Steamed Eight-Treasure Sweet Rice with Red Bean Paste
A traditional Chinese dessert featuring glutinous rice steamed with a colorful mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, layered with sweet red bean paste for rich flavor and texture contrast. This chinese-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers glutinous rice, red bean paste, dried lotus seeds into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups glutinous rice
- 1 cup red bean paste
- 1/4 cup dried lotus seeds
- 1/4 cup dried longan
- 1/4 cup dried jujubes (Chinese red dates), chopped
- 1/4 cup dried raisins
- 1/4 cup peeled chestnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup candied winter melon, chopped
- 3 tbsp rock sugar
- 2 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 2 cups glutinous rice under cold water until water runs clear, then soak it in cold water for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften.
- Step 2: Drain the soaked rice and combine with 3 tablespoons rock sugar and 2 1/2 cups water in a large bowl, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar and coat the rice evenly.
- Step 3: Line a steamer basket with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel, spread half of the soaked rice evenly, then layer 1 cup red bean paste over it, followed by a mix of 1/4 cup dried lotus seeds, 1/4 cup dried longan, 1/4 cup chopped dried jujubes, 1/4 cup raisins, 1/4 cup chopped peeled chestnuts, 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds, and 1/4 cup chopped candied winter melon.
- Step 4: Cover the layered ingredients with the remaining rice, pressing gently to level the surface.
- Step 5: Steam over boiling water for 45 minutes with the lid covered tightly, checking occasionally to ensure continuous steam.
- Step 6: Remove carefully from the steamer and let it cool slightly for 10 minutes before slicing into portions to serve warm or at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Steamed Eight-Treasure Sweet Rice with Red Bean Paste take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Steamed Eight-Treasure Sweet Rice with Red Bean Paste?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Eight-Treasure Sweet Rice with Red Bean Paste?
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 Eight-Treasure Sweet Rice with Red Bean Paste for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Eight-Treasure Sweet Rice with Red Bean Paste?
Chinese desserts 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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