Jul 14 2026

Zong Zi Recipe

Time4h
Serves4

Zong zi is another very popular rice snack food in which glutinous rice is wrapped in bamboo leaves.

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Ingredients

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Ingredients

Method

Directions

  1. 1

    Soak the Bamboo Leaves

    Begin by soaking the bamboo leaves in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them. This will make them easier to handle when wrapping the rice.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Rice and Beans

    Rinse the glutinous rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Also, rinse the dried mung beans and soak them in water for 2 hours.

  3. 3

    Prepare the Filling

    In a bowl, mix the cubed pork belly, dried shrimp (if using), salt, soy sauce, black pepper, and five-spice powder. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes.

  4. 4

    Assemble the Zong Zi

    Take a bamboo leaf and fold it into a cone shape. Fill the cone with a layer of glutinous rice, followed by a layer of mung beans, and then a layer of the pork filling. Top with another layer of glutinous rice. Fold the bamboo leaf over to close the cone and tie it securely with kitchen twine.

  5. 5

    Cook the Zong Zi

    In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the wrapped zong zi to the pot, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and simmer for about 2 to 3 hours, adding water as needed to keep them submerged.

  6. 6

    Serve

    Once cooked, remove the zong zi from the pot and let them cool slightly. Unwrap and serve warm, optionally with additional soy sauce or chili sauce.

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