![How to Wrap Zong Zi (Bak Chang) for Dragon Boat Festival - A Simple Traditional Guide](https://images.ctfassets.net/t2gdb9jif023/4jkDlnfF30VtI0z25NKdPY/686fad3c5e11697ea1838da57aecee8c/LOGO____.jpg?w=88&h=88&fl=progressive&q=100&fm=jpg)
BaoDao Talk Blog
2024-06-11updated
How to Wrap Zong Zi (Bak Chang) for Dragon Boat Festival - A Simple Traditional Guide
![How to Wrap Zong Zi (Bak Chang) for Dragon Boat Festival - A Simple Traditional Guide](https://images.ctfassets.net/t2gdb9jif023/2C0TaWGV8RGt03tuHYSyRi/70af97a2b7a2876aa82d2c9b73820db4/zongzi.png?w=796&h=371&q=100&fm=png)
# Interesting culture
# Traditional Chinese Festival
# Get to know Taiwan
Zong Zi ( 粽子), also known as Bak Chang, are traditional sticky rice dumplings enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival. Learning how to wrap these delicious dumplings can be a fun and rewarding experience. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own Zong Zi/Bak Chang at home.
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Materials Needed
Bamboo leaves (竹葉 / zhú yè) Sticky rice (糯米 / nuò mǐ) Chestnuts (栗子 / lì zi) Mushrooms (香菇 / xiāng gū) Braised pork (滷肉 / lǔ ròu) Salted egg yolk (鹹蛋黃 / xián dàn huáng) Kitchen twine (粽繩 / zòng shéng)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Leaves
Stack 2 leaves on top of each other. If you have ragged leaves, use another leaf to cover by overlapping them so there won’t be any leakage. Ensure the smooth side of the leaves is facing you.
Step 2: Fold Into a Cone Shape
Fold the stacked leaves into a cone shape.
Step 3: Add the First Layer of Rice
Fill the cone with about 1 tablespoon of rice. Use the back of the spoon to pack it in and create a slight indentation in the middle for the filling.
Step 4: Add Fillings
Add chestnuts, mushrooms, Braised pork, and Salted egg yolk into the indentation.
Step 5: Add More Rice
Top the fillings with another scoop of rice. Press with the back of the spoon to ensure they are tightly packed.
Step 6: Fold One Side Down
Fold one side of the leaf down over the rice.
Step 7: Fold the Opposite Side Down
Fold the opposite side down to enclose the rice and fillings.
Step 8: Fold the Top Over
Fold the top of the leaf over the Zong Zi.
Step 9:Shape the Zong Zi
At this point, the Zong Zi should be roughly triangular in shape.
Step 10: Fold the Wings Over
Fold the two wings of the leaf over the Zong Zi.
Step 11: Manage the Extra Leaf
You will have an extra piece of leaf sticking out.
Step 12: Secure with Kitchen Twine
Use kitchen twine to tie and secure the dumpling. Make sure it is tight enough to hold the shape but not too tight to cut through the leaves.
Customizing Your Zong Zi (Bak Chang)
You can make your Zong Zi / Bak Chang unique by adding your favorite ingredients. Consider incorporating items like:
Dried shrimp (蝦米 / xiā mǐ): Adds a savory and slightly salty flavor. Red bean paste (紅豆沙 / hóng dòu shā): For a sweet twist, perfect for dessert dumplings. Chinese sausage (臘腸 / là cháng) Feel free to experiment and create a version that suits your taste.
More Tips for Wrapping Zong Zi
__1. Should bamboo leaves be soaked and boiled first? __ Yes, soaking and boiling the bamboo leaves makes the fibers expand, increasing their toughness and reducing the likelihood of tearing. Boiling also helps to kill any remaining bacteria on the leaves.
__2. Can bamboo leaves be reused? __ It is not recommended to reuse bamboo leaves. After cooking, the leaves lose their original fragrance, and the leftover rice or grease on used leaves is difficult to clean.
Background and History of Zong Zi
Zong Zi have been enjoyed for centuries during the Dragon Boat Festival (端午節 / duān wǔ Jié), which commemorates the poet Qu Yuan (屈原 / Qū Yuán). Traditionally, people throw Zong Zi into rivers to feed the fish and keep them from eating Qu Yuan's body after he drowned himself in protest against corruption.
Conclusion
Wrapping Zong Zi/Bak Chang might seem daunting at first, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. Enjoy making these traditional sticky rice dumplings with family and friends, and savor the rich flavors they bring.
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