Lotus Root Stuffed with Glutinous Rice
If you’re looking for a simple yet stunning dish, lotus root stuffed with glutinous rice is a great choice! The chewy texture of glutinous rice tucked inside crisp lotus root creates a comforting, slightly sweet bite that’s hard to resist. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Table of Contents
Lotus root is naturally filled with little tunnels, making it the perfect vessel for stuffing. Once steamed, the root softens just enough to complement the sticky rice, creating a lovely contrast in every bite. Whether you serve it as a light snack, part of a meal, or even a sweet treat with syrup, lotus root stuffed with glutinous rice always delights. Now I’ll show you how to make this dish with just a few ingredients and a little patience.
Ingredients
- 3 whole lotus roots
- 50g glutinous rice (sticky rice)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, if you want a slightly sweet flavor)
- A pinch of salt
- Water for soaking and steaming
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Glutinous Rice
- Rinse the glutinous rice several times until the water runs clear.
- Soak the rice thoroughly before stuffing: In boiling water for at least 2 hours, or in cool water for 5 hours, or ideally overnight. If you would like to have more colorful and flavorful dishes, you can soak glutionus rice in pandan juice/ beetroot juice or gac juice instead of water. Drain well before using.
Step 2. Prepare the Lotus Roots
- Peel the lotus roots and rinse them well under running water. Use a chopstick or thin stick to make sure the holes are clean.
Step 3. Stuff the Lotus Roots
- Spoon or pipe the soaked glutinous rice into the holes of the lotus roots. Use a chopstick or toothpick to gently press the rice deep into each tunnel, packing it in firmly but gently so the root doesn’t crack. For a hint of sweetness, mix a bit of sugar with the rice before stuffing.
Step 4. Steam the Lotus Roots
- Get your steamer ready and bring the water to a boil. Place the lotus roots stuffed with glutinous rice into the steamer basket. Once the steam is steady, steam them for about 40–45 minutes over medium heat. Check doneness with a skewer — the rice should be soft and sticky, not raw.
- Extra Tip: If you have leftover glutinous rice after stuffing, don’t throw it away! Place it in a small bowl or wrap it in banana leaf and steam it alongside the lotus root. It makes a delicious snack later.
Step 5. Slice and Serve
- Let the lotus roots cool slightly before slicing into beautiful rounds. You can enjoy lotus root stuffed with glutinous rice as-is, or serve it with a light drizzle of syrup or honey for a subtly sweet finish.
Tips for Success
- Choose fresh lotus roots: Look for ones that are firm, without soft spots or blemishes.
- Soak the rice properly: This step is key to getting evenly cooked rice inside the lotus root.
- Don’t overpack: Press the rice in snugly but gently to avoid cracking the lotus root while steaming.
Lotus root stuffed with glutinous rice is a dish that feels both elegant and down-to-earth. Whether you serve it as a side, a snack, or even dessert, it’s a soothing bite with beautiful texture and flavor. And it’s surprisingly simple — just root, rice, and steam. Try it now!
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Lotus Root Stuffed with Glutinous Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 whole lotus roots
- 50-70 g glutinous rice (sticky rice) (1/3 cup)
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional, if you want a slightly sweet flavor
- A pinch of salt
- Water for soaking and steaming
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Glutinous Rice
- Rinse the glutinous rice several times until the water runs clear.
- Soak the rice thoroughly before stuffing: In boiling water for at least 2 hours, or in cool water for 5 hours, or ideally overnight. If you would like to have more colorful and flavorful dishes, you can soak glutionus rice in pandan juice/ beetroot juice or gac juice instead of water. Drain well before using.
Step 2. Prepare the Lotus Roots
- Peel the lotus roots and rinse them well under running water. Use a chopstick or thin stick to make sure the holes are clean.
Step 3. Stuff the Lotus Roots
- Spoon or pipe the soaked glutinous rice into the holes of the lotus roots. Use a chopstick or toothpick to gently press the rice deep into each tunnel, packing it in firmly but gently so the root doesn’t crack. For a hint of sweetness, mix a bit of sugar with the rice before stuffing.
Step 4. Steam the Lotus Roots
- Get your steamer ready and bring the water to a boil. Place the lotus roots stuffed with glutinous rice into the steamer basket. Once the steam is steady, steam them for about 40–45 minutes over medium heat. Check doneness with a skewer — the rice should be soft and sticky, not raw.
- Extra Tip: If you have leftover glutinous rice after stuffing, don’t throw it away! Place it in a small bowl or wrap it in banana leaf and steam it alongside the lotus root. It makes a delicious snack later.
Step 5. Slice and Serve
- Let the lotus roots cool slightly before slicing into beautiful rounds. You can enjoy lotus root stuffed with glutinous rice as-is, or serve it with a light drizzle of syrup or honey for a subtly sweet finish.
