Delicious and Authentic Vietnamese Xoi Man Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of sticky rice
  • 1/2 pound of pork belly
  • 1 Chinese sausage
  • 1/4 cup of dried shrimp
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Garnish: fried shallots and chopped green onions

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the sticky rice in water for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cut the pork belly and Chinese sausage into thin slices.
  3. Soak the dried shrimp in warm water for about 15 minutes, then drain and mince.
  4. In a frying pan, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
  5. Add the minced dried shrimp, pork belly, and Chinese sausage to the pan, and continue to sauté until they are all fully cooked.
  6. Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to the pan, mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
  7. Put the drained sticky rice in a steamer, and spread the cooked meat mixture on top of the rice. Steam for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and sticky.
  8. Remove the rice from the steamer, and mix well so that the meat and sauces are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fried shallots and chopped green onions before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian option: Replace the pork belly and Chinese sausage with diced tofu or tempeh.
  • Seafood option: Add cooked shrimp or crab meat to the meat mixture.
  • Spicy version: Add chopped Thai chili peppers or chili flakes for some heat.
  • Coconut variation: Cook the sticky rice with coconut milk for a richer flavor.
  • Mushroom twist: Add sliced mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, to the meat mixture.
  • Sweet version: Mix in some diced fresh fruit, such as mango or pineapple, for a touch of sweetness.
  • Herb-infused: Add some chopped herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to enhance the flavor.
  • Nutty kick: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or cashews on top as a garnish.
  • Savory and tangy: Squeeze some lime juice over the dish before serving to add a tangy element.

Recipe overview

Xoi Man, or Vietnamese Savory Sticky Rice, is a popular street food that is both filling and delicious. This dish combines the soft and chewy texture of sticky rice with the rich flavors of pork belly, Chinese sausage, and dried shrimp. Sauteed onions and garlic, along with a blend of savory sauces, infuse the rice with an irresistible taste that is sure to satisfy your palate. The process of making Xoi Man involves soaking the rice, sautéing the meat and seasonings, and then combining everything in a steamer. While it does take some time to prepare, the result is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Garnished with fried shallots and chopped green onions, Xoi Man is a flavorful explosion that you won't want to miss!

Common questions

  1. Can I use regular rice instead of sticky rice? No, sticky rice is essential for this recipe as it gives Xoi Man its characteristic texture and stickiness.
  2. Can I substitute the pork belly with another type of meat? Yes, you can use other types of meat such as chicken or beef if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Is it necessary to soak the sticky rice? Yes, soaking the sticky rice helps to soften it and ensures even cooking.
  4. Can I omit the dried shrimp? Yes, you can omit the dried shrimp if you have dietary restrictions or prefer not to use them. The dish will still be delicious.
  5. Can I make Xoi Man in a rice cooker? While traditionally Xoi Man is steamed, you can also try making it in a rice cooker by following the instructions for cooking sticky rice in your specific rice cooker model.
  6. What is the best way to reheat Xoi Man? To reheat Xoi Man, you can use a steamer to steam it until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but be cautious not to overheat as the rice may become dry.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Steamer - A steamer is essential for cooking the sticky rice.
  • Frying pan - You'll need a frying pan to sauté the onions, garlic, and meat mixture.
  • Knife - A knife will be necessary for slicing the pork belly and Chinese sausage.
  • Cutting board - Use a cutting board to safely chop the onions, garlic, and other ingredients.
  • Mixing spoon - A mixing spoon is useful for stirring the ingredients together.
  • Steamer basket - If your steamer does not come with a built-in basket, you may need a separate steamer basket to hold the sticky rice.
  • Plates and bowls - Use plates or bowls for serving the Xoi Man.
  • Fried shallots - Fried shallots can be used as a garnish and add flavor to the dish. They can be either store-bought or homemade.
  • Chopped green onions - Chopped green onions are another garnish for the Xoi Man and can add freshness and color to the dish.

Origin stories

Xoi Man, a savory version of sticky rice, is a popular breakfast dish throughout Vietnam. This dish is a part of the integral food culture, often sold by street vendors who carry their wares on balanced bamboo poles across their shoulders. A unique aspect of Xoi Man is that it combines contrasting elements - the sweetness of sticky rice and the saltiness of meat, creating a fusion that pleases the Vietnamese palate. Often enjoyed in the early morning rush, this humble dish is also a testament to the Vietnamese spirit of making do with simple, available ingredients to create a fulfilling meal. In recent years, Xoi Man has gained recognition beyond the borders of Vietnam, tantalizing the taste buds of food lovers around the world with its unique blend of flavors.

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.