Sticky Rice “Tamales” With Star Anise Beef or Pork

Name: Sticky Rice “Tamales” With Star Anise Beef or Pork
Yield: Makes 8 tamales
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 or more large iceberg or romaine lettuce leaves, blanched briefly in boiling water to soften; Fresh cilantro sprigs and toasted black sesame seeds for garnishing; 8 or more large iceberg or romaine lettuce leaves, blanched briefly in boiling water to soften; 8 or more large iceberg or romaine lettuce leaves, blanched briefly in boiling water to soften; Fresh cilantro sprigs and toasted black sesame seeds for garnishing; 2 green onions, both white and green parts, sliced diagonally into 2-inch lengths; ½ teaspoon dried orange peel; One 2-inch piece cinnamon stick; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 cup white or black short-grain sticky rice; ½ ounce (2 large) dried shiitake mushrooms; One 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into coins; 2 large garlic cloves, smashed; 2 tablespoons peanut or olive oil; 2 tablespoons peanut or olive oil; 2 cups cold water; 1 cup white or black short-grain sticky rice; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; 2 teaspoons Thai red curry paste; 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt; 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt; 2 star anise pods; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; ½ cup dry white wine or vermouth; ½ cup dry white wine or vermouth; 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce; 1 cup water; 1 pound lean pot roast, preferably tri-tip (also called triangle tip or sirloin tip); 1 pound lean pot roast, preferably tri-tip (also called triangle tip or sirloin tip); 1 tablespoon peanut or olive oil

Preparation info

Makes
8
tamales

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

From the Earth to the Table

By John Ash

Published 1995

About

The Thai red curry paste called for in the recipe is available in Asian markets. If you can’t find it, substitute ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. The recipe calls for using lettuce leaf wraps. Alternatively, you could use bottled grape leaves that are well rinsed. I love the star anise beef filling, and if you don’t feel like rolling and steaming the tamales, the filling is delicious just spooned onto cold lettuce leaves.

Ingredients

Asia
Thailand
Main course
South East Asia

Ingredients

Method