Taiwanese Sticky Rice

Taiwanese Sticky Rice Recipe with Shiitake Mushrooms and Pressed Tofu

Region / culture: Taiwan | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 30-60 minutes | Servings: 4-6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Taiwanese Sticky Rice, also known as 糯米飯 (nuò mǐ fàn) in Mandarin, is a traditional dish that is popular in Taiwan. This dish is made with glutinous rice, shiitake mushrooms, five-tofu, and other flavorful ingredients. It is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion.

History

Taiwanese Sticky Rice has a long history and is a staple in Taiwanese cuisine. It is often served during special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and family gatherings. The dish is believed to have originated from the Hakka people in Taiwan, who have a rich culinary tradition.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of glutinous rice
3-4 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked
1 square of five-spice pressed tofu
1 small chunk of "vegetarian ham," veggie burger or other veggie "meat" (optional)
1 clove of garlic (optional)
1 small knob of ginger (optional)
soy sauce or soy paste (to taste)
salt (to taste)
more soy sauce or soy paste (to give a nice medium-brown color)
0.25 cup of mushroom water (from soaking the mushrooms)

How to prepare

Soak 1.5 cups of glutinous rice and 3-4 dried shiitake mushrooms in separate containers of water overnight.
Drain the rice and mushrooms, saving the mushroom water. Slice the soaked mushrooms, 1 square of five-spice pressed tofu, and 1 small chunk of vegetarian ham or veggie burger into small strips.
Mince 1 clove of garlic and 1 small knob of ginger into tiny bits (optional).
In a large wok with hot oil, sauté the minced garlic and ginger (optional) briefly. Then add the sliced ingredients from step 2. Stir in soy sauce or soy paste and salt to taste.
When the tofu and "meat" look and smell done, add the drained rice and immediately reduce the heat to medium. Add more soy sauce or soy paste for a nice medium-brown color and 0.25 cup of mushroom water from steps 1-2.
Stir constantly for a few minutes to prevent sticking and burning until most of the liquid is gone.
Turn off the heat and pour the rice mixture into small rice bowls lined with plastic wrap or a large baking pan lined with plastic wrap. Steam for 30-60 minutes or until the rice grains have become soft and translucent.
Serve immediately or refrigerate and reheat as needed. Serve with optional toppings such as roasted sesame seeds and mushroom/seaweed dust, and sweet chili sauce.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, and corn for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms or button mushrooms for a unique twist.
Substitute the vegetarian meat with chicken, pork, or beef for a meatier version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soak the glutinous rice and dried shiitake mushrooms overnight for best results.

- Use a wok to stir-fry the ingredients for a delicious flavor.

- Steam the rice mixture for 30-60 minutes until the rice grains are soft and translucent.

- Serve the sticky rice with optional toppings such as roasted sesame seeds and sweet chili sauce for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Taiwanese Sticky Rice can be served as a main dish or as a side dish with other Taiwanese dishes such as braised pork belly or stir-fried vegetables. It pairs well with a hot cup of tea or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the ingredients in a wok for a delicious flavor.

- Steam the rice mixture for a soft and sticky texture.

- Serve the sticky rice with optional toppings for added flavor and presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular rice instead of glutinous rice for a different texture.

- Substitute the shiitake mushrooms with other types of mushrooms such as cremini or portobello mushrooms.

- Use regular tofu instead of five-tofu for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Taiwanese Sticky Rice can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Taiwanese Sticky Rice in small rice bowls lined with plastic wrap for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with roasted sesame seeds and mushroom/seaweed dust for added flavor and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Taiwanese Sticky Rice pairs well with other Taiwanese dishes such as braised pork belly, stir-fried vegetables, and steamed dumplings. It also goes well with a variety of teas such as oolong tea or jasmine tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Taiwanese Sticky Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Taiwanese Sticky Rice contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used. It is a satisfying and filling dish that is perfect for a hearty meal.

Carbohydrates

Taiwanese Sticky Rice is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the glutinous rice used in the recipe. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

The fats in Taiwanese Sticky Rice come from the cooking oil used to sauté the ingredients. It is important to use healthy fats such as olive oil or coconut oil for a nutritious meal.

Proteins

Proteins in this dish come from the tofu and vegetarian meat used in the recipe. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as overall health and well-being.

Vitamins and minerals

Taiwanese Sticky Rice is rich in vitamins and minerals from the shiitake mushrooms, garlic, and ginger used in the recipe. These ingredients provide essential nutrients for the body and support overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and gluten from the soy sauce and glutinous rice used. It is important to be mindful of any food allergies or sensitivities when preparing this dish.

Summary

Taiwanese Sticky Rice is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a well-balanced meal that provides energy and essential nutrients for the body.

Summary

Taiwanese Sticky Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a well-balanced meal that provides essential nutrients for the body. Serve this dish with optional toppings and pair it with other Taiwanese dishes for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day and I was wandering through the bustling streets of Taipei, soaking in the vibrant sights and sounds of the city. As I passed by a small food stall tucked away in a narrow alley, the aroma of fragrant spices and savory meats wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

I approached the stall, curious to see what delicacies lay within. The elderly woman behind the counter greeted me with a warm smile and began to tell me about her specialty dish – Taiwanese Sticky Rice. She explained that it was a traditional dish made with glutinous rice, tender pork belly, shiitake mushrooms, and a medley of aromatic seasonings.

Intrigued by the complexity of the dish, I asked her if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded and beckoned me to follow her into the cramped kitchen at the back of the stall. As she guided me through the process of preparing the dish, I watched in awe as she deftly measured out ingredients, chopped vegetables with precision, and stirred the pot with a practiced hand.

I listened intently as she shared stories of her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe to her many years ago. She spoke of the importance of cooking with love and patience, and of the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with family and friends.

After several hours of cooking and simmering, the dish was finally ready. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and my mouth watered in anticipation. I took a tentative bite of the sticky rice, and was immediately transported to culinary heaven. The flavors were rich and complex, the textures perfectly balanced. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

As I savored each mouthful, I knew that this recipe was something special. It was more than just a dish – it was a piece of culinary history, a connection to the past that had been lovingly preserved and passed down through generations. I thanked the elderly woman profusely for sharing her recipe with me, and promised to cherish it always.

Over the years, I have continued to make Taiwanese Sticky Rice for my family and friends, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have experimented with different ingredients, adjusted seasonings to suit my taste, and even taught my own grandchildren how to make it.

But no matter how many times I prepare this dish, it always brings me back to that hot summer day in Taipei, when I first discovered the magic of Taiwanese cuisine. It reminds me of the power of food to connect us to our past, to bring us together in a shared experience of joy and nourishment.

And so, as I sit here in my kitchen, stirring a pot of simmering sticky rice and breathing in the familiar scents of garlic and soy sauce, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the kind elderly woman who shared her recipe with me, for the memories of my own grandmother and her delicious home-cooked meals, and for the simple pleasure of cooking a meal that brings people together in love and fellowship.

For me, Taiwanese Sticky Rice is more than just a recipe – it is a symbol of tradition, of family, and of the enduring power of food to nourish both body and soul. And I will continue to cook it with love and passion, passing down this treasured recipe to future generations so that they too may experience the magic of a dish that transcends time and space.