Chinese Rice ” Tamales”

May 19, 2023May 19, 20230 18

Chinese Rice Tamales recipe for a unique twist on a classic dish

by The Chefin Rice

Prep

12 hours

Cook

120 min

Ready In

1412 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

347

Sugar

Fat

11g

Chinese Rice Tamales, also known as Zongzi, are a traditional Chinese dish typically eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival in June. They are similar to Mexican Tamales but are made with glutinous rice and usually filled with pork, mushrooms, and other ingredients. Tamales are a popular food in many cultures around the world and can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or main course.

Instructions

1.	Rinse the glutinous rice and mung beans separately until the water runs clear.
2.	Soak the glutinous rice, mung beans, chestnuts, and mushrooms overnight.
3.	Drain the soaked ingredients and mix in salt and Chinese five spice powder.
4.	Marinate the sliced pork belly with a pinch of salt and Chinese five spice powder.
5.	Soften the bamboo leaves by soaking them in hot water for at least an hour.
6.	Assemble the Tamales by laying out 2 bamboo leaves per Tamale and placing 1/4 cup of rice mixture on the leaves.
7.	Add 1 tablespoon of mung beans, 1 chestnut, a few slices of mushrooms, and a piece of pork belly on top of the rice.
8.	Fold the bamboo leaves over the filling and tie them securely with kitchen string.
9.	Steam the Tamales in a large pot for 1.5-2 hours until the rice is cooked through. Serve hot.

PROS

Chinese Rice Tamales are a unique and tasty way to enjoy rice.

They are also healthy and gluten-free.

CONS

The Tamales require overnight soaking and a long steaming time, so they require some preparation and patience.

The bamboo leaves can also be difficult to work with if they are not softened properly.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Glutinous rice is high in carbohydrates and low in fat, making it an excellent source of energy.
Mung beans are high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants and are also believed to reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion.
Pork belly is high in fat, but it also contains essential minerals and vitamins like B1, B6, and B12.

	5 cups glutinous rice
	1/2 lb dried mung beans
	20 dried chestnuts
	1 tablespoon salt
	1/8 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
	10 dried black mushrooms , soaked with stems removed and caps sliced
	20 bamboo leaves
	1/2 lb pork belly , sliced