Xôi Mặn

Ingredients(for 1 medium bowl per serving)

• 1 cup Glutinous rice (gạo nếp)
• 100g Lean pork loin (thinly sliced)
• 1 link Chinese sausage (lạp xưởng, thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons Dried shrimp (tôm khô, soaked in warm water)
• 1 Egg (boiled and sliced) - optional
• 2 stalks Scallions (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon Low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Light fish sauce (nước mắm)
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 teaspoon Cooking oil (preferably canola or sunflower)
• 1/2 Cucumber (sliced for garnish) - optional

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.

   5 minutes

   Soaking ensures the rice cooks evenly and becomes perfectly sticky.

2. 2

   Steam the soaked glutinous rice for 20 minutes or until the grains are tender and translucent. Fluff gently with a fork.

   20 minutes

   Do not over-steam; the rice should be sticky but not mushy.

3. 3

   While the rice steams, sauté the dried shrimp in 1/2 teaspoon oil over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.

   3 minutes

   Toasting the shrimp enhances their aroma.

4. 4

   In the same pan, add the remaining oil and stir-fry the pork slices until just cooked. Season with soy sauce, fish sauce, and black pepper. Add the Chinese sausage and cook for another 2 minutes.

   5 minutes

   Use lean pork and minimal oil to keep it healthy.