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“The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious, Fluffy, and Aromatic Corn Sticky Rice”

6 November, 2024

Sticky Corn Rice – A Delicious Vietnamese Breakfast Delicacy

Sticky corn rice, or “xôi ngô” in Vietnamese, is a traditional and delectable breakfast dish in Vietnam. This dish is not only simple to make but also boasts a hearty blend of glutinous rice and sweet corn, creating a cozy and energizing start to the day. To prepare this delicious sticky corn rice, pay attention to the ingredients and the following steps.

Here is a homemade recipe for sticky corn rice:

Ingredients:

Glutinous rice: 400g

Sweet corn: 2 ears (or regular corn, depending on preference)

Salt: 1/2 teaspoon

Grated coconut: 50g (optional)

Fried shallots: 30g

Chicken fat: 2 tablespoons (or cooking oil)

Shelled mung beans: 100g (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Soak the glutinous rice:

Glutinous rice is crucial to achieving the desired stickiness and flavor of the dish. Opt for high-quality glutinous rice, such as “nếp cái hoa vàng” or fragrant glutinous rice with uniform and firm grains. Before cooking, soak the rice in water for 6-8 hours (preferably overnight) to soften the grains, ensuring quicker cooking and perfect stickiness. After soaking, gently rinse the rice and drain it.

Prepare the corn:

For a sweeter and nuttier flavor, choose sweet corn, although regular corn will also work. Detach the corn kernels from the cobs, rinse them, and let them dry. Alternatively, you can use ready-to-use corn kernels available in supermarkets to save time.

Soak the mung beans:

If you wish to include mung beans for added texture, soak the shelled mung beans for 2-3 hours to soften them. Afterward, steam the beans and fluff them up.

Step 2: Mix the ingredients

Once the glutinous rice is drained, mix it with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. You can choose to mix the corn with the rice or cook them separately.

Step 3: Steam the rice

Prepare the steamer:

Fill the steamer pot with water, ensuring the water level is below the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil and start steaming the rice.

First steaming:

Place the mixture of glutinous rice and corn (or just glutinous rice if cooking corn separately) into the steamer basket. Steam for 20-25 minutes. Check the rice by pinching a grain; if it feels soft, you can proceed to the next step.

Stir the rice and steam again:

After the first steaming, open the lid and gently fluff the rice with chopsticks to ensure even cooking. If you’re cooking the corn separately, mix it with the rice now. Add chicken fat or cooking oil to impart a glossy appearance and enhance the flavor. Steam for another 10-15 minutes until the sticky corn rice is soft and sticky.

Step 4: Finalize the dish

Fried shallots and grated coconut:

Once the sticky corn rice is soft, transfer it to a plate and sprinkle some fried shallots on top to enhance the aroma. You can also add grated coconut for a richer, more indulgent touch.

The finished sticky corn rice will have a sweet and nutty corn flavor, sticky glutinous rice, and a fragrant aroma from the chicken fat and fried shallots. It can be enjoyed with sesame salt or steamed mung beans for a more diverse dining experience.

Tips for a softer and stickier sticky corn rice:

Choose sweet corn: Sweet corn is the preferred choice for achieving the desired stickiness and nuttiness.

Avoid overheating the steamer: Excessive heat can dry out the rice or cause uneven cooking.

Stir the rice twice during steaming: This ensures even cooking and prevents undercooked rice in the center.

Sticky corn rice is a humble yet special traditional dish. With these simple steps and tips, you can easily prepare a delicious and soft sticky corn rice for your family to enjoy.