Steamed Hidden Lotus Leaf Rice with Chinese Sausage

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

A fragrant steamed rice dish wrapped in lotus leaves, infused with savory Chinese sausage and shiitake mushrooms. This chinese-inspired rice & grains ready in about 65 minutes pairs glutinous rice, Chinese sausage (lap cheong), dried shiitake mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups glutinous rice under cold water until water runs clear, then soak in water for 2 hours and drain thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Toss in 2 sliced Chinese sausages and 4 soaked, sliced shiitake mushrooms, coating evenly.
  3. Step 3: Combine the drained rice with the sausage and mushroom mixture, then spread the mixture evenly onto 2 lotus leaves.
  4. Step 4: Wrap the lotus leaves securely around the rice, folding edges to seal, then place the wrapped parcels into a steamer.
  5. Step 5: Steam over boiling water for 45 minutes until the rice is tender and infused with the savory aroma.
  6. Step 6: Carefully unwrap, sprinkle 2 chopped green onions on top, and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Hidden Lotus Leaf Rice with Chinese Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 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 Hidden Lotus Leaf Rice with Chinese Sausage?

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 glutinous rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Hidden Lotus Leaf Rice with Chinese Sausage?

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 Hidden Lotus Leaf Rice with Chinese Sausage 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 Hidden Lotus Leaf Rice with Chinese Sausage?

Chinese rice & grains 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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