Zongzi (粽子), also known as sticky rice dumplings, is a traditional Chinese dish enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. This year, that’s May 31. You’ve probably already seen them everywhere. These pyramid-shaped treats are made of glutinous rice stuffed with various fillings, wrapped in bamboo leaves, and steamed or boiled to perfection. Beyond its delicious taste, zongzi carries deep cultural significance, symbolizing loyalty, remembrance, and protection against evil spirits.
What is Dragon Boat Festival?
The Dragon Boat Festival honors the memory of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet from the Warring States period who drowned himself in the Miluo River to protest corruption. Legend has it that villagers threw rice into the river to feed his spirit and ward off fish, eventually leading to the tradition of making zongzi.
Today, zongzi is not only a festival staple but also a symbol of family unity. Families gather to wrap and steam them together, and different regions in China have their variations, like how in Southern China, zongzi tend to be savory with pork and salted egg yolk, while northern versions are often sweet with red bean paste or dates.
Making zongzi at home is actually easier than it sounds.
Ingredients (Makes 10-12 zongzi)
Glutinous rice (2 cups, soaked overnight)
Bamboo or reed leaves (20-24, soaked & cleaned)
Pork belly (200g, marinated in soy sauce, rice wine, and five-spice powder)
Salted egg yolks (5-6, halved), optional
String or twine (for tying)
Instructions:
Prepare the Leaves – Soak bamboo leaves in hot water for 1 hour, then scrub clean.
Marinate the Fillings – Season pork with soy sauce, sugar, and spices for at least 2 hours.
Assemble the Zongzi –
– Take two leaves, overlap them, and form a cone.
– Add a spoonful of rice, then fill with pork, egg yolk, mushrooms, and peanuts.
– Cover with more rice and fold the leaves to seal.
– Tie tightly with string.
Cook – Boil for 2-3 hours until rice is tender.
Serve – Unwrap and enjoy hot or at room temperature.
Will you try making your own zongzi this year? Let us know in the comments below.
Images: Pexels, Freepik, Pinterest
