Xôi Đậu Xanh (Vietnamese Mung Bean Sticky Rice)
Xôi đậu xanh steams glutinous rice and split mung beans until tender, then finishes them with salt and optional coconut, fried shallots, or sesame-peanut salt.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Rinse the rice and soak 6 hours or overnight. Soak the mung beans separately for 3-4 hours.
- 2
Drain both very well and toss with salt.
- 3
Steam the mung beans until tender, then gently break them up.
- 4
Steam the rice over vigorous steam until glossy and tender, sprinkling with coconut milk only if making the southern-style variation.
- 5
Fold in the mung beans without crushing the grains and steam 5 minutes more.
- 6
Serve warm with fried shallots for savory xôi or sesame-peanut salt for a lightly sweet version.
Cook notes
Tips
Ensure you soak the rice and mung beans long enough for the best texture.
Using fresh coconut milk enhances the flavor, but canned is convenient and works well.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, steam the rice again to maintain its sticky consistency.
Substitutions
- You can replace coconut milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- If you can't find glutinous rice, short-grain rice will work as a last resort.
What to Serve With
- Fresh mango slices
- Ripe bananas
- A cup of Vietnamese coffee
Common Mistakes
- Not soaking the glutinous rice long enough can lead to harder rice.
- Overcooking the mung beans may make them mushy and lose their texture.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?
No, glutinous rice is essential for the sticky texture in this dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with sticky rice?
It pairs well with fresh fruits like mango or ripe bananas for a complete meal.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Chef knife
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Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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