Learn how to make a delicious authentic Vietnamese sticky rice coated with mung beans that is fragrant and sweet.
Vietnamese Xoi Vo is sticky rice that is coasted with mung beans. The use of crumbled mung beans mixed with steamed sticky rice allows the grains to separate from one another.
Before I share with you the recipe, I wanted to share with you some background above this authentic dish and why this homestyle is craved so much for breakfast.
All About Mung Bean Sticky Rice
Sticky Rice (also known as glutinous rice) with mung bean is a Vietnamese dish that blends together coconut milk, ground split mung beans that is then mixed in with delicious sticky rice. The white rice is lightly coated with yellow mung beans, which separates the sticky rice grains.
What does Vietnamese sticky rice with mung bean taste like?
Vietnamese Xoi Vo, sticky rice with mung bean, is slightly sweet and has a soft, chewy texture. The mung bean provides a hearty bite with a bit of sweetness while the sticky rice provides the chewy texture which allows the rice to melt in your mouth.
When is mung bean sticky rice eaten?
It can be eaten as a breakfast, side dish, or even snack at any time of day.
How is sticky rice coated with mung bean often served?
Sticky rice with mung beans traditionally is served as a breakfast dish or as a warm snack.
What are other names for Sticky Rice with Mung Beans?
Vietnamese Xoi Vo can also be found under the following names and English translations:
- Xôi Vò
- Xoi Vo
- Xoi Xeo
- Vietnamese Sticky Rice with Mung Beans
- Sticky Rice Coated with Mung Beans
- Sticky Rice with Split Mung Beans
What does Vietnamese Xoi Vo mean?
Xoi Vo refers to the glutinous sticky rice with mung beans. Xoi refers to the glutinous sticky rice. Vo means crush and crumble which refers to the method of making squeezing the mung beans.
Vietnamese Regional Differences of Sticky Rice with Mung Bean
In Northern Vietnam, Xoi Vo sticky rice with mung bean is served with the variation being a topping of lotus seeds. It is often served during big ceremonies like weddings and to worship ancestors. This dish in Northern Vietnam is known as Xoi Xeo.
In Central Vietnam, mung bean sticky rice is often used to celebrate full moon ceremonies and gatherings. It shares the same sweeter variation as in Southern Vietnam.
In Southern Vietnam, the recipe adds in more sugar and coconut milk, making this variation sweeter.
There are other variations where the rice is topped with roughly chopped peanuts, shredded sweet coconut flakes, and crispy fried shallots or onions (mainly in the North) to add a savory, but sweet dish.
Asian Grocery Store List for Sticky Rice with Mung Beans
Split Mung Beans
These can be found in the bean aisle at the asian grocery store. It should be plentiful, as mung beans can be used in a lot of dishes. Did you know that mung beans are the beans that Asian bean sprouts are from?
Sticky Rice (also known as Glutinous Rice)
Sticky rice is also known as glutinous rice and can be found in bulk in the rice aisles. I would recommend getting short-grain glutinous rice because it allows the grain to separate better than with regular long-grain glutinous rice. Also, when this short-grain rice is steamed, it becomes rounder and thicker, which I think provides for a better presentation and taste.
Tips and Tricks Before Making Sticky Rice with Mung Beans
Soak Both Mung Beans and Sticky Rice Overnight
Ensure that you are soaking the sweet rice before steaming. This will allow the glutinous rice to absorb the water. If you are running short on time, you can soak the sticky rice in hot water for up to 3 hours before steaming.
Use Split Mung Beans
You'll want to use split mung beans for this dish, so choose the package carefully at the local Asian market.
Sweetness
In my recipe, I've added sugar because I prefer my rice a little sweeter. You can opt out to remove the sugar if you desire.
How to Make Authentic Vietnamese Xoi Vo (Sticky Rice with Mung Beans) Recipe
Ingredients for Sticky Rice with Mung Beans
- 2 ½ cups sticky rice (glutinous rice)
- 1 ½ cups mung bean cup of coconut cream
- ½ cup of sugar
- ½ cup of coconut cream
Garnish:
- chopped peanuts
- shredded coconut flakes
- crispy fried shallots
Instructions for Making Sticky Rice with Mung Beans
You'll want to allow the beans and rice to soak overnight.
Drain the mung beans. You'll want to use a cloth lined aluminum steamer to steam the mung beans for an hour. Once cooked, grind it with a food processor or pestle and mortar.
Combine the steamed and ground mung beans with the drained, uncooked sticky rice. Next, steam the sticky rice and mung bean for 30 minutes.
Combine together the sugar and coconut cream.
In a large bowl, add in the sticky rice and mung bean. Slowly mix in the sugar and coconut cream mixture, using a spatula to carefully combine the rice mixture with the sugar and coconut cream mixture.
Serve immediately topped with your choice of roughly chopped peanuts, shredded sweet coconut flakes, and/or crispy fried shallots.
Preserving Sticky Rice with Mung Beans
At room temperature, Xoi Vo should last 2-3 days. The recommendation is to put it in the microwave for 20 seconds to warm up before serving. Serving Xoi Vo longer than 3 days old may be dry. This can also be frozen in air-tight plastic bags or containers for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, take a microwave plate and heat the rice on high for 60 seconds.
When is sticky rice with mung beans served?
Sticky rice with mung beans are served often for a quick and easy breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sticky Rice with Mung Beans
Why is mung bean sticky rice yellow?
The beautiful, golden yellow color is due to the yellow mung beans and rice being steamed together.
Authentic Vietnamese Mung Bean Sticky Rice (Xoi Vo)
Sticky Rice (also known as glutinous rice) with mung bean is a Vietnamese dish that blends together coconut milk, ground split mung beans that is then mixed in with delicious sticky rice. The white rice is lightly coated with yellow mung beans, which separates the sticky rice grains
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups sticky rice (glutinous rice)
- 1 ½ cups mung bean cup of coconut cream
- ½ cup of sugar
- ½ cup of coconut cream
Garnish
- chopped peanuts
- shredded coconut flakes
- crispy fried shallots
Instructions
- In separate containers, allow mung beans and rice to soak overnight in water that has 2 inches above the ingredients.
- When ready to cook, drain the mung beans. Use a cheese cloth lined aluminum steamer. Add a layer of mung beans and allow to steam for 60 minutes.
- Once steamed, take the mung beans and grind it with a food processor or mortar and pestle until it has a dry powder-like consistency.
- Drain the sticky rice. Combine the steamed and ground mung beans with the drained, uncooked sticky rice.
- Steam the sticky rice and mung bean for 30 minutes. Half way through the steam, mix up the sticky rice so that the bottom of the steamer comes to the top so it doesn't get mushy.
- In a separate bowl, combine together the sugar and coconut cream. Mix until evenly distributed.
- In a large bowl, add in the sticky rice and mung bean. Slowly pour in the sugar and coconut cream mixture, using a spatula to carefully combine the rice mixture with the sugar and coconut cream mixture.
- Serve immediately topped with your choice of roughly chopped peanuts, shredded sweet coconut flakes, and/or crispy fried shallots.
Notes
The sugar can be omitted to remove sweetness. Can be stored for up to 2 months frozen if stored in airtight container.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 547Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 190mgCarbohydrates: 94gFiber: 5gSugar: 64gProtein: 6g
Summary About Xoi Vo Sticky Rice with Mung Beans Recipe
Vietnamese sticky rice with mung bean with it's chewy soft, golden sticky rice is absolutely delicious. It is a fragrant dish that definitely stands out from the other sticky rice dishes that are often found in Southeast Asian cuisine.
FREE DOWNLOAD
Looking for the best tips and tricks for making sticky rice?
Subscribe (free!) to my newsletter with updates and tips with instant access to the free definitive guide that gives you the exact tools and tips to help you make the most delicious sticky rice. In addition, it will give you a shot of confidence to making delicious Asian dishes right in your own home!
Once subscribed, I will send you a newsletter with new recipe ideas each week!
More Sticky Rice Recipes You Might Like
If you love this Sticky Rice with Mung Beans as much as our family does, see below for some other recipes. Please write a five star review and help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!
- Pressure Cooker Sticky Rice
- Coconut Sticky Rice
- Thai sticky rice with mango
- Thai Black Sticky Rice
- Jasmine Rice versus Sticky Rice (Glutinous)
- How to Clean Sticky Rice Steamer Basket
- Vietnamese Xoi Dau Xanh - Mung Bean Rice Dessert