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Sesame Paste Zongzi, sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves
Fresh homemade Sesame Zongzi with sticky rice and black sesame filling

Sticky Rice Dumplings with Sesame Paste (Zongzi)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes
Zongzi is the signature dish of the Dragon Boat Festival. The unique aroma comes from the bamboo or banana leaves encasing the sticky rice. In this sweet variation, a rich, nutty sesame paste is hidden within the rice. Wrapping them is an art form, but the result is worth the practice: an aromatic, dense rice packet infused with the scent of the leaves.
🕒 Prep Time 30 mins
🍳 Cook Time 3 hrs
⌛ Total Time 3 hrs 30 mins
🍽️ Servings 2 servings
🔥 Calories 400 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Chinese

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large stockpot
  • Kitchen twine

Allergen Information

⚠️ Sesame

Instructions

1 ✓

PREP (Important!): Rinse the sweet rice and soak in cold water for at least 4 hours (or overnight). Soak the dried leaves in hot water until pliable.

Tip: The starch in glutinous rice needs significant hydration to cook through evenly.
2 ✓

For the filling, toast the sesame seeds, grind them, and mix with the sugar and sesame oil to form a thick paste. Roll into small balls.

Tip: Sesame oil acts as a binder for the filling.
3 ✓

Pat the soaked leaves dry. Fold them into a cone shape. Place a spoonful of rice at the bottom, add a sesame ball in the center, and cover with more rice.

Tip: Don't overstuff, as the rice will expand during cooking.
4 ✓

Fold the leaf over the rice to form a pyramid shape and tie securely with twine. It should be snug but not rock hard.

Tip: Secure tying ensures the classic chewy texture of the Zongzi.
5 ✓

Submerge the dumplings in boiling water (they must be fully covered). Simmer gently for 2.5 - 3 hours. Add more hot water if it evaporates.

Tip: The long cooking time allows the rice to fuse together and absorb the leaf's aroma.
6 ✓

Remove, let cool slightly, then unwrap and serve. Drizzle with honey or extra sugar if desired.

Tip: Best served warm when the rice is softest.

Recipe FAQ

Why is the center of the rice hard?
You might not have soaked the rice long enough, or you tied the dumplings too tightly, leaving no room for the rice to expand.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Sweet Rice (Glutinous Rice)
  • 3/4 cup Sesame Seeds (ground)
  • 3 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil
  • 4 pieces Banana Leaves or Bamboo Leaves
  • 2 quarts Water (for boiling)