Soft Sticky Rice Stuffed Red Dates
Tender red dates are carefully pitted and filled with a sweet glutinous rice dough, then steamed until beautifully soft and gooey. This classic Chinese dessert gets its poetic name from the tender hearts that emerge when you bite into each stuffed date.
Story
Red dates, known as hongzao in Chinese, are prized for their natural sweetness and health benefits. This dish balances the chewy, earthy dates with the soft, sticky rice dough at the center. The name "soft heart" perfectly describes the creamy interior that gives way when you take a bite.
Ingredients
large red dates (jumbo variety)
20 dates
glutinous rice flour
100 grams
granulated sugar
30 grams
warm water (about 80°C)
80 ml
Instructions
1
Soak and prep the dates
Rinse the red dates under cool running water, then place them in a bowl and cover with warm water. Let them soak for at least 1 hour until they become plump and slightly softened. This makes removing the pits much easier.
2
Remove the pits
Drain the soaked dates. Using a small sharp knife, make a vertical slit along one side of each date, cutting through the skin but not cutting all the way through. Gently pry open the date and remove the pit, keeping the fruit intact like a little pocket.
3
Make the sticky rice dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and sugar. Slowly pour in the warm water while stirring with chopsticks or a fork. Mix until a soft, pliable dough forms that holds together without sticking to your hands. If the dough feels dry, add water a teaspoon at a time.
4
Stuff the dates
Pinch off small portions of dough—each piece should be slightly smaller than the date itself. Roll each piece into a small oval shape, then carefully stuff it into the slit of a date. Gently press the date closed around the dough. Repeat until all dates are filled.
5
Steam until tender
Arrange the stuffed dates in a single layer in a steamer basket, placing them cut-side up. Steam over boiling water for 15-20 minutes. The dough will become translucent and the dates will turn a deeper, richer red. The filling should feel soft and slightly sticky inside.
6
Serve warm
Carefully remove the steamer from the pot and let the dates cool for just a minute or two—they're best enjoyed warm. The exterior should be tender, and the interior dough will have a pleasant, slightly chewy texture. Serve on their own or drizzle with a little honey for extra sweetness.
