Traditional Vietnamese Xoi Gac Recipe: A Guide to Making Red Sticky Rice at Home

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice)
  • 1 ripe gac fruit
  • 1 can of coconut milk (13.5 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • Banana leaves for wrapping (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the sticky rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Cut the gac fruit in half, remove the inner seeds and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh.
  3. Mix the gac fruit flesh with the soaking rice and let it sit for 15 minutes.
  4. Drain the rice and gac fruit mixture, then add it to a steamer.
  5. Steam the rice and gac fruit mixture for about 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked thoroughly.
  6. While the rice is steaming, heat the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan until the sugar is dissolved.
  7. Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the steamer and mix in the coconut milk mixture. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly coated.
  8. Brush a layer of vegetable oil onto the banana leaves, then place the rice mixture onto the banana leaves and wrap them securely.
  9. Steam the wrapped rice for an additional 15 minutes.
  10. Allow the rice to cool before unwrapping and serving.

Tools for making

  • Sticky rice steamer - A steamer specifically designed for cooking sticky rice.
  • Spoon - Used for scooping out the flesh of the gac fruit.
  • Saucepan - Used for heating the coconut milk, sugar, and salt mixture.
  • Brush - Used for brushing vegetable oil onto the banana leaves.
  • Banana leaves - Optional, but can be used for wrapping the xoi gac for added flavor and presentation.

Recipe variations

  • Adding cooked mung beans or red beans to the rice for added texture and flavor.
  • Replacing the gac fruit with other fruits such as mango, banana, or pumpkin.
  • Using pandan leaves or banana leaves as an alternative to wrapping the rice.
  • Adding a layer of cooked coconut cream on top of the rice for a richer flavor.
  • Using brown sugar or palm sugar instead of white sugar for a different level of sweetness.
  • Adding roasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts as a garnish for extra crunch.
  • Adding a few drops of pandan extract to the coconut milk for a fragrant twist.
  • Using other types of sticky rice such as black glutinous rice or purple glutinous rice.

Recipe overview

Xoi Gac is a traditional Vietnamese dish that features the vibrant and nutritious gac fruit. This fruit lends the sticky rice a beautiful red color and a unique flavor that's complemented by the sweetness of coconut milk and sugar. This recipe involves soaking and steaming the rice, creating a coconut milk mixture, and if you're up for a traditional experience, wrapping the rice in banana leaves before a final steaming. The result is a visually appealing, deliciously sweet, and satisfying dish that can be served at room temperature, making it a great choice for festive occasions and casual gatherings. Expect to put in some time soaking and steaming the rice, but rest assured that the end result is well worth the effort. Enjoy the process of making this authentic Vietnamese delicacy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use regular rice instead of sticky rice? No, sticky rice is essential for this recipe as it provides the desired texture and consistency.
  2. Where can I find gac fruit? Gac fruit can be found in specialty Asian grocery stores or online. If you are unable to find it, you can substitute it with pumpkin or sweet potato for a similar color and flavor.
  3. Can I use fresh coconut milk instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh coconut milk if available. However, make sure it is thick and creamy to achieve the desired richness.
  4. Do I have to use banana leaves for wrapping? No, banana leaves are traditional and add a pleasant aroma, but they are optional. You can use parchment paper or aluminum foil as an alternative.
  5. Can I add other ingredients to the rice mixture? Certainly! Some popular additions include mung beans, sesame seeds, or shredded coconut. Feel free to experiment and customize the recipe to your liking.
  6. How long will Xoi Gac stay fresh? Xoi Gac can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a steamer or microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Steamer - Used to steam the sticky rice and gac fruit mixture.
  • Saucepan - Used to heat and dissolve the coconut milk, sugar, and salt.
  • Brush - Used to brush vegetable oil onto the banana leaves.
  • Banana leaves - Optional, but commonly used to wrap the xoi gac for steaming.
  • Spoon - Used to scoop out the flesh of the gac fruit.

Origin stories

Xoi Gac hails from the vibrant country of Vietnam, where it holds a special place in cultural celebrations and festive occasions. It's often savored during weddings, Vietnamese New Year (Tet), and other significant family gatherings. The gac fruit, or "fruit from heaven" as it's sometimes referred, gives the sticky rice a distinct red-orange color. This hue is not merely for the visual appeal, but it represents luck and prosperity in Vietnamese culture. The gac fruit also has high nutritional value, rich with antioxidants, beta-carotene, and lycopene. This dish isn't just a feast for the palate, but also a beautiful symbol of Vietnamese tradition and hospitality.

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.