Sticky Rice Stuffed Red Dates
A classic traditional Chinese sweet made by stuffing plump red dates with chewy, subtly sweet glutinous rice, enjoyed as a cozy homemade dessert and festive family treat.
Story
This beloved dessert has been a warm, comforting staple of Chinese home cooking for generations, often prepared together by families during Lunar New Year and other holiday gatherings. The juicy, fruity sweetness of the red dates pairs perfectly with the soft, sticky texture of the glutinous rice filling, making it a simple yet deeply satisfying treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
red dates
120g
glutinous rice flour
130g
hot water
to taste
white sugar
to taste
Instructions
1
Step 1
Ingredient collection
2
Step 2
Rinse the red dates thoroughly with water, then soak them until slightly softened
3
Step 3
Use scissors to remove the pits from the soaked red dates, then set aside (this step is the most time-consuming)
4
Step 4
Gradually add glutinous rice flour to hot water
5
Step 5
Knead into a dough with moderate hardness and softness that does not stick to your hands (there is leftover dough after finishing; I weighed it and about 100g remains; using half the amount of glutinous rice flour should be just right)
6
Step 6
Take a small piece of dough, about 2.5 grams, and roll it into a small long strip
7
Step 7
Insert the dough strip into the pitted red date, then pinch the opening tightly. Repeat this step for all the red dates.
8
Step 8
Add an appropriate amount of water to a pot, then pour in an appropriate amount of white sugar. Bring to a boil until the water is boiling and the sugar is fully dissolved, then add the glutinous rice-stuffed red dates. Turn the heat to the lowest setting, cook for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and serve.
