This Easy Pork Belly Sticky Rice dish is a wonderful mix of tender pork belly and chewy sticky rice, all in one bowl. It’s full of flavor and super comforting!
You’ll love that it’s simple to prepare. Just cook, layer, and let the magic happen. Trust me, the first bite will leave you wanting more. It’s that good! 🍚✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Glutinous Rice: Sticky rice is essential for that chewy texture. If you can’t find it, you may use short-grain rice, but it won’t be quite the same. Just make sure to rinse it well!
Pork Belly: This gives the dish its rich flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with chicken thighs or beef brisket. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Sauces: Soy sauce and oyster sauce add depth. If you’re vegetarian, try using tofu and substitute the sauces with mushroom soy sauce and vegetable stock. Sweet soy sauce can replace regular soy for a richer flavor.
Five-Spice Powder: This is optional, but it adds a unique aroma. If you don’t have it, try a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth.
How Do You Perfectly Steam Sticky Rice?
Steaming sticky rice is key for a perfect texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After soaking, drain the rice and make sure there’s no excess moisture left.
- If using a steamer, line the basket with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel to prevent the rice from falling through.
- Pour some water into the pot on the stove or rice cooker, ensuring it doesn’t touch the rice.
- Cover the rice tightly while steaming to keep the moisture in; this is important for even cooking.
- Check the rice for doneness around the 30-minute mark; it should be translucent and sticky.
Enjoy your cooking experience and relish every bite of the finished dish! It’s all about patience and the right technique.
Easy Pork Belly Sticky Rice
Ingredients:
For the Dish:
- 1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice
- 8 oz pork belly, skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for cooking sticky rice)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take around 2 hours to prepare and cook, including marinating and cooking time. Most of this is just soaking, chilling, and steaming, making it super manageable!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse and Soak the Rice:
Start by rinsing the sticky rice under cold water several times until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents it from being too gummy. After rinsing, soak the rice in clean water for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best texture. Once soaked, drain it thoroughly so it’s ready for cooking!
2. Marinate the Pork Belly:
In a mixing bowl, add the pork belly pieces and pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, sliced shallots, five-spice powder (if using), and white pepper. Mix everything well to coat the pork belly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes while you prep everything else—this builds delicious flavor!
3. Cook the Pork Belly:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork belly to the hot skillet, making sure to scrape in all the delicious marinade. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove it from heat and set aside.
4. Prepare to Steam the Rice:
Set up your steamer or rice cooker. Add the soaked and drained sticky rice to the steamer basket or rice cooker pot, spreading it out evenly.
5. Layer the Pork Belly:
Next, spread the cooked pork belly evenly over the sticky rice. This helps infuse the flavors into the rice while it cooks.
6. Steam It Up:
Now, it’s time to steam! Cover the steamer or rice cooker and steam for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked. If you’re using a rice cooker with a steaming tray, follow your rice cooker’s instructions for steaming.
7. Combine and Flavor:
Once they are cooked, gently mix the pork belly into the steamed sticky rice. This lets all the flavors mingle together for that delicious taste!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you like. Serve warm, and enjoy your flavorful and tender Easy Pork Belly Sticky Rice!
Bon appétit! 😋
FAQ for Easy Pork Belly Sticky Rice
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer a leaner option, chicken thighs or beef brisket can be used instead of pork belly. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Glutinous Rice?
If glutinous rice isn’t available, you can substitute with short-grain rice, although the texture will be slightly different. Make sure to rinse the rice well to remove excess starch for better results.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork belly with firm tofu and use mushroom soy sauce along with vegetable broth for a delicious alternative. The seasoning blends will still provide great flavor!
