Savory and Delicious Homemade Lotus Leaf Wraps Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 large lotus leaves
  • 1 cup glutinous rice
  • 1/2 cup dried shiitake mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup dried shrimp
  • 1/2 cup Chinese sausage, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cooked and shredded chicken
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon cooking wine
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the lotus leaves in warm water for 2 hours until they become soft. Then drain them and set aside.
  2. Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 2 hours, then drain.
  3. Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms and dried shrimp in warm water for 30 minutes, or until they become soft. Once soft, drain and slice the mushrooms. Keep the shrimp whole.
  4. In a large pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.
  5. Add the sliced Chinese sausage, chicken, mushrooms, and shrimp to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the ingredients are well combined.
  6. Add the drained glutinous rice to the pan, then add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cooking wine. Stir everything together until the rice is well coated in the sauce.
  7. Pour the chicken broth into the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. The rice should be cooked and the liquid should be fully absorbed.
  8. Lay out the softened lotus leaves and spoon the rice mixture onto the center of each leaf. Fold the leaves over the rice to form a wrap, making sure to tuck in the sides to prevent any rice from falling out.
  9. Steam the wraps in a steamer for 30 minutes. You can tie them with cooking string to make sure they stay closed during the steaming process.
  10. Remove the wraps from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Lotus Leaf Wraps!

Tools for making

  • Large pot or pan - to cook the rice and other ingredients
  • Steamer - to steam the lotus leaf wraps
  • Cooking string - to secure the lotus leaf wraps during steaming
  • Knife - to slice the Chinese sausage and mushrooms
  • Cutting board - to chop the garlic, ginger, and green onions
  • Measuring cups - to accurately measure the rice, soy sauce, and chicken broth
  • Measuring spoons - to measure the oyster sauce, sesame oil, and ginger
  • Strainer - to drain the soaked lotus leaves, rice, mushrooms, and shrimp
  • Spoon - to stir-fry the ingredients and scoop the rice mixture onto the lotus leaves
  • Bowl - to soak the glutinous rice and dried ingredients

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian/Vegan Variation: Replace the chicken, shrimp, and Chinese sausage with vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas. You can also add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
  • Seafood Variation: Add cooked seafood such as shrimp, crab meat, or diced fish fillet to the filling mixture.
  • Spicy Variation: Add some chili flakes or chili sauce to the filling mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Herb Variation: Add fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint to the filling mixture for added freshness and flavor.
  • Nutty Variation: Sprinkle some crushed peanuts or sesame seeds on top of the rice filling before wrapping.
  • Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • Custom Fillings Variation: Experiment with different fillings like cooked ground pork, beef, or lamb, along with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
  • Sweet Variation: Make a dessert version by using sweet glutinous rice, adding fruits like diced mango or banana, and drizzling with honey or a sweet sauce before wrapping and steaming.
  • Cheesy Variation: Add grated cheese on top of the rice filling for a gooey and flavorful twist.

Recipe overview

Dive into the rich and flavorful world of traditional Chinese cuisine with our Lotus Leaf Wraps recipe. These delightful parcels, filled with a savory combination of glutinous rice, shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, and chicken, are a unique culinary experience you won't want to miss. The key to this recipe is the lotus leaf wrap, which infuses the filling with its unique and fragrant aroma during cooking. The combination of the sticky rice and assorted fillings creates a hearty and satisfying dish that can be served as a main course or as part of a larger meal. This dish requires some patience for the soaking of lotus leaves and rice, but the result is absolutely worth it. The process of making the Lotus Leaf Wraps involves stir-frying, simmering, and steaming, giving you a chance to hone a variety of cooking skills. Expect a symphony of flavors and textures in each bite - the soft and sticky rice, the earthiness of mushrooms, the sweet and salty Chinese sausage, all wrapped in a fragrant lotus leaf. Enjoy this tantalizing journey into Chinese gastronomy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use any other type of rice? Yes, you can use other types of rice, but keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary.
  2. Can I substitute the lotus leaves with something else? Lotus leaves provide a unique flavor and aroma, but if you can't find them, you can use banana leaves or parchment paper as a substitute.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! You can omit the chicken, shrimp, and Chinese sausage, and instead, add more vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or tofu to make it vegan or vegetarian-friendly.
  4. Can I prepare the rice mixture in advance? Yes, you can make the rice mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to steam the wraps right before serving.
  5. How long can I store the cooked lotus leaf wraps? You can store the cooked lotus leaf wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a steamer before serving.
  6. Can I freeze the uncooked lotus leaf wraps? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked lotus leaf wraps. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before steaming.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Steamer - A steamer is essential for steaming the lotus leaf wraps to perfection.
  • Cooking string - Cooking string can be used to tie the lotus leaf wraps to ensure they stay closed during the steaming process.
  • Large pan - A large pan is needed for stir-frying the ingredients and cooking the rice mixture.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary for slicing the Chinese sausage and mushrooms.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is helpful for chopping garlic, ginger, and green onions, as well as for slicing the Chinese sausage and mushrooms.
  • Measuring cups - Measuring cups are useful for accurately measuring the glutinous rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, and chicken broth.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed for measuring the minced garlic and ginger.
  • Spatula - A spatula is necessary for stir-frying the ingredients in the pan.

Origin stories

Steeped in the rich heritage of Chinese culinary tradition, Lotus Leaf Wraps, or "Lo Mai Gai," as they are locally known, have a fascinating backstory. The dish originates from the Cantonese cuisine of Guangdong province in Southern China, a region famed for its intricate and flavorful dim sum dishes. It was traditionally prepared as a breakfast dish, designed to be eaten on-the-go. The usage of lotus leaf in the wrapping not only imparts a unique, earthy aroma to the rice, but also symbolizes purity and divine creation in the Chinese culture. Interestingly, the glutinous rice in the Lotus Leaf Wraps was historically seen as a binder of sorts, uniting various ingredients and flavors, much like the diverse cultures and traditions of China come together to create a rich, unified tapestry. A bite into these sumptuous wraps is like a journey through time, transporting you to the bustling streets of ancient Guangdong and its vibrant food culture.

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.