Sticky Rice with Chinese Sausage

The heartwarming aroma of steaming sticky rice, crisp Chinese sausage, and scallion oil defines Xôi Lạp Xưởng Vietnamese comfort food in every bite. This classic dish combines savory, sweet, and umami-rich ingredients into a satisfying bowl that’s perfect for breakfast or a light lunch. What makes this dish stand out is its simplicity and flavor balance. The glutinous rice has a chewy, sticky texture that pairs beautifully with lap xuong’s sweet-savory notes. Topped with crispy fried shallots and aromatic scallion oil, it’s a delightful mix of texture and taste. Whether you grew up eating it or are trying it for the first time, this bowl delivers comfort and nostalgia with every spoonful.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups glutinous rice (sweet rice)

• 3 Chinese sausages (lap xuong), sliced

• 1/4 cup dried shrimp

• 1/4 cup fried shallots

• 1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1/2 tsp salt

• Soy sauce or Maggi seasoning, to serve

Directions:

1. Rinse the glutinous rice 2–3 times until the water runs mostly clear. Soak in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.

2. Drain the soaked rice and steam over medium-high heat for 20–25 minutes or until soft and tender.

3. While rice is steaming, soak dried shrimp in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and lightly chop.

4. Heat a pan over medium heat with 1 tbsp oil. Add the chopped dried shrimp and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Set aside.

5. In the same pan, add the sliced Chinese sausage and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

6. In a small saucepan, heat 2 tbsp oil until shimmering. Add the scallions and a pinch of salt, stirring briefly to create scallion oil.

7. When the rice is ready, transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add salt and mix well.

8. Plate the sticky rice and top with sausage slices, dried shrimp, fried shallots, and drizzle with scallion oil.

9. Serve with soy sauce or Maggi seasoning on the side.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Role of Xôi in Vietnamese Culture

Xôi is more than just a side dish it’s a cultural cornerstone in Vietnamese cuisine. From everyday meals to ceremonial offerings at ancestral altars, xôi is ever-present in Vietnamese life. There are two main types of xôi: xôi ngọt (sweet sticky rice) and xôi mặn (savory sticky rice). Xôi Lạp Xưởng falls under the savory category, or xôi mặn, offering a deeply umami-rich meal option.

Xôi is especially popular as a portable breakfast, often sold by street vendors or in small food stalls. Wrapped in banana leaves or served in to-go containers, it’s a quick, filling, and inexpensive meal that satisfies for hours. The glutinous rice provides a chewy, satisfying texture that serves as the perfect base for toppings ranging from mung beans and shredded chicken to pâté and, of course, Chinese sausage.

Lap Xuong: The Star Ingredient

Lap xuong, or Chinese sausage, is a critical component of this dish. These sausages are sweet, savory, and slightly fatty, made from ground pork and lard, seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, and rice wine, and often air-dried or smoked. The flavor is intensely aromatic and robust, making them an ideal topping for the subtly flavored glutinous rice.

Though lap xuong originates in Chinese cuisine, it has been embraced and localized in Vietnamese cooking. In Vietnam, it’s common to find lap xuong in rice dishes, stir-fries, and even omelets. In Xôi Lạp Xưởng, it adds protein and a complex flavor that elevates the whole dish.

The sausage is usually sliced thinly and pan-fried or steamed before being added to the rice. Frying it allows the outer layer to caramelize slightly, enhancing its sweet and savory profile and creating a satisfying contrast with the soft sticky rice.

Building Flavor with Aromatic Toppings

While lap xuong is the primary protein, Xôi Lạp Xưởng is brought to life with a combination of traditional Vietnamese toppings. Among the most common are:

• Fried Shallots: These add a crispy texture and sweet, oniony flavor that perfectly contrasts the soft rice. They’re typically homemade by thinly slicing shallots and frying them in oil until golden brown.

• Dried Shrimp: These tiny morsels provide a hit of seafood umami and chewiness. They’re often lightly sautéed or rehydrated before adding to the dish.

• Scallion Oil (Mỡ Hành): This simple garnish involves gently frying chopped green onions in hot oil. The resulting infused oil adds glossiness and a fresh, herbal aroma to the dish.

• Soy Sauce or Maggi Seasoning: These condiments are served on the side or drizzled over the top for an extra depth of flavor. Maggi, in particular, is popular in Vietnamese cuisine for its savory, meaty umami.

Together, these elements create a dish that is balanced in flavor and texture: chewy rice, sweet-savory sausage, crisp shallots, and aromatic oil all in one bite.

Nutritional and Practical Value

Xôi Lạp Xưởng is not only flavorful it’s practical. The glutinous rice is extremely filling and provides sustained energy, making it a perfect breakfast or mid-day meal. This is one reason why it’s so prevalent in Vietnamese street food culture: a small portion can keep you full for hours.

From a nutritional standpoint, Xôi Lạp Xưởng provides a good mix of carbohydrates (from the rice), protein (from the sausage and shrimp), and fats (from the oil and sausage). While it may not be the lightest option for calorie-conscious eaters, it’s an excellent source of energy and comfort, especially on cold or rainy days.

Moreover, the dish is easily scalable and meal-prep friendly. You can prepare a large batch of sticky rice and store it in the refrigerator, reheating portions as needed and topping them with lap xuong and garnishes. This makes it a favorite for busy households and weekly meal planners.

Variations and Customization

One of the best things about Xôi Lạp Xưởng is its adaptability. Here are a few popular or easy-to-try variations:

• Add Egg: A fried egg or sliced omelet on top makes this dish even more satisfying and adds creaminess.

• Include Pickled Vegetables: A side of pickled carrots and daikon adds tanginess and cuts through the richness.

• Use Brown Glutinous Rice: For a slightly healthier version with more fiber, try using brown sticky rice.

• Vegan Version: Replace lap xuong with vegan sausage and omit the dried shrimp. Fried tofu or mushrooms also work as flavorful plant-based alternatives.

No matter how you modify it, the base of sticky rice provides a blank canvas for flavor, while still maintaining the integrity of the original dish.

Cultural Significance and Emotional Connection

For many Vietnamese families, Xôi Lạp Xưởng is more than just a meal it’s nostalgia in a bowl. It’s a reminder of bustling morning markets, school-day breakfasts packed by grandma, or a quick, loving meal whipped up by mom before work.

Even for Vietnamese people living abroad, this dish serves as a culinary connection to their roots. The ingredients are easy to find in Asian markets worldwide, and the preparation requires no complex techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Because of its strong association with family and tradition, Xôi Lạp Xưởng often shows up during Lunar New Year (Tết) celebrations, weekend family breakfasts, or as part of offerings to ancestors.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Xôi Lạp Xưởng is often served simply, with no need for elaborate accompaniments. That said, you can elevate your presentation with a few thoughtful additions:

• Herbal Garnishes: Fresh cilantro or mint adds brightness.

• Chili Sauce or Fresh Sliced Chilies: For those who enjoy heat, a touch of spice adds another layer of depth.

• Cucumber Slices: Serve on the side to balance the richness with a crisp, refreshing crunch.

• Vietnamese Iced Coffee: If enjoyed as breakfast, nothing pairs better than a tall glass of sweet, creamy cà phê sữa đá.

Conclusion:

Xôi Lạp Xưởng embodies the best of Vietnamese cooking: simplicity, comfort, balance, and heart. It’s a dish that transcends time, geography, and generations. With just a few staple ingredients, it delivers bold flavors and textures that satisfy both the stomach and the soul.

Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or looking to reconnect with a childhood favorite, this sticky rice dish with Chinese sausage offers a rewarding cooking and eating experience. Perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekend brunches, or anytime you crave something warm and nostalgic, Xôi Lạp Xưởng deserves a place in your regular meal rotation.