Dumplings & Apps

Lo Mai Gai Steamed Glutinous Rice

Name: Lo Mai Gai Steamed Glutinous Rice
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup glutinous rice; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 cups mixed mushrooms; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 1 scallion, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

By Gemma Oakley · June 19, 2026 · Dumplings & Apps

Prep30 min

Cook20 min

Total50 min

Serves4

Lo Mai Gai Steamed Glutinous Rice — Savory steamed glutinous rice

I still remember the first time I had Lo Mai Gai, a traditional Cantonese dish made with steamed glutinous rice, chicken, and mushrooms. It was at a family gathering, and my aunt had spent hours preparing this delicious meal for all of us. The combination of flavors and textures was incredible, and I was hooked from the very first bite.

As I grew older, I began to appreciate the art of cooking and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. I started experimenting with different recipes, including Lo Mai Gai, and soon realized that it wasn't as complicated as I thought. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, I could recreate this beloved dish in my own kitchen.

Today, I'm excited to share my version of Lo Mai Gai with you. This recipe uses accessible ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels. Whether you're a fan of Chinese cuisine or just looking to try something new, I hope you'll enjoy this recipe as much as I do.

Lo Mai Gai is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, side dish, or even as a snack. It's perfect for special occasions, such as holidays or family gatherings, and can also be made ahead of time for a quick and easy meal. So, let's get started and explore the world of Lo Mai Gai together!

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of glutinous rice, chicken, mushrooms, and various seasonings to create a flavorful and aromatic dish. We'll also be discussing some tips and variations to help you customize the recipe to your taste. So, let's dive in and start cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, side dish, or snack
The combination of glutinous rice, chicken, and mushrooms provides a unique and delicious flavor profile
The dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy meal
It's perfect for special occasions, such as holidays or family gatherings
The recipe can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Lo Mai Gai is to use the right combination of ingredients and cooking techniques. Glutinous rice, also known as sweet rice, is a type of short-grain rice that's high in starch and stickiness. When cooked, it becomes soft and chewy, making it perfect for absorbing the flavors of the dish.

The chicken and mushrooms are cooked separately before being mixed with the rice, which helps to prevent the rice from becoming mushy or overcooked. The seasonings, including soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, add depth and complexity to the dish, while the scallions and ginger provide a fresh and aromatic flavor.

By cooking the rice and the filling separately, we can control the texture and flavor of each component, ensuring that the final dish is well-balanced and delicious. This technique also allows us to use a variety of ingredients and seasonings, making the dish highly customizable and adaptable to different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Lo Mai Gai, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including glutinous rice, chicken, mushrooms, and various seasonings. You can find these ingredients at most Asian markets or well-stocked supermarkets. When shopping for glutinous rice, look for short-grain rice that's labeled as 'sweet rice' or 'glutinous rice.' For the chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, depending on your preference.

It's also important to note that the quality of the ingredients can affect the final flavor and texture of the dish. Fresh and high-quality ingredients will result in a more delicious and authentic Lo Mai Gai. So, take the time to select the best ingredients you can find, and don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to make the dish your own.

1 cup glutinous riceGlutinous rice, also known as sweet rice, is a type of short-grain rice that's high in starch and stickiness. It's essential for making Lo Mai Gai, as it provides the dish with its characteristic texture and flavor.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighsYou can use either chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe, depending on your preference. Just make sure to cut the chicken into small pieces so that it cooks evenly and quickly.
2 cups mixed mushroomsYou can use a variety of mushrooms for this recipe, including button, cremini, and shiitake. Just make sure to slice them thinly so that they cook evenly and quickly.
2 tablespoons soy sauceSoy sauce is a common seasoning in Chinese cuisine, and it adds a rich, savory flavor to Lo Mai Gai. You can use either light or dark soy sauce, depending on your preference.
1 tablespoon oyster sauceOyster sauce is a condiment made from oyster extract, sugar, and water. It adds a sweet and savory flavor to Lo Mai Gai, and it's essential for creating the dish's characteristic flavor profile.
1 tablespoon sesame oilSesame oil is a flavorful oil that's commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to Lo Mai Gai, and it's essential for creating the dish's characteristic flavor profile.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it adds a pungent flavor to Lo Mai Gai. Just make sure to mince it finely so that it cooks evenly and quickly.
1 tablespoon grated fresh gingerFresh ginger is a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it adds a spicy and aromatic flavor to Lo Mai Gai. Just make sure to grate it finely so that it cooks evenly and quickly.
1 scallion, choppedScallions are a common garnish in Chinese cuisine, and they add a fresh and oniony flavor to Lo Mai Gai. Just make sure to chop them finely so that they cook evenly and quickly.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are essential seasonings in any dish, and they add a savory flavor to Lo Mai Gai. Just make sure to use them sparingly, as they can overpower the other flavors in the dish.

Ingredients for Lo Mai Gai Steamed Glutinous Rice

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerSteamer basket

How to Make Lo Mai Gai Steamed Glutinous Rice

1
Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain the water and set the rice aside.
2
Cut the chicken into small pieces and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the mixed mushrooms to the skillet or wok and cook until they're tender and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet or wok. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
5
Add the cooked glutinous rice to the skillet or wok and stir to combine with the chicken and mushroom mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
6
Transfer the rice mixture to a steamer basket and steam over boiling water for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
7
While the rice is steaming, chop the scallion and set it aside. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the chopped scallion.
8
Serve the Lo Mai Gai hot, garnished with additional scallions and soy sauce if desired.
9
To make the dish more flavorful, you can add other ingredients such as dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, or boiled eggs to the rice mixture.
10
To make the dish more substantial, you can serve it with a variety of sides, such as stir-fried vegetables, braised meats, or soups.
11
To make the dish more convenient, you can cook the rice and the filling separately and then assemble the dish just before serving.
12
To make the dish more impressive, you can garnish it with a variety of ingredients, such as sliced scallions, grated ginger, or toasted sesame seeds.

Expert Tips

Use short-grain glutinous rice for the best results
Soak the rice for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure it cooks evenly
Use a variety of mushrooms for added flavor and texture
Don't overcook the chicken and mushrooms, as they can become tough and dry
Add the seasonings and sauces towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavors
Use a steamer basket to cook the rice, as it helps to retain the moisture and flavor
Fluff the rice with a fork after steaming to separate the grains and create a fluffy texture

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using long-grain rice instead of short-grain glutinous rice
Not soaking the rice long enough, resulting in uneven cooking
Overcooking the chicken and mushrooms, making them tough and dry
Not adding enough seasonings and sauces, resulting in a bland dish
Not using a steamer basket, resulting in dry and crunchy rice
Not fluffing the rice after steaming, resulting in a clumpy and sticky texture

Variations and Substitutions

Adding dried shrimp or Chinese sausage to the rice mixture for added flavor
Using different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, for varied texture and flavor
Adding boiled eggs or cooked vegetables to the rice mixture for added protein and nutrients
Using different seasonings and sauces, such as hoisin sauce or rice vinegar, for a unique flavor profile
Serving the Lo Mai Gai with a variety of sides, such as stir-fried vegetables or braised meats, for a more substantial meal
Garnishing the dish with toasted sesame seeds or sliced scallions for added texture and flavor

What to Serve With Lo Mai Gai Steamed Glutinous Rice

Lo Mai Gai is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it as a main course, side dish, or snack, depending on your preferences. It's perfect for special occasions, such as holidays or family gatherings, and can also be made ahead of time for a quick and easy meal.

Some popular sides to serve with Lo Mai Gai include stir-fried vegetables, braised meats, and soups. You can also garnish the dish with a variety of ingredients, such as sliced scallions, grated ginger, or toasted sesame seeds, to add texture and flavor.

Stir-fried vegetablesBraised meatsSoupsSteamed dumplingsFried wontonsEgg rolls

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Lo Mai Gai can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, simply cool the dish to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, simply steam the dish over boiling water for 5-10 minutes, until the rice is heated through and fluffy. You can also reheat the dish in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can result in a dry and crunchy texture.

It's also important to note that Lo Mai Gai can be made ahead of time and assembled just before serving. This makes it a convenient and easy dish to prepare for large groups or special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice is best for Lo Mai Gai?

Short-grain glutinous rice is the best type of rice to use for Lo Mai Gai. It's high in starch and stickiness, which helps to create the dish's characteristic texture and flavor.

Can I use other types of mushrooms?

Yes, you can use other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, for varied texture and flavor. Just make sure to slice them thinly so that they cook evenly and quickly.

How do I cook the rice?

To cook the rice, simply soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight, then steam it over boiling water for 15-20 minutes, until it's cooked and fluffy.

Can I make Lo Mai Gai ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Lo Mai Gai ahead of time and assemble it just before serving. This makes it a convenient and easy dish to prepare for large groups or special occasions.

How do I reheat Lo Mai Gai?

To reheat Lo Mai Gai, simply steam it over boiling water for 5-10 minutes, until the rice is heated through and fluffy. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can result in a dry and crunchy texture.

What are some popular sides to serve with Lo Mai Gai?

Can I freeze Lo Mai Gai?

Yes, you can freeze Lo Mai Gai for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply cool the dish to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze.

How do I thaw frozen Lo Mai Gai?

To thaw frozen Lo Mai Gai, simply leave it in the refrigerator overnight or thaw it quickly by submerging the container in cold water.

The Full Recipe

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