This Easy Pork Belly Sticky Rice is a treat! It features tender pork belly cooked until it’s crispy and served on a bed of delicious sticky rice that’s soft and flavorful.
The best part? It’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. I love serving it with some tasty veggies on the side—talk about a satisfying meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Glutinous (Sticky) Rice: This is essential for that perfect chewy texture. If you can’t find glutinous rice, you can use sushi rice as a substitute, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
Pork Belly: Tender and rich, pork belly is the star here. You can also use pork shoulder or chicken thighs if you prefer a leaner meat option.
Dried Shiitake Mushrooms: These add a savory depth of flavor. If unavailable, fresh mushrooms like cremini or portobello can work in a pinch. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Chinese Sausage: This gives a unique sweet and savory taste. If you can’t find it, you might use any cooked sausage, but note it will change the flavor profile.
Dark Soy Sauce: This adds color and richness. If you don’t have it, you can use regular soy sauce, but the dish will be lighter in color.
How Do I Steam Sticky Rice Perfectly?
Steaming sticky rice is key to getting that right texture. First, soak the rice for at least 3 hours or overnight to help it absorb water. When you’re ready to steam:
- Use a fine mesh steamer or line a regular one with cheesecloth to prevent the rice from falling through.
- Place the soaked and drained rice in the steamer and spread it evenly.
- Steam for about 25-30 minutes until tender. You can check doneness by tasting; it should be soft and sticky.
Make sure to keep an eye on the water level in the pot below, so it doesn’t dry out during steaming.
Easy Pork Belly Sticky Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice
- 1/2 lb pork belly, cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced
- 2 Chinese sausage links, sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (white and black), for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe will take around 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. You will need about 15 minutes for prep and cooking the pork and vegetables, plus 30 minutes to steam the rice after soaking it for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight. The soaking time is essential for achieving the best texture for the sticky rice!
Instructions:
1. Soak and Prepare the Sticky Rice:
Start by rinsing the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. After rinsing, soak the rice in water for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best. Once soaked, drain the rice before cooking.
2. Steam the Rice:
Use a steamer basket to steam the soaked sticky rice. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil, then place the drained rice in the steamer basket. Steam for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and sticky. Alternatively, you may use a rice cooker if preferred.
3. Cook the Pork Belly:
While the rice is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced pork belly. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is browned and crispy on all sides.
4. Add Vegetables and Sausages:
Next, add the white parts of the sliced green onions, minced garlic, sliced Chinese sausage, and shiitake mushrooms to the pan. Stir-fry these ingredients together for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.
5. Add Sauces and Seasoning:
Mix in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well to ensure that the flavors combine nicely.
6. Combine with Sticky Rice:
Once the sticky rice is cooked, add it to the pan with the pork and vegetable mixture. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-5 minutes, letting the rice soak up all the delicious sauces and flavors.
7. Finish with Sesame Oil:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the rice mixture and give it a good stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the sticky rice hot, topped with the green parts of the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that extra crunch and flavor!
Enjoy this rich and flavorful Easy Pork Belly Sticky Rice as a hearty meal that combines tender pork belly with fragrant sticky rice, mushrooms, and sausage. It’s comforting and absolutely delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Rice for This Recipe?
For the best texture, it’s recommended to use glutinous (sticky) rice, as other types may not provide the same chewy consistency. However, if you can’t find it, sushi rice can be a suitable alternative, though the texture will differ slightly.
What Can I Substitute for Pork Belly?
If you’re looking for a leaner option, pork shoulder or chicken thighs can work well. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian alternative, just pan-fry until crispy before adding it to the dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to bring back some moisture.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pork and vegetable mixture ahead of time. Just store it separately from the cooked sticky rice. When ready to serve, reheat the pork and mix it with freshly steamed rice for the best flavor and texture!
