Authentic Vietnamese Xoi Beo Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of sticky rice
1 cup of mung beans
1/2 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of coconut milk
1/4 cup of fried shallots
1/4 cup of sesame seeds
1 teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
4 pieces of banana leaves

Steps and instructions

Soak the sticky rice and mung beans in separate bowls of water overnight.
Drain the rice and mung beans, then steam them separately until they're fully cooked. This should take about 20 minutes.
In a saucepan, mix the coconut milk, sugar, and salt, then bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Once the rice and mung beans are done steaming, mix them together in a large bowl.
Pour the coconut milk mixture over the rice and mung beans, then mix well to evenly distribute the liquid.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan, then fry the shallots until they're crispy and golden brown. Drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
To assemble the xoi beo, place a piece of banana leaf on a flat surface. Scoop a portion of the rice and mung bean mixture onto the leaf, then fold it to form a square package. Repeat this process until all of the rice and mung beans have been used.
Sprinkle the fried shallots and sesame seeds over the top of each xoi beo before serving.

Tools for making

Steaming pot - A pot with a steaming rack or basket to steam the sticky rice and mung beans.
Saucepan - A small pot to heat and simmer the coconut milk, sugar, and salt.
Pan - A frying pan to fry the shallots.
Paper towel - To drain the fried shallots and remove excess oil.
Large bowl - To mix the cooked sticky rice and mung beans together.
Flat surface - To assemble the xoi beo on the banana leaves.

Recipe variations

Substitute sticky rice with jasmine rice or glutinous black rice for a different texture and flavor.
Add diced cooked chicken or pork for a meaty variation.
Include chopped shiitake mushrooms or other vegetables for added flavor and texture.
Replace mung beans with red beans or split yellow peas for a different filling.
Add pandan leaves or pandan extract to the coconut milk for a fragrant twist.
Serve with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or coconut cream for a richer flavor.
Garnish with chopped peanuts or toasted coconut flakes for added crunch.
Experiment with different toppings such as dried shrimp, fried garlic, or sliced scallions.
Try wrapping the xoi beo in banana leaves and steaming them for a slightly different cooking method.

Recipe overview

Xoi Beo is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is usually served as a snack or a side dish. This recipe features the unique combination of sweet and savory flavors, thanks to ingredients like sticky rice, mung beans, coconut milk, and fried shallots. The texture is delightfully chewy and aromatic, with a crunchy finish from the sesame seeds. This recipe involves soaking and steaming the rice and mung beans, cooking them with a sweetened coconut milk mixture, and serving them in banana leaf wrappers for an authentic touch. The fried shallots and sesame seeds add an additional layer of flavor and texture. While the recipe involves several steps, don't worry — each one is straightforward and will bring you closer to creating this delicious treat. The end result is a dish that's as visually appealing as it is tasty, making it perfect for special occasions or simply as a way to spice up your regular meal routine. So, if you're ready to try something new and exciting, let's get started on making your own Xoi Beo.

Common questions

How long do I need to soak the sticky rice and mung beans? - You should soak the sticky rice and mung beans overnight.
How long does it take to steam the rice and mung beans? - It takes about 20 minutes to fully cook the rice and mung beans by steaming.
How do I make the coconut milk mixture? - In a saucepan, mix the coconut milk, sugar, and salt, and simmer over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Can I use regular rice instead of sticky rice? - No, sticky rice is essential for this recipe as it gives the desired texture and consistency to the dish.
Can I substitute any ingredients? - While substitutions are possible, it may alter the traditional taste and texture of Xoi Beo. It's best to stick to the original ingredients for an authentic result.
Can I skip using banana leaves? - Banana leaves add flavor and aroma to the dish. If you cannot find banana leaves, you can use parchment paper as a substitute.
What can I serve Xoi Beo with? - Xoi Beo is often served as a standalone dish, but you can also pair it with various toppings such as shredded chicken, dried shrimp, or Vietnamese sausage.
Can I make Xoi Beo in advance? - Xoi Beo is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the rice and mung bean mixture in advance and assemble the dish just before serving for convenience.

Serving dishes and utensils

Steaming pot - A pot with a steamer insert for cooking the sticky rice and mung beans.
Saucepan - A small pan for simmering the coconut milk mixture.
Pan - A frying pan for frying the shallots.
Paper towel - Used for draining the fried shallots and removing excess oil.
Flat surface - A clean, flat surface for assembling the xoi beo.
Banana leaves - Large leaves used for wrapping and serving the xoi beo.

Origin stories

Xoi Beo is a delightful dish from Vietnam, specifically from the northern mountainside where the temperatures are cool and the terraced rice fields plentiful. The name "Xoi Beo" translates to "greasy sticky rice", painting a vivid picture of the dish's hearty and comforting nature. The use of mung beans, sesame seeds, and fried shallots in this dish is a testament to the resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people, who make use of every part of their harvest. The dish is often wrapped in banana leaves, a practice that not only adds a unique flavor but also reflects Vietnam's sustainable customs, using nature's resources in a respectful and efficient manner. Tradition holds that Xoi Beo is particularly enjoyed during the Lunar New Year, as it is believed to bring prosperity and good luck for the year to come.

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.