Plump red dates are stuffed with sweet glutinous rice and steamed until soft and glistening. This traditional family dessert is naturally sweet, elegant, and a symbol of good fortune.
Rinse the sweet glutinous rice in cold water until the water runs nearly clear, then soak it in 1 cup of water for at least 2 hours.
Use a small paring knife to carefully pit the red dates by making a slit and removing the seed, making sure not to cut all the way through.
Drain the soaked rice thoroughly and mix it with 1 tbsp sugar.
Stuff each date with about 1 tsp of the sweet rice mixture, pressing gently so the date remains whole but comfortably full.
Arrange the stuffed dates seam-side up on a heatproof plate, lightly brush with vegetable oil, and steam over medium-high heat for 30 minutes, checking that the rice is soft but not mushy.
While still warm, drizzle with the remaining sugar and honey. Serve the dates glossy and soft, either warm or at room temperature.