Zongzi (Chinese Rice Dumplings)

Unwrap the timeless flavors of tradition with Zongzi, Chinese rice dumplings that are as rich in history as they are in taste. These pyramid-shaped delights are crafted with fragrant glutinous rice, succulent marinated pork belly, shiitake mushrooms, and dried shrimp, all wrapped in aromatic bamboo leaves. Infused with savory soy sauce, dark soy, and five-spice powder, each bite delivers an irresistible balance of umami and spice. Delicately tied and simmered for hours, Zongzi are perfect for celebrating Dragon Boat Festival or enjoying as a comforting, make-ahead meal. Whether you savor them fresh or freeze for later, this dish is a delicious tribute to traditional Chinese cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:180 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:420 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 500 grams glutinous rice
• 300 grams pork belly
• 30 pieces bamboo leaves
• 50 grams shiitake mushrooms
• 30 grams dried shrimp
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons shaoxing wine
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 0.5 liters water
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 roll kitchen twine

Directions

Step 1

Soak the glutinous rice in water for at least 2 hours, then drain thoroughly.

Step 2

Soak the bamboo leaves in warm water for 30 minutes until soft. Wash and set aside.

Step 3

Cut the pork belly into small cubes. Marinate with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, half of the salt, sugar, and white pepper for at least 1 hour.

Step 4

Soak the dried shrimp and shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 30 minutes. Drain and chop the mushrooms and set both aside.

Step 5

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add marinated pork, mushrooms, and shrimp. Stir until the pork is cooked through, then remove from heat.

Step 6

In another pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the drained glutinous rice and season with the remaining salt. Stir fry the rice for 2-3 minutes and set aside.

Step 7

To assemble a zongzi, lay two bamboo leaves on top of each other, fold the ends together to form a cone. Add 2 tablespoons of rice, then 1 tablespoon of pork filling, and cover with another 2 tablespoons of rice.

Step 8

Fold the leaves over the filling, shaping it into a pyramid. Secure tightly with kitchen twine.

Step 9

Repeat the wrapping process with the remaining ingredients.

Step 10

Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Submerge the wrapped zongzi in the water, ensuring they're fully covered. Simmer for 3-4 hours, adding water as necessary to keep them covered.

Step 11

Remove from water once cooked, let cool slightly before unwrapping, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1910.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2528.9

Total Fat 189.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 62.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 366mg	0%
Sodium 12035.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 130.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.8g	0%
Total Sugars 6.1g
Protein 68.1g	0%

Vitamin D 9IU	0%
Calcium 183.1mg	0%
Iron 5.9mg	0%
Potassium 1331.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.3%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 20.8%