Other variations:
Xôi gấc, Xôi đậu xanh, Xôi ngô, Xôi lạc, Xôi mặn, Xôi ngọt
Category
Rice Dish
Region
Popular Nationwide
Preparation Time
7h25
Servings
4 - 6
Difficulty
Medium
About this recipe
Xôi Ngũ Sắc is a versatile and widely loved dish in Vietnam, with countless variations. It can be savory (served with mung beans, fried shallots, or meats) or sweet (with coconut, sugar, and sesame). Steaming preserves the grains’ chewy texture and natural aroma.
Ingredients List
500 g glutinous rice (divided into 5 portions of 100 g) Yellow: ½ tsp turmeric powder, mixed with 200 ml water Orange: 1 tbsp fresh gấc pulp, mixed with ½ tbsp water Purple: 5 g dried magenta leaves (lá cẩm), boiled in 200 ml water Green: 50 g fresh pandan leaves, blended with 200 ml water White: plain water 100 ml coconut milk 1½ tbsp sugar ½ tsp salt
Materials & Tools
Steamer or bamboo steaming basket Parchment paper (to divide the steamer) Blender Small saucepan Fine strainer Mixing bowls Serving plate Banana leaves (for lining the plate)
Preparation steps
Total Time
7h25
Cooking Time
1h00
Active Time
6h25
Make Colors
Boil magenta leaves in water for 10 - 15 minutes, then strain and cool. Blend pandan leaves with water and strain. Mix turmeric powder with water. Mix gấc pulp with water.
20 min
Soak Rice
Rinse rice and divide into 5 portions. Soak one portion each in yellow, purple and green water, and two portions in plain water, for 6 hours or overnight.
6h00
Season Rice
Drain all portions. Mix gấc into one plain portion. Mix coconut milk, sugar and salt, stir an equal amount into each portion and leave 10 - 15 minutes.
15 min
Steam Rice
Place each portion in a separate section of the steamer, divided with parchment paper. Cover and steam over medium heat for 30 - 40 minutes, until soft.
40 min
Serve
Line a plate with banana leaves, arrange the five colors side by side and serve warm.
10 min
Chef’s Tips
Soaking rice overnight ensures even cooking; keep lid closed while steaming to retain heat and moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Sesame-peanut salt; also good with grilled or roast chicken, braised pork, pork ham, pork floss or grated coconut.
Nutritional info
400kcal
10g protein
8g fat
75g carbs
You Might Also Like
Discover More Vietnamese Recipes
Explore our complete collection of Vietnamese Dishes, from Street Food favorites to traditional family recipes.