Homemade Xoi Gac (Vietnamese Red Sticky Rice) Recipe

Introduction

Xoi Gac is a vibrant Vietnamese red sticky rice dish, traditionally served during celebrations for its beautiful color and subtle sweetness. This homemade version uses glutinous rice combined with flavorful Gac paste, making it a delightful treat that’s both visually stunning and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups glutinous rice
• 1 cup Gac paste (frozen; see note below if using fresh Gac)
• 2 tbsp sake (or white wine)
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 tsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp black sesame seeds
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the glutinous rice 4-5 times until the water runs clear. Place the rice in a bowl and cover it with water, soaking for 4 hours or overnight. Add more water if it starts to look dry, and refrigerate if soaking overnight.
2. Step 2: Drain the soaked rice and set it aside.
3. Step 3: Strain the Gac paste to remove excess liquid.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine the drained rice, Gac paste, sake, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir well until fully mixed.
5. Step 5: Prepare your steamer by bringing water to a simmer. Place a parchment paper sheet on the steamer insert and poke holes to allow steam through.
6. Step 6: Transfer the rice mixture to the steamer and steam for 20 minutes. Check for doneness and steam longer if needed.
7. Step 7: Once cooked, stir in 4 teaspoons of granulated sugar until evenly combined.
8. Step 8: Crush the black sesame seeds using a mortar and pestle, or use a bowl and the back of a knife if unavailable.
9. Step 9: Mix the crushed sesame seeds with 1 teaspoon granulated sugar and a pinch of salt.
10. Step 10: Serve the sticky rice topped with the sesame mixture. Enjoy your homemade Xoi Gac!

Tips & Variations

• If fresh Gac fruit is available, prepare your own paste by scooping out the flesh and seeds, then blending and straining it. Otherwise, frozen paste works perfectly.
• For a richer flavor, substitute sake with a mild white wine or skip alcohol entirely if preferred.
• To enhance aroma, lightly toast sesame seeds before crushing them.

Storage

Store any leftover Xoi Gac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a steamer or microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Enjoy best fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is Gac paste and where can I find it?

Gac paste is made from the red flesh of the Gac fruit, known for its bright color and mild sweetness. It can often be found in Asian markets, frozen or fresh during its season. If unavailable, some substitutes include mashed cooked pumpkin or carrot for color, though flavor will differ.

Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?

Regular rice does not have the sticky, chewy texture needed for Xoi Gac. Glutinous rice is essential for achieving the traditional consistency of this dish.

Homemade Xoi Gac (Vietnamese Red Sticky Rice) Recipe

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Homemade Xoi Gac is a traditional Vietnamese red sticky rice dish made vibrant with Gac fruit paste. This recipe combines glutinous rice soaked and steamed with the sweet and subtly fragrant Gac paste, enhanced with sake, salt, and sugar for the perfect balance of flavors. Finished with a nutty black sesame seed topping, this comforting dish is perfect for celebrations or a unique treat.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (apart from soaking time)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including soaking)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Vietnamese
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Gac Mixture

• 2 cups glutinous rice
• 1 cup Gac paste (frozen or fresh, strained)
• 2 tbsp sake (or white wine)
• ½ tsp salt

Sugar and Toppings

• 4 tsp granulated sugar (for mixing into cooked rice)
• 2 tbsp black sesame seeds
• 1 tsp granulated sugar (for sesame topping)
• 1 pinch salt (for sesame topping)

Instructions

1. Rinse and Soak Rice: Rinse the 2 cups of glutinous rice multiple times until the water runs clear, about 4-5 rinses. Place the rinsed rice in a bowl, cover with water just over the top, and soak for 4 hours or overnight. If soaking overnight, refrigerate to maintain freshness.
2. Drain Rice: After soaking, drain the rice thoroughly to remove excess water and set aside.
3. Prepare Gac Paste: Strain the 1 cup of Gac paste to remove excess liquid, ensuring a smoother consistency for mixing.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the drained glutinous rice with the strained Gac paste, 2 tablespoons of sake, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir well to evenly coat the rice with the Gac mixture.
5. Prepare Steamer: Bring water to a simmer in a steamer pot. Place the steamer insert over the simmering water and line it with parchment paper, punching a few holes to allow steam to penetrate effectively.
6. Steam Rice: Transfer the Gac-coated rice into the lined steamer basket, spreading it evenly. Steam the rice for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, check the rice for doneness by tasting; if needed, continue steaming until fully cooked.
7. Add Sugar: Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and gently mix in 4 teaspoons of granulated sugar until evenly combined and slightly sweetened.
8. Prepare Black Sesame Topping: Using a mortar and pestle, lightly crush 2 tablespoons of black sesame seeds to release their flavor. If unavailable, use a bowl and the back of a knife to break them down.
9. Mix Sesame Topping: Combine the crushed sesame seeds with 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar and a pinch of salt, mixing well to create a balanced sweet and savory topping.
10. Serve: Sprinkle the prepared black sesame mixture over the warm sticky rice before serving. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful homemade Xoi Gac!

Notes

• If using fresh Gac fruit, refer to specific methods to extract the red pulp and make the Gac paste before proceeding.
• Soaking the glutinous rice overnight improves texture and reduces steaming time.
• Poking holes in parchment paper helps steam circulate uniformly for even cooking.
• Sake can be substituted with white wine or omitted if preferred.
• Black sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and depth to the dish, do not skip the topping.

Keywords: Xoi Gac, Vietnamese sticky rice, Gac fruit recipe, red sticky rice, steamed sticky rice, traditional Vietnamese food, black sesame topping