Mung Bean Sticky Rice - Authentic Vietnamese Xoi Vo

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!