Authentic Vietnamese Mixed Sticky Rice (Xoi Thap Cam) Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of glutinous rice
200 grams of pork belly
5 Chinese mushrooms
1/2 cup dried shrimp
1 small carrot
3 tablespoons of cooking oil
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of fish sauce
1/2 teaspoon of five spice powder
1/2 cup of fried shallots
1/4 cup of boiled quail eggs
1/4 cup of chopped green onions

Steps and instructions

Soak the glutinous rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible.
Soak the Chinese mushrooms and dried shrimp in warm water for 15 minutes.
After soaking, slice the mushrooms and chop the dried shrimp.
Boil the pork belly until it's fully cooked, then cut it into thin slices.
Wash, peel, and grate the carrot.
Drain the soaked glutinous rice and add it to your rice cooker. Add 2 cups of water and cook as per your rice cooker's instructions.
While the rice is cooking, heat up the cooking oil in a pan and add the sugar. Stir until it turns into a caramel color.
Add the sliced pork belly into the pan and cook until it's well coated with the caramel sauce.
Add in the chopped mushrooms and dried shrimp. Stir well and cook for a couple of minutes.
Add the salt, fish sauce, and five spice powder. Mix well and cook for another couple of minutes.
When the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the cooked pork belly mixture and mix well.
Transfer the mixed rice into a steamer and steam for about 15-20 minutes.
While steaming the rice, fry the grated carrot in a bit of oil until it's slightly crispy.
Once the rice is done steaming, transfer it to a serving plate. Top with the fried carrot, fried shallots, boiled quail eggs, and chopped green onions.
Now your Xoi Thap Cam is ready to be served. Enjoy!

Tools for making

Rice cooker - Used to cook the glutinous rice.
Pan - Used to cook the pork belly, mushrooms, and dried shrimp.
Steamer - Used to steam the mixed rice.
Grater - Used to grate the carrot.
Frying pan - Used to fry the grated carrot.
Knife - Used to slice the pork belly and chop the dried shrimp.
Cutting board - Used as a surface for cutting ingredients.
Bowls - Used for soaking the rice, mushrooms, and dried shrimp, as well as for mixing the rice and serving the dish.
Measuring cups and spoons - Used to measure the ingredients accurately.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian option: Replace the pork belly with tofu or tempeh for a meat-free version.
Seafood twist: Add cooked shrimp or squid to the dish for a seafood variation.
Chicken version: Substitute the pork belly with cooked chicken breast or thigh meat.
Vegetable medley: Include a mix of your favorite vegetables such as peas, corn, or bell peppers.
Spicy kick: Add chopped chili peppers or chili flakes for some extra heat.
Coconut flavor: Replace water with coconut milk for a creamier and slightly sweet taste.
Nutty goodness: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.
Herb-infused: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for a refreshing twist.
Sweet version: Skip the savory toppings and instead drizzle the Xoi Thap Cam with condensed milk or coconut cream, and sprinkle with sesame seeds or desiccated coconut for a sweet dessert-like variation.
Fusion twist: Experiment by adding ingredients from different cuisines, such as teriyaki sauce, curry powder, or soy sauce for a unique fusion creation.

Recipe overview

Xoi Thap Cam, or Mixed Sticky Rice, is a delightfully savory Vietnamese dish known for its appealing presentation and exquisite blend of flavors. This dish is packed with glutinous rice, pork belly, Chinese mushrooms, and dried shrimp, all seasoned to perfection and beautifully topped with fried shallots, boiled quail eggs, and chopped green onions. This recipe is a journey into Vietnamese cuisine that guides you through soaking and cooking glutinous rice, preparing a caramelized pork belly stir fry, and assembling the dish with a variety of textures and flavors. By following this recipe, you will create a stunning and satisfying dish that is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Enjoy a taste of Vietnam right in your kitchen with this exquisite Xoi Thap Cam recipe.

Common questions

How long does it take to soak the glutinous rice? - Soak the glutinous rice for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible.
How long should I soak the Chinese mushrooms and dried shrimp? - Soak the Chinese mushrooms and dried shrimp in warm water for 15 minutes.
Do I need to cook the pork belly before adding it to the dish? - Yes, boil the pork belly until it's fully cooked, then cut it into thin slices.
Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice? - No, glutinous rice is essential for the texture and taste of Xoi Thap Cam.
What can I use as a substitute for fish sauce? - You can use soy sauce as a substitute for fish sauce if desired.
Can I skip the step of steaming the rice? - Steaming the rice is important to achieve the desired sticky texture of Xoi Thap Cam, so it is not recommended to skip this step.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rice cooker - Used to cook the glutinous rice.
Pan - Used to cook the pork belly, mushrooms, and dried shrimp.
Steamer - Used to steam the mixed rice.
Grater - Used to grate the carrot.
Knife - Used to slice the pork belly and mushrooms.
Cutting board - Used as a surface for cutting ingredients.
Spatula - Used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
Bowls - Used for soaking the rice, mushrooms, and dried shrimp, as well as for serving the Xoi Thap Cam.
Plate - Used for serving the Xoi Thap Cam.
Measuring cups and spoons - Used to measure the ingredients accurately.

Origin stories

Xoi Thap Cam, also known as Vietnamese Mixed Sticky Rice, is a beloved dish in Vietnam, particularly in the north. As a country rich in rice cultivation, Vietnam has a variety of rice dishes, and Xoi Thap Cam is among the most popular. The dish's unique name, "Thap Cam," meaning "miscellaneous," is attributed to the use of diverse ingredients mixed together. Each ingredient in Xoi Thap Cam carries symbolic meaning, making it a commonly prepared dish during significant occasions such as weddings or Lunar New Year celebrations. For instance, the sticky rice symbolizes family unity as the grains stick together, while the boiled quail eggs represent fertility. This colorful medley of ingredients is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the palate, giving a glimpse of the Vietnamese people's resourcefulness and creativity in the kitchen.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.