Eight Treasure Rice

Introduction

Eight Treasure Rice is a classic Chinese dessert that’s as rich in flavor as it is in tradition. This sweet, sticky rice dish is made with glutinous rice and a blend of colorful, flavorful treasures like red beans, lotus seeds, nuts, dried fruit, and sometimes even salted egg yolk. Each ingredient symbolizes prosperity, health, and good fortune, making this dish a popular choice for festive occasions like Chinese New Year, weddings, and family gatherings.

The combination of textures—soft, chewy rice with crunchy nuts, sweet fruit, and delicate seeds—creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The vibrant colors of the ingredients make the dish not only delicious but also visually stunning, adding an extra touch of celebration to any meal.

Whether served as a dessert or a special dish, Eight Treasure Rice is sure to leave a lasting impression. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to experience a traditional, meaningful, and mouthwatering treat that brings good fortune to all who partake.

Perfect for:

• Chinese New Year celebrations
• Weddings and special occasions
• Family gatherings
• Dessert lovers
• Fans of traditional Chinese sweets

Why You’ll Love This Eight Treasure Rice

Here’s why Eight Treasure Rice will become your new favorite treat:

• Sweet and Savory Balance: The combination of sweet glutinous rice and the savory, earthy flavor of salted egg yolk creates a balanced and unique taste.
• Colorful and Beautiful: The variety of ingredients makes this dish visually stunning, with vibrant colors that reflect the abundance and good fortune it symbolizes.
• Rich in Tradition: As a symbol of wealth and good luck, this dish is often served during important celebrations, bringing both cultural significance and delicious flavor to the table.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can adjust the mix of “treasures” to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dish.
• Comforting and Hearty: The glutinous rice and sweet ingredients create a satisfying, comforting dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 70g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Eight Treasure Rice:

• 2 cups glutinous rice (sticky rice)
• ½ cup red beans (sweetened, or use adzuki beans)
• ½ cup dried lotus seeds
• ¼ cup dried longan (or dried jujube dates)
• ¼ cup dried Chinese dates (or red dates)
• ¼ cup chopped dried mushrooms (optional)
• ¼ cup salted egg yolk (1-2 yolks)
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for savory flavor, optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cups water (for steaming)

Ingredient Highlights

• Glutinous Rice: This sticky rice is the base of the dish and gives it its signature chewy, glutinous texture. It also absorbs all the flavors from the other ingredients.
• Red Beans: Sweet red beans are often used in this dish for their mild sweetness, balancing out the savory elements of the salted egg yolk and soy sauce.
• Lotus Seeds: These seeds are often used in Chinese desserts for their neutral flavor and health benefits, adding texture to the dish.
• Salted Egg Yolk: A savory addition that complements the sweetness of the rice, often considered a good luck ingredient in Chinese cuisine.
• Dried Longan and Chinese Dates: These dried fruits add natural sweetness, offering a unique flavor and contributing to the traditional “eight treasures” theme.
• Nuts: Walnuts or almonds add a pleasant crunch and a bit of richness to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Eight Treasure Rice:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Soak the Rice: Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the Red Beans: Soak the red beans in water for 2-3 hours (or overnight) if you’re using dried beans. If using canned or pre-cooked sweetened red beans, simply drain and set aside.
3. Soak the Lotus Seeds: Soak the dried lotus seeds in water for at least 1 hour until softened.
4. Prepare the Dried Fruit and Nuts: Chop the dried longan, Chinese dates, and any other dried fruit into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using nuts, chop them as well.
5. Steam the Salted Egg Yolks: Steam the salted egg yolks for about 10-12 minutes until firm. Once done, cut them into small pieces for easy distribution throughout the rice.

Cook the Rice and Assemble:

6. Steam the Glutinous Rice: Drain the soaked rice and place it in a steaming basket lined with cheesecloth or parchment paper. Steam the rice for 30-40 minutes, or until tender. You may need to re-steam the rice once or twice to ensure it’s fully cooked and soft.
7. Prepare the Treasures: While the rice is steaming, prepare the other treasures. Cook the red beans, lotus seeds, dried longan, Chinese dates, and nuts in separate pots until they are soft. Be sure to drain and set aside.
8. Season the Rice: Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Mix in the sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt to season the rice. Stir gently to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
9. Combine the Treasures: Gently fold in the red beans, lotus seeds, longan, Chinese dates, nuts, and salted egg yolks into the rice. Mix until the treasures are evenly spread throughout the rice.

Steam the Assembled Rice:

10. Final Steaming: Transfer the assembled rice mixture into a steaming tray or heatproof dish. Cover with foil or a lid and steam for an additional 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.
11. Serve: Once the rice is done, remove it from the steamer and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Eight Treasure Rice

Eight Treasure Rice can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• As a Dessert: Serve as a sweet, sticky dessert after a meal. Its balanced flavors make it a perfect way to end a festive meal.
• For Celebrations: Present the rice in a large platter during Chinese New Year or other celebrations to symbolize good luck and prosperity.
• As a Side Dish: It can also be served as a savory dish alongside other Chinese dishes, like braised meats or stir-fries.
• In Individual Portions: Serve in individual bowls for a more personal, thoughtful touch during family gatherings or dinners.

Additional Tips for Eight Treasure Rice

Here are some tips to ensure your Eight Treasure Rice is perfect every time:

• Soak the Rice: Be sure to soak the rice long enough to ensure it cooks properly and achieves the right texture.
• Steam the Rice Evenly: If using a steaming basket, make sure the rice is spread out evenly so it steams thoroughly.
• Customize the Treasures: Feel free to adjust the combination of treasures according to your preferences, such as using different types of dried fruits or nuts.
• Use Fresh Lotus Seeds: Fresh lotus seeds can be found in Asian markets, and they provide a different texture and taste compared to dried ones.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add more sugar or sweetened red beans. Alternatively, you can reduce the sugar for a more savory flavor.
• Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm, as the flavors meld together better and the rice stays sticky and soft.

Recipe Variations for Eight Treasure Rice

Here are 10 variations you can try for Eight Treasure Rice:

• Coconut Eight Treasure Rice: Add a small amount of coconut milk to the rice for a tropical twist.
• Pineapple Eight Treasure Rice: Incorporate dried pineapple or fresh pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Red Bean-Free Eight Treasure Rice: Skip the red beans for a more traditional version focused on fruits and nuts.
• Cranberry Eight Treasure Rice: Use dried cranberries instead of longan or dates for a tart, festive color.
• Peach Eight Treasure Rice: Substitute dried peaches for dried longan to add a soft, fruity taste.
• Sweetened with Jaggery: Swap sugar with jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Durian Eight Treasure Rice: Add durian for an intense, creamy flavor that’s loved by some and adventurous for others.
• Spicy Eight Treasure Rice: Add a hint of five-spice powder for a deeper, spiced flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Eight Treasure Rice: Leave out the salted egg yolks and opt for vegetarian-friendly ingredients like mushrooms.
• Vegan Eight Treasure Rice: Substitute the salted egg yolk with tofu or mushrooms for a completely vegan version.

Freezing and Storage for Eight Treasure Rice

• Freezing: Eight Treasure Rice can be frozen, though it’s best to store it without any salted egg yolks. After steaming, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat by steaming.
• Storage: Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat by steaming or microwaving with a damp cloth to retain moisture.

Special Equipment for Eight Treasure Rice

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Eight Treasure Rice easier:

• Steaming Basket: A bamboo or metal steaming basket will help you cook the glutinous rice evenly.
• Cheesecloth or Parchment Paper: To line your steaming basket and prevent sticking.
• Steaming Tray: A heatproof tray or dish for final steaming after assembling the rice with the treasures.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients like sugar and soy sauce.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the fruits, nuts, and salted egg yolks into bite-sized pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions for Eight Treasure Rice

1. Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?
   Glutinous rice is essential for the sticky texture of this dish. Regular rice won’t achieve the same chewy, sticky consistency.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dish a day or two ahead of time and reheat it by steaming before serving.
3. Can I omit the salted egg yolk?
   Yes, you can leave out the salted egg yolk for a vegetarian or vegan version. You can also substitute it with tofu or mushrooms for a savory alternative.
4. Can I use a rice cooker instead of steaming?
   While steaming is traditional, you can use a rice cooker for the glutinous rice, but make sure to cook it in a separate steamer for the treasures.
5. What can I substitute for dried lotus seeds?
   If you can’t find lotus seeds, you can substitute them with another mild, neutral-flavored ingredient like chestnuts or more nuts.

Print

Conclusion

Eight Treasure Rice is more than just a dish; it’s a rich cultural experience that combines the best of both sweet and savory flavors. This traditional treat is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. The sticky rice serves as a perfect base, while the combination of nuts, dried fruits, and salted egg yolk adds layers of texture and depth. Each bite is a celebration of flavors, from the natural sweetness of the fruits to the savory richness of the egg yolk.

Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or a festive celebration, Eight Treasure Rice is sure to leave a lasting impression. It’s a dish that not only satisfies the taste buds but also brings a sense of tradition and joy to the table.

I’d love to see how your Eight Treasure Rice turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your wonderful creation. Happy cooking!