Quick and Easy: How to Reheat Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf in the Microwave

I can still vividly remember the first time I tried sticky rice wrapped in a lotus leaf. The fragrant aroma, the delicate flavor, and the unique texture of the sticky rice left me in awe. It was a dish that I couldn’t get enough of, and I knew I had to learn how to make it at home. However, making this mouthwatering delicacy from scratch can be time-consuming and requires some special equipment. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered a quick and easy method to reheat sticky rice in a lotus leaf using the microwave. In this article, I will share with you the step-by-step process to achieve perfectly reheated sticky rice in lotus leaf using your microwave.

Table of Contents

Preparing the Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf

Before we dive into the reheating process, let’s talk about the preparation of the sticky rice wrapped in a lotus leaf. This traditional Cantonese dish consists of glutinous rice cooked with various fillings and wrapped in a lotus leaf before being steamed. You can find pre-made frozen lotus leaves and sticky rice at your local Asian grocery store. Once you have the necessary ingredients, follow these steps:

Step 1: Soaking the Lotus Leaves

Start by soaking the lotus leaves in warm water for about 30 minutes. This will make them soft and pliable, ensuring that they can easily wrap around the sticky rice later.

Step 2: Preparing the Sticky Rice Filling

While the lotus leaves are soaking, prepare the sticky rice filling. You can keep it simple with just plain sticky rice, or you can add various ingredients like Chinese sausage, mushrooms, or dried shrimp for extra flavor.

To cook the sticky rice filling, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in water for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

After soaking, drain the rice and place it in a heatproof bowl. Add water to cover the rice by about an inch. Place a steamer rack in a large pot filled with water and bring it to a boil. Place the bowl of rice on the rack and steam it for about 20-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.

Once the rice is cooked, you can mix in your desired fillings, such as diced Chinese sausage or sautéed mushrooms. This step allows the flavors to meld together, creating a delicious filling for your sticky rice wrap.

Reheating the Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf

Now that you have your sticky rice filling prepared and your lotus leaves soaked, it’s time to move on to the main event – reheating the sticky rice in lotus leaf using the microwave. Here’s how you do it:

Step 3: Wrapping the Sticky Rice

Take one lotus leaf and lay it flat on a microwave-safe plate. Make sure the shiny side of the leaf is facing down.

Spoon a generous amount of sticky rice filling onto the center of the lotus leaf. Leave some space around the edges to allow for folding.

Bring the sides of the lotus leaf over the sticky rice, folding them towards the center. Fold one end of the lotus leaf over the top, and then fold the other end over to create a neat package.

Repeat this process with the remaining lotus leaves and sticky rice filling.

Step 4: Microwaving the Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf

Place the wrapped sticky rice in lotus leaf packages on a microwave-safe plate, leaving some space between each one for even cooking.

Using the microwave’s power levels or settings, set it to medium power. This allows the sticky rice to reheat evenly without becoming too mushy or dry.

Microwave the wrapped sticky rice on medium power for about 2-3 minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Once the sticky rice in lotus leaf is heated through, carefully remove it from the microwave using oven mitts or a kitchen towel. Allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together further.

Serving and Enjoying the Reheated Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf

You made it! Now it’s time to reap the rewards of your efforts. Unwrap the lotus leaf to reveal the fragrant, steaming sticky rice inside. The flavors will have intensified, and the sticky rice will have absorbed the earthy aroma from the lotus leaf. Serve your reheated sticky rice in lotus leaf alongside some traditional Cantonese dishes like soy sauce chicken or braised pork belly for a complete and satisfying meal.

As you can see, reheating sticky rice in lotus leaf using the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delectable dish without the hassle of starting from scratch. By following these simple steps, you can achieve perfectly reheated sticky rice that will transport you to the bustling streets of Hong Kong with each bite. So go ahead, give it a try, and savor the flavors of this beloved Cantonese delicacy from the comfort of your own home.