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Glutinous Rice Dumplings in Bamboo Leaves (Zong Zi)

Glutinous rice in bamboo leaves, also known as zong zi, is a traditional dish enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival and on special family occasions. Fragrant, savoury, and deeply comforting, these sticky rice dumplings are filled with pork, mushrooms, mung beans, and other classic ingredients, then wrapped in bamboo leaves and slowly cooked until rich in flavour. This recipe focuses on approachable, budget friendly fillings while staying true to traditional techniques.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg white glutinous rice
  • 500 gram peeled split mung beans
  • 200 gram of dried bamboo leaves
Filling Ideas (Easy & Budget Friendly) :
  • 350 gram strip of pork belly cut into 2cm chunks
  • 20 pieces dried shiitake mushrooms soaked and cut into 3 or 4 slices
  • 150 gram unsalted peanuts with skin on
  • 4 pieces Chinese sausages sliced
Seasoning for Glutinous rice:
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • ½ tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Seasoning for mung beans::
  • 1 tbsp salt

Equipment

  • 2 large pots for boiling and steaming
  • 4 Mixing bowls for mixing fillings
  • 4 bamboo leaves for wrapping glutinous rice

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, marinade the pork belly and set aside.
  2. Rinse and Wash the glutinous rice and mung beans separately 3 -4 times until the water is clear. Soak them in cold water for 1 hour. Drain and mix well with the seasonings.
  3. Wash the bamboo leaves and soak them in water for 30mins and then drain.
  4. Then using a big pot, submerge the leaves in cold water and bring them slowly to a boil on low heat and simmer for 15mins. This step is to sterilise the leaves and to make them clean.
  5. Drain the water and then wash the leaves. Set them aside.
  6. To wrap the dumplings, layer two leaves together (smooth side up), 1 inch apart. Fold the bottom of the leaf up to form a cone.
  7. Add 2 tbsp of seasoned rice into the cone, flatten it.
  8. Then add 1 tbsp of seasoned mung bean, add 2 pieces of pork bellow, 4 pieces of dried mushroom, 1 chestnut and 4 slices of chinese sauces.
  9. On top, cover with 1 tbsp of mung bean then 1 tbsp of rice.
  10. Get another leave to wrap around the top and fold the leaf down and close the packet.
  11. Use the bamboo string to wrap around the bamboo packet 7 to 8 times and double tie the string. Repeat this process until all the dumplings are done.
  12. To cook the dumplings, place them in a pot and pour over some hot water to cover them.
  13. Put the lid on and cook on medium heat for 3 hours. Ready to serve.

Video

Notes

  • Glutinous rice must be soaked and well drained to ensure an even, sticky texture after cooking.
  • Bamboo leaves should be thoroughly cleaned and boiled to soften them and remove any impurities. Handle carefully to avoid tearing.
  • Tie the dumplings firmly but not too tight, as the rice will expand during cooking.
  • Fillings can be adjusted to suit taste or availability. Salted egg yolk, chestnuts, or black eyed beans are also popular additions.
  • These dumplings freeze well after cooking. Reheat by steaming until fully heated through before serving.
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