Xôi Ngũ Sắc
5 flavors of Xôi
Glutinous rice steamed and served plain or topped with savory or sweet accompaniments, enjoyed as breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Other variations:
Xôi gấc, Xôi đậu xanh, Xôi ngô, Xôi lạc, Xôi mặn, Xôi ngọt
Category
Rice Dish
Region
Popular Nationwide
Preparation Time
4h50
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
100 g mung beans (hulled)
50 g fried shallots
100 ml coconut milk (optional for sweet version)
30 g sesame seeds
30 g roasted peanuts
3 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
toppings to taste (e.g. shredded chicken, Chinese sausage, pork floss, grated coconut)
Materials & Tools
Steamer or bamboo steaming basket
mixing bowls
knife (for toppings)
Preparation steps
Total Time :
4h50
Active Time :
50 min
Cooking Time
4h00
Step 1
Soak Rice
Rinse and soak glutinous rice 4h+.
4h00
Step 2
Steam Rice
Steam with salt 25–30 min until tender.
30 min
Step 3
Sweet Version
Mix coconut milk and sugar into hot rice.
5 min
Step 4
Savory Version
Top with mung beans, fried shallots, meats.
10 min
Step 5
Serve
5 min
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Chef’s Tips
Soaking rice overnight ensures even cooking; keep lid closed while steaming to retain heat and moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Fried shallots, sesame-salt mix, fresh herbs for savory; grated coconut for sweet
Nutritional info
400 kcal10 g protein8 g fat75 g carbs
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