Vietnamese Red Sticky Rice (Xôi Gấc)

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs sweet/glutinous rice grains
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• ⅓ cup granulated white sugar
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup gac fruit paste
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Steps

1. 1

   Rinse the rice grains in a colander until water runs clear then soak for 3 hours in plenty of water. Drain then transfer to a large mixing bowl,

2. 2

   Add salt and gac fruit paste. Mix until all the grains are colored and evenly seasoned.

3. 3

   Place colored rice into a large steamer in an even layer. Steam for 30 minutes, on medium low heat, covered.

4. 4

   Carefully remove the lid and mix in coconut milk and sugar until evenly combined. Continue steaming for an additional 15 minutes.

5. 5

   Remove rice from the steamer and decorate with the dried gac seed on top to indicate it was naturally colored (optional). Serve as is or with the topping. To make the topping, simply combine toasted sesame seeds, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture onto the rice before serving.