Steamed Banana-Wrapped Pork Belly with Mung Bean and Sticky Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Vietnamese dish featuring tender pork belly wrapped in banana leaves, filled with a savory mung bean and sticky rice mixture. This asian ready in about 90 minutes pairs pork belly, banana leaves, mung beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 4 banana leaves in warm water for 10 minutes, then cut into 6x8 inch pieces. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup soaked mung beans, 1/2 cup soaked sticky rice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon sugar.
  2. Step 2: Place one banana leaf piece on a clean surface and lay 1/2-inch slice of pork belly in the center. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the mung bean mixture onto the pork belly.
  3. Step 3: Fold the banana leaf sides over the filling, then roll tightly to enclose. Secure with a toothpick.
  4. Step 4: Arrange parcels in a steamer basket lined with a cloth, leaving space between them. Steam over boiling water for 45 minutes until pork is tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove toothpicks and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Banana-Wrapped Pork Belly with Mung Bean and Sticky Rice take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (45 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Steamed Banana-Wrapped Pork Belly with Mung Bean and Sticky Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork belly from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Banana-Wrapped Pork Belly with Mung Bean and Sticky Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Steamed Banana-Wrapped Pork Belly with Mung Bean and Sticky Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Steamed Banana-Wrapped Pork Belly with Mung Bean and Sticky Rice?

Asian asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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