sides to form a tight parcel. Press firmly to compact the rice for better shape retention during steaming.
Secure the Parcel
5 minUsing kitchen twine, tie the parcel securely but not too tight to allow for expansion while cooking. Repeat to form a total of 8 parcels.
Steam the Parcels
90 minPlace the parcels in a steamer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with small gaps for steam circulation. Steam over medium heat for 90 minutes, checking halfway through for water levels.
Cool the Parcels
20 minOnce steaming is complete, carefully remove the parcels and let them cool for about 20 minutes before unwrapping. This cooling step helps set the texture.
Slice and Serve
5 minUnwrap the banana leaves and slice each parcel into 1-inch thick rounds. Serve and enjoy this delicious treat!
FAQ
No, regular rice will not yield the same sticky texture necessary for this recipe.
