Xôi Gấc - Vietnamese Red Sticky Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice
• 1 gấc fruit (also known as baby jackfruit) 1 gấc fruit (also known as baby jackfruit)
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds, shredded coconut Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds, shredded coconut

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. 2.
   Cut the gấc fruit in half and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Blend the pulp in a food processor or blender until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove any fibers or seeds.
3. 3.
   In a large pot, combine the soaked glutinous rice, gấc fruit puree, coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
5. 5.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let the Xôi Gấc rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
6. 6.
   Serve the Xôi Gấc warm, topped with toasted sesame seeds and shredded coconut if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Gấc fruit — Make sure to remove all the seeds and fibers from the pulp before blending to achieve a smooth texture.

Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the glutinous rice before cooking helps to achieve a better texture.
• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the coconut milk with coconut cream.
• Toasted sesame seeds and shredded coconut make great toppings, adding a delightful crunch and extra flavor to the dish.
• Xôi Gấc can be enjoyed as a dessert or a main dish, depending on personal preference.
• Leftover Xôi Gấc can be refrigerated and reheated the next day.

Serving advice

Serve Xôi Gấc warm as a standalone dish or as part of a Vietnamese meal. It pairs well with savory dishes such as grilled meats or stir-fried vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, shape the Xôi Gấc into small individual portions using a mold or cup. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and shredded coconut for an extra pop of color.