How to Make Flavorful Vegan Savory Sticky Rice at Home

Vegan savory sticky rice is a delicious dish that combines soft, fragrant glutinous rice with mushrooms, vegan sausage, mushroom floss, and a rich savory sauce. It is perfect for breakfast, vegetarian days, or whenever you want to prepare something different for your family. In this guide, Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant will show you how to make vegan savory sticky rice using either a steamer or a rice cooker.

What Is Vegan Savory Sticky Rice?

Vegan savory sticky rice, known as xôi mặn chay in Vietnamese, is a plant-based version of traditional Vietnamese savory sticky rice. The base is usually made from white glutinous rice and served with toppings such as mushrooms, vegan pork sausage, mushroom floss, vegan pâté, peanuts, and pickled vegetables.

The term “savory sticky rice” distinguishes this dish from sweeter varieties such as mung bean sticky rice, purple sticky rice, or red gac sticky rice with coconut milk. Here, “savory” refers to the seasonings and toppings rather than the use of meat or fish.

Vegan savory sticky rice is especially popular in Saigon’s street food culture. A well-prepared serving offers a balanced combination of salty, sweet, rich, and slightly tangy flavors. Fresh herbs and pickled vegetables help cut through the richness, while soy sauce or vegan savory sauce adds depth and intensity.

What Is the Difference Between Vegan Savory Sticky Rice and Vegan Mixed Sticky Rice?

Although these two dishes use many similar ingredients, they have several key differences.

Criteria	Vegan savory sticky rice	Vegan mixed sticky rice
Sticky rice base	Mainly plain white sticky rice	May be mixed with vegetables, seeds, or coconut milk
Toppings	Vegan sausage, vegan pâté, mushroom floss, and pickled vegetables	Mushrooms, vegetables, lotus seeds, beans, and vegan sausage
Flavor	Rich, savory, creamy, and slightly spicy	Lighter, with the natural sweetness of vegetables
How it is served	Breakfast or a quick meal	Main meal, ceremonial feast, or vegetarian party

Ingredients for Homemade Vegan Savory Sticky Rice

The following recipe serves approximately four people. You can adjust the quantities according to your family’s needs.

Ingredients for the Sticky Rice

• 500g glutinous rice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 50ml coconut milk, optional for extra richness

Ingredients for the Toppings

• 100g fresh shiitake mushrooms
• 100g king oyster mushrooms
• 100g vegan pork sausage
• 50g mushroom floss
• 100g vegan pâté
• 30g roasted peanuts
• 1 stalk leek
• Vietnamese coriander, cilantro, and vegan satay sauce, as needed

Ingredients for the Pickled Vegetables

• 1 small carrot
• 1/2 white radish
• 3 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegan oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vegan seasoning powder
• 80ml filtered water or strained mushroom-soaking liquid
• Ground black pepper, as needed

You can replace mushroom floss with another type of vegan floss or substitute pan-fried tofu or vegan ribs for the vegan sausage. If shiitake mushrooms are unavailable, oyster mushrooms, button mushrooms, or straw mushrooms are suitable alternatives.

How to Choose and Prepare Ingredients for Vegan Sticky Rice

The ingredients are relatively simple, but choosing and preparing them correctly will directly affect the dish’s final quality. Here are several useful tips to consider before cooking.

How to Choose Good Glutinous Rice

Choose glutinous rice with evenly sized, plump, glossy grains that are not cracked or broken. Good-quality rice should have a naturally pleasant aroma and show no signs of mold, moisture damage, or discoloration.

Vietnamese waxy glutinous rice and nếp cái hoa vàng, a fragrant Vietnamese glutinous rice variety, are both excellent choices. Waxy glutinous rice has a particularly soft and chewy texture, while nếp cái hoa vàng is prized for its natural fragrance. Avoid rice that has been stored for too long because it may produce dry, less aromatic sticky rice.

Soaking and Draining the Glutinous Rice

Rinse the rice gently about twice to remove dirt without washing away too much of the outer bran layer. Soak it in cold water for 6–8 hours or overnight.

After soaking, rinse the rice once more and drain it thoroughly. Excess water can cause the cooked rice to become mushy and clump together during steaming.

Preparing the Mushrooms and Vegan Sausage

Quickly rinse fresh mushrooms under running water and allow them to drain. Slice the shiitake mushrooms and cut the king oyster mushrooms into strips or small cubes.

Avoid soaking fresh mushrooms for too long because they absorb water easily. This excess moisture will be released during cooking, making the toppings soft and preventing them from absorbing the seasonings properly.

Cut the vegan sausage into strips or small cubes. You can pan-fry it for a few minutes until the surface becomes lightly golden and more fragrant.

Preparing the Pickled Vegetables

Peel the carrot and white radish, then cut them into thin strips. Mix them with salt, leave them for about 10 minutes, and gently squeeze out the excess liquid.

Dissolve the sugar in the vinegar, then add the carrot and radish. Let the vegetables pickle for at least 30 minutes so that they absorb the sweet-and-sour flavor evenly. Their light acidity helps balance the richness of the vegan pâté and fried leek oil.

How to Make Vegan Savory Sticky Rice in a Steamer

Steaming cooks the glutinous rice with hot vapor, helping the grains remain soft, chewy, and relatively separate without becoming overly wet.

Step 1: Prepare the Glutinous Rice

Mix the drained glutinous rice with salt and cooking oil. The oil gives the grains an attractive shine and helps prevent them from sticking together in large clumps.

If you want a richer coconut flavor, do not add all the coconut milk at this stage. Instead, drizzle it over the rice gradually during steaming to control the moisture more effectively.

Step 2: Steam the Rice for the First Time

Bring the water to a boil before placing the steamer basket over the pot. The water should not touch the bottom of the basket because boiling water can make the bottom layer of rice mushy.

Place the rice in the steamer and spread it into a relatively even layer without pressing it down. Use chopsticks to make several small holes in the rice so that the steam can circulate more efficiently.

Cover and steam the rice for approximately 20–25 minutes. Wrap the lid with a clean kitchen towel to prevent condensed water from dripping onto the rice.

Step 3: Fluff the Rice and Add Moisture

After the first steaming period, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice from the bottom upward. If the grains still seem dry, drizzle warm water or coconut milk over the surface one spoonful at a time.

Do not add too much liquid at once. A large amount of liquid may be absorbed unevenly, making the outside of the grains mushy while the centers remain undercooked.

Step 4: Steam the Rice for the Second Time

Continue steaming for another 10–15 minutes. When fully cooked, the grains should be evenly expanded, soft, chewy, and free from any hard white centers.

Turn off the heat, fluff the rice, and cover it for approximately five minutes. This resting period allows the moisture to distribute evenly and helps the sticky rice remain soft for longer.

How to Prepare Toppings for Vegan Savory Sticky Rice

The toppings should be cooked separately and seasoned slightly more strongly than usual. Once served with plain sticky rice, the overall flavor will become well balanced.

Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and sauté the finely chopped leek until fragrant. When the leek turns light golden, remove half and reserve it for garnishing.

Add the shiitake and king oyster mushrooms to the pan and stir-fry them over high heat. Once the mushrooms begin to firm up, add a small amount of soy sauce, vegan seasoning powder, and pepper. Continue stir-frying until the mushrooms are cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated.

Finally, add the vegan sausage and cook for another two minutes before turning off the heat. For more color, you can add carrots, green beans, or cooked lotus seeds.

How to Make Simple Mushroom Floss

If you do not want to use store-bought vegan floss, you can make your own using dried shiitake mushroom stems.

Soak the dried mushroom stems until soft, rinse them thoroughly, and boil them for approximately 15 minutes. Once cooled, squeeze out as much water as possible and shred them into thin strands.

Place the shredded mushrooms in a pan and season them with soy sauce, vegan seasoning powder, and a little pepper. Cook over low heat until the mushrooms become dry, fluffy, and golden brown. Homemade mushroom floss can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container.

How to Make the Sauce for Vegan Savory Sticky Rice

The sauce gives the sticky rice a rich flavor and prevents it from tasting dry. However, it should only be moderately salty because the toppings are already seasoned.

Add the soy sauce, vegan oyster sauce, sugar, vegan seasoning powder, and water to a small saucepan. Stir well and cook the mixture over low heat.

Once the sauce begins to simmer, continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes so that the flavors blend together. The finished sauce should be slightly thickened but still fluid enough to drizzle over the rice.

If the sauce is too salty, add more water or mushroom liquid. If you prefer a spicy flavor, stir in vegan satay sauce after turning off the heat.

Place the hot sticky rice on a plate or in a serving box. Arrange the mushrooms, vegan sausage, vegan pâté, and mushroom floss on top. Sprinkle with roasted peanuts, fried leek, and fresh herbs.

Drizzle the sauce over the rice immediately before serving. This prevents the sticky rice from becoming overly soft or soggy while it sits.

A properly prepared serving of vegan savory sticky rice should have soft, plump, and relatively separate grains. The mushrooms should be fragrant, well-seasoned, and free of excess moisture. Pickled vegetables, Vietnamese coriander, and satay sauce create a balanced combination of salty, sweet, rich, tangy, and spicy flavors.

How to Cook Vegan Savory Sticky Rice in a Rice Cooker

If you do not have a steamer, you can still prepare sticky rice using a rice cooker. This method is quick, convenient, and suitable for families preparing a small portion.

Place the soaked and thoroughly drained glutinous rice in the rice cooker. Add just enough water to reach the surface of the rice or slightly below it. Because soaked glutinous rice already contains a considerable amount of moisture, it does not require as much water as regular rice.

Start the normal cooking cycle. When the rice cooker switches to “Keep Warm,” open the lid and fluff the rice evenly. If it is still firm, drizzle in a small amount of warm water and start another cooking cycle.

Once the rice is cooked, leave it on “Keep Warm” for about 5–10 minutes. Avoid leaving it for too long because constant heat may dry out or burn the bottom layer.

Compared with steaming, a rice cooker is more convenient and requires fewer utensils. However, steaming remains the better choice if you want drier, more separate grains and greater control over the cooking process.

How to Fix Common Vegan Sticky Rice Problems

The Sticky Rice Is Undercooked

Fluff the rice, drizzle a small amount of warm water over it, and steam it for another 5–10 minutes. Do not pour a large amount of water into one spot because the rice will cook unevenly.

The Sticky Rice Is Too Mushy

Spread the rice into a thin layer in the steamer and steam it briefly without adding more water. The heat will help release some of the excess moisture.

The Sticky Rice Is Too Dry

Cover the rice with a damp cloth and steam it again. If using a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the container before reheating.

The Mushroom Toppings Release Too Much Water

Drain the mushrooms thoroughly before cooking. Use a wide pan, stir-fry them over high heat, and avoid overcrowding the pan.

The Sauce Is Too Salty

Add filtered water or mushroom liquid and bring the sauce back to a simmer. A small amount of sugar can make the flavor more balanced, but it cannot fully replace diluting an overly salty sauce.

Easy Vegan Savory Sticky Rice Variations

You can change the toppings according to your preferences and the ingredients you have available.

Vegan mushroom sticky rice: This variation uses several types of mushrooms while limiting processed vegan products. King oyster, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms provide a pleasantly chewy texture and natural sweetness.

Saigon-style vegan savory sticky rice: This version often includes vegan pâté, vegan pork sausage, mushroom floss, peanuts, pickled vegetables, Vietnamese coriander, and vegan satay sauce.

Vegan mixed sticky rice: You can add carrots, green beans, corn, lotus seeds, and vegan sausage. Its colorful appearance makes this variation suitable for ceremonial meals, parties, and family gatherings.

Vegan savory sticky rice without the five pungent spices: Those who avoid onions, garlic, and leeks can use mushrooms, toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, and pepper to create an appealing aroma.

How Many Calories Are in Vegan Savory Sticky Rice?

The calorie content of vegan savory sticky rice depends on the serving size and the toppings used. Glutinous rice provides most of the calories, while cooking oil, coconut milk, vegan pâté, and vegan sausage can significantly increase the total energy content.

A serving containing a large amount of sticky rice and fried toppings will be higher in calories than one made with more mushrooms and vegetables. For a lighter meal, reduce the amount of rice, oil, and vegan pâté while adding more mushrooms and pickled vegetables.

Sticky rice is rich in carbohydrates and can help you feel full for longer. However, portion control is still important, and the meal should include vegetables for better nutritional balance.

How to Store Vegan Savory Sticky Rice

Store the sticky rice, toppings, sauce, and pickled vegetables separately. If everything is mixed in advance, the sauce may make the rice soggy, while the fresh herbs can darken and lose their aroma.

Once the sticky rice has cooled slightly, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. Reheat it in a steamer or microwave it with a damp paper towel placed over the container.

Keep the pickled vegetables in a separate container. Add fresh herbs and roasted peanuts only after reheating the sticky rice to preserve their freshness and crunch.

Enjoy Wholesome Vegetarian Cuisine at Vô Úy Restaurant

A delicious vegetarian dish requires more than suitable ingredients. It also depends on a thoughtful balance of flavors, colors, and textures. If you do not have much time to cook, you can enjoy a carefully prepared vegetarian meal while relaxing with family and friends.

Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant offers a diverse vegetarian menu in a calm and welcoming setting. You can reserve a table at Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant to discover more wholesome dishes suitable for family meals, friendly gatherings, and vegetarian days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Savory Sticky Rice

Do I Need to Soak Glutinous Rice Overnight?

You do not necessarily need to soak glutinous rice overnight. However, it should be soaked in cold water for approximately 6–8 hours so that the grains cook evenly and develop a soft, chewy texture.

Which Mushrooms Are Best for Vegan Savory Sticky Rice?

Shiitake, king oyster, oyster, and button mushrooms are all suitable. Combining several varieties gives the toppings more diverse flavors and textures.

Can I Make Vegan Savory Sticky Rice Without Vegan Sausage?

Yes. You can replace vegan sausage with pan-fried tofu, stir-fried mushrooms, lotus seeds, or beans. These alternatives also help reduce the amount of processed vegan food in the dish.

Should Vegan Savory Sticky Rice Be Served With Soy Sauce or Vegan Fish Sauce?

Both seasonings can be served with vegan savory sticky rice. Soy sauce offers a mild, aromatic flavor, while vegan fish sauce usually tastes more intense. Choose whichever option best suits your preference.

Can I Prepare the Sticky Rice the Night Before?

You can cook the sticky rice and prepare the toppings the night before, but they should be stored separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the rice and toppings before adding the sauce, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Vegan savory sticky rice is not difficult to prepare, yet it delivers a wonderfully varied combination of flavors and textures. By soaking the glutinous rice for long enough, controlling the amount of water, and seasoning the toppings separately, you can create a soft, fragrant, and flavorful meal for the whole family.