2023 Dragon Boat Festival: 3 Low-Carb Sticky Rice Dumpling Recipes

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is an annual traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. This festival is marked by various customs and activities, including dragon boat racing, making and eating sticky rice dumplings (zongzi), and honoring the ancient poet Qu Yuan. In anticipation of the 2023 Dragon Boat Festival, we present three delicious low-carb sticky rice dumpling recipes that are both healthy and flavorful.

Dragon boat racing is an exhilarating water sport that has its roots in ancient Chinese culture. It originated from the legend of Qu Yuan, a beloved poet and statesman during the Warring States period. According to the legend, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River as an act of protest against political corruption. The local villagers, in an attempt to save him, raced in their boats while beating drums and throwing rice dumplings into the water to distract the river creatures.

Today, dragon boat racing has evolved into a competitive sport that is celebrated worldwide. The sport involves teams of rowers paddling in unison to the beat of a drum, aiming to cross the finish line in the fastest time possible. The dragon boats used in these races are long and narrow, featuring ornate dragon heads and tails. Dragon boat festivals are held in various countries, bringing people together to experience the thrill and excitement of this ancient tradition.

The Dragon Boat Festival is renowned for its traditional delicacies, with sticky rice dumplings being the highlight. These dumplings are made by wrapping glutinous rice, along with various fillings, in bamboo leaves and then steaming or boiling them. They come in a wide range of flavors, including pork, chicken, bean paste, and nuts. However, for those following a low-carb diet, the traditional sticky rice dumplings may pose a challenge due to their high carbohydrate content.

1. Steam the cauliflower rice until tender. Let it cool and squeeze out any excess moisture.
2. In a frying pan, heat the sesame oil and sauté the minced pork until cooked. Add the diced shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, salt, and white pepper powder. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Take two bamboo leaves and overlap them to form a cone shape. Add a spoonful of cauliflower rice to the bottom of the cone, followed by a spoonful of the pork and mushroom filling. Top it off with another spoonful of cauliflower rice.
4. Fold the bamboo leaves to enclose the filling, forming a pyramid shape. Tie the dumpling securely with kitchen twine.
5. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
6. Steam the dumplings for 30-40 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Remove the dumplings from the steamer, let them cool slightly, and serve.

1. Steam the cauliflower rice until tender. Let it cool and squeeze out any excess moisture.
2. In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the julienned carrots, snow peas, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
3. Add the shredded chicken and tamari sauce to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
4. Take two bamboo leaves and overlap them to form a cone shape. Add a spoonful of cauliflower rice to the bottom of the cone, followed by a spoonful of the chicken and vegetable filling. Top it off with another spoonful of cauliflower rice.
5. Fold the bamboo leaves to enclose the filling, forming a pyramid shape. Tie the dumpling securely with kitchen twine.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
7. Steam the dumplings for 30-40 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Remove the dumplings from the steamer, let them cool slightly, and serve.

1. Steam the cauliflower rice until tender. Let it cool and squeeze out any excess moisture.
2. In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil and sauté the mashed black beans, mushroom sauce, sliced green onions, and salt. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Take two bamboo leaves and overlap them to form a cone shape. Add a spoonful of cauliflower rice to the bottom of the cone, followed by a spoonful of the black bean and mushroom filling. Top it off with another spoonful of cauliflower rice.
4. Fold the bamboo leaves to enclose the filling, forming a pyramid shape. Tie the dumpling securely with kitchen twine.
5. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
6. Steam the dumplings for 30-40 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Remove the dumplings from the steamer, let them cool slightly, and serve.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a time of celebration and togetherness, where families and friends gather to enjoy traditional food and partake in thrilling dragon boat races. While sticky rice dumplings are a central part of this festival, these low-carb alternatives provide a healthier option for those watching their carbohydrate intake. By incorporating these delicious low-carb sticky rice dumpling recipes into your festivities, you can savor the flavors of the festival while staying true to your dietary goals. Let the 2023 Dragon Boat Festival be a memorable experience filled with both tradition and wellness.