Xoi Gac Recipe: How to Make Vietnamese Red Sticky Rice

Xoi gac is a dish that captivates diners not only with its delightful aroma but also with its eye-catching colors. The name of this type of sticky rice originates from the red color symbolically crafted from ripened gac fruits. According to Vietnamese traditions, xoi gac is often served during significant family gatherings.

However, not everyone is familiar with the art of preparing xoi gac using 100% natural ingredients. Let’s explore the process of creating xoi gac at home from familiar ingredients and shed light on why it has become a popular and healthy choice.

What is Xoi Gac?

Xoi gac falls under the broader category of xoi, a term encompassing various Vietnamese sticky rice dishes. Xoi can be either savory or sweet, featuring diverse ingredients such as meat, beans, coconut, sesame, or peanuts. Xoi gac, a beloved variety, takes center stage during festive occasions like Tet (Vietnamese New Year), weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.  In Vietnamese culture, the red hue signifies luck, happiness, and prosperity, hence xoi gac is a must during important celebrations as a symbol of good wishes and appreciation.

Originating from northern Vietnam, xoi gac draws its main ingredient—the gac fruit—from the region where it is widely cultivated and consumed. The gac fruit, also known as baby jackfruit, spiny bitter gourd, or cochinchin gourd, is a tropical fruit with a spiky orange skin and a vivid red pulp. The edible part of the fruit, known as the aril, imparts xoi gac with its distinctive color and flavor.

Ingredients for making Xoi Gac

To embark on your xoi gac culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients and equipment:

• 2 cups of glutinous rice (sticky rice or sweet rice)
• 1 gac fruit (about 1 pound)
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• A steamer or a rice cooker
• A large bowl
• A knife
• A spoon
• A colander or a cheesecloth

How to Cook Xoi Gac?

Making xoi gac is a straightforward yet time-intensive process that requires careful attention to detail. Follow these main steps to create this delightful Vietnamese dish:

Step 1: Soak the Rice:

• Begin by soaking glutinous rice, the foundation of xoi gac, in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps the rice absorb water, achieving a softer and stickier consistency. 
• While various glutinous rice types are available, including white, black, or purple, the most common and traditional choice is white glutinous rice. 
• For 4 servings of xoi gac, approximately 500 grams of glutinous rice is needed.

Step 2:  Extract the Gac Juice: 

• Procure a ripe gac fruit, available at local markets, street vendors, or online shops. Extract the juice by cutting the gac fruit in half and scooping out the flesh and seeds with a spoon. 
• Blend the flesh and seeds with water and strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine sieve. The result is a thick, red-orange liquid— the gac juice. 
• For 4 servings of xoi gac, about 250 ml of gac juice is required.

Step 3. Steam the Rice:

• Transfer the soaked rice to a steaming basket or colander after draining. Pour the gac juice over the rice, ensuring even coating, and add salt for taste enhancement. 
• Place the steaming basket or colander over a pot of boiling water, covering it with a lid or cloth. 
• Steam the rice for approximately 30 minutes or until it reaches a cooked and tender consistency.
• Occasionally check the rice and add more water to the pot if necessary.

Step 4:  Mix with Coconut Milk and Sugar:

• In the final step, mix the steamed rice with coconut milk and sugar to introduce additional sweetness and creaminess to the xoi gac. 
• Heat coconut milk and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
• Adjust the quantity of coconut milk and sugar according to personal taste preferences, aiming for around 200 ml of coconut milk and 50 grams of sugar for 4 servings of xoi gac. 
• Transfer the steamed rice to a large bowl and pour the coconut milk mixture over it. Thoroughly mix until the rice is uniformly moistened and sticky.\

Health Benefits of Xoi Gac

Xoi gac isn’t just a delightful and festive dish; it also offers several health benefits:

• Rich in Beta-Carotene and Lycopene: Powerful antioxidants protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
• Good Source of Vitamin A: Essential for vision, immunity, and skin health, aiding in preventing night blindness, infections, and dry eyes.
• High in Complex Carbohydrates: Provides energy, regulates blood sugar levels, and offers sustained fuel for the body and brain.
• Gluten-Free: Suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, avoiding digestive problems associated with gluten.
• Low in Fat and Cholesterol: A heart-friendly and weight-friendly dish, reducing the risk of heart disease and obesity when consumed in moderation.

Conclusion

This article has provided you with simple steps to create xoi gac at home, and the versatility to serve it with various toppings or accompaniments. Embrace the taste and benefits of xoi gac—perfect for celebrations or any day you crave a culinary journey. Try it today and savor the essence of Vietnamese culinary heritage.