Sticky belly pork and rice wrapped in lotus leaves

Step 1

For the glutinous rice, rinse the rice in bowls of water until the water runs clear (to remove the excess starch).

Step 2

Place in a pan with 600ml/1 pint water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Ensure all the water has evaporated before using.

Step 3

For the lotus leaf parcels, heat a wok over high heat until it begins to smoke, then add the peanut oil.

Step 4

Add the ginger, shallots, chopped shrimps and mushrooms and stir-fry for one minute.

Step 5

Add the pork belly and stir-fry to break it up. When the pork begins to brown, stir in the five-spice and rice wine (or sherry). When the wine has almost evaporated, stir in the cooked rice.

Step 6

Once the rice is incorporated, season with the soy sauce, the sesame oil, salt and white pepper and mix well. Remove from the heat.

Step 7

Pat the lotus leaves dry using kitchen paper.

Step 8

Spoon half of the sticky rice mixture into the centre of one lotus leaf.

Step 9

Fold in the sides (snug, but not tight), fold up the bottom and roll up, then secure with cooks' string.

Step 10

Repeat with the remaining lotus leaf and rice.

Step 11

Place in a bamboo steamer and steam for 10 minutes until the fragrance has infused.

Step 12

Remove from the steamer and untie the parcels

Step 13

For the pak choi stir fry, heat a wok until hot, then add the garlic, ginger and chilli and stir fry for one minute.

Step 14

Add the pak choi and stir fry for another minute then add the remaining ingredients and stir fry for 1-2 minutes until the pak choi has just wilted and is hot.

Step 15

To serve, place the parcels on a serving plate with pak choi alongside and garnish with the sliced spring onions.