You can create savory Chinese bao-filling sticky rice using just your rice cooker. This dish captures the umami-packed filling of steamed pork buns (baozi) but swaps the dough for comforting, glutinous rice. It’s a practical, one-pot way to enjoy the deep flavors of dim sum at home.
Chinese Bao-Filling Sticky Rice is especially great if you love the filling of baozi but want to skip the dough-making and steaming process.
What Is Chinese Bao-Filling Sticky Rice?
Bao-filling sticky rice replicates the seasoned meat center of traditional Chinese pork buns, typically made with ground pork, ginger, soy sauce, and sometimes mushrooms or cabbage. Instead of being enclosed in a bun, these rich flavors are cooked directly with glutinous rice in a rice cooker.
Why This Recipe Works
This rice cooker method brings the bao filling experience into a simpler, hands-off process.
- Uses glutinous rice (sticky rice) for authentic texture.
- One-pot meal that replicates the rich, meaty center of baozi.
- Easy to prepare and customize with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Bao-Filling Sticky Rice
Here’s what you’ll need for this savory and filling dish.
For the rice base:
- 2 cups glutinous rice (also called sticky or sweet rice), soaked for 3–4 hours
- 2¼ cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
For the bao-style filling:
- 200–250g ground pork
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice wine or Shaoxing wine
- ½ cup finely chopped napa cabbage or bok choy
- ¼ cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated if dried)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 pinch white pepper
Optional toppings:
- Chopped green onions
- Fried shallots
- Chili oil or sauce
How to Make Bao-Filling Sticky Rice in Your Rice Cooker
You’ll cook the filling and rice together so that the rice absorbs every bit of flavor.
Step 1: Soak the Glutinous Rice
- Rinse and soak the sticky rice for at least 3–4 hours. This helps it cook evenly in the rice cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the Bao Filling
- In a skillet, cook the ground pork over medium heat until browned.
- Add garlic, onion, ginger, and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Mix in mushrooms, cabbage, soy sauces, oyster sauce, sugar, and wine.
- Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and liquid is slightly reduced.
Step 3: Combine in Rice Cooker
- Drain the soaked rice and place it into the rice cooker.
- Add measured water or broth.
- Stir in the cooked bao filling mixture evenly.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and close the lid.
Step 4: Cook and Rest
- Start your rice cooker using the “white rice” or regular setting.
- After cooking completes, let it rest for 10 minutes with the lid closed before opening.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Fluff gently to mix.
- Top with green onions, crispy shallots, or chili oil for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips for Best Results
To enhance flavor and texture, keep these practical suggestions in mind.
Use Quality Glutinous Rice
- Always soak the rice thoroughly to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Choose Thai or Japanese glutinous rice for the best consistency.
Avoid Overloading with Liquid
- Too much liquid can make the rice soggy.
- Stick to the recommended water ratio or slightly reduce if using juicy ingredients.
Customize the Filling
- Swap pork for ground chicken or minced tofu if preferred.
- Add finely diced carrots or bamboo shoots for crunch and color.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish is great for meal prep or next-day lunches.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture.
- You can also pan-fry leftover rice for a crisp texture.
FAQs About Chinese Bao-Filling Sticky Rice in a Rice Cooker
Here are some questions and answers about making Chinese Bao-Filling Sticky Rice in a rice cooker.
What is glutinous rice, and can I substitute it?
Glutinous rice is sticky rice often used in Asian cuisine. It’s not interchangeable with jasmine or basmati for this recipe, as they don’t achieve the same sticky, chewy texture.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, use tofu instead of pork and increase the mushroom and cabbage quantities for a hearty alternative.
Do I need to soak the rice?
Yes, soaking glutinous rice for at least 3 hours helps it cook evenly and prevents it from becoming gummy or undercooked.
What does dark soy sauce add?
Dark soy sauce adds color and a slightly sweet, rich depth to the rice, while light soy sauce provides the saltiness.
Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently. You can make it spicy by adding chili oil or sliced red chilies while cooking or as a topping.
Chinese Bao-Filling Sticky Rice in a rice cooker is a convenient, flavor-packed twist on a dim sum favorite. By bringing bao-inspired flavor into a simple, one-pot rice dish, you get all the comfort and satisfaction without the need for dough or steaming. It’s easy, delicious, and ideal for busy weeknights or comforting leftovers.