Red Yeast Rice | Hong Zao | 红糟

Red Yeast Rice (Hong Zao 红糟) — Handcrafted in Singapore

Ye Traditions' Red Yeast Rice — also known as Hong Zao (红糟) — is the premium fermented lees produced during the brewing of red glutinous rice wine. Handcrafted in Singapore without preservatives, additives or artificial colouring, it is the authentic ingredient behind traditional Hakka and Fuzhou confinement dishes like Red Rice Wine Chicken Soup (红糟鸡汤).

Naturally deep red in colour from the red yeast fermentation process, our Hong Zao is used by home cooks, confinement nannies and restaurants across Singapore who want the real thing — not a commercial substitute.

What Is Red Yeast Rice?

Red yeast rice (红曲米 or 红糟) is a traditional Chinese fermented ingredient made by cultivating red yeast mould (Monascus purpureus) on glutinous rice. The fermentation process produces the characteristic deep crimson colour and earthy, slightly tangy flavour that defines classic Hakka and Fuzhou cooking.

There are two forms used in cooking:

✓ Red Yeast Rice (干红糟) — dried, used as a marinade, colouring and flavouring agent
✓ Red Rice Wine Lees / Hong Zao (红糟) — moist fermented lees from rice wine brewing, used in stews and soups for deeper flavour and colour

Ye Traditions offers both forms — browse our full range below.

Health Benefits of Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 1,000 years. Modern research has validated several of its traditional uses:

✓ Supports Healthy Cholesterol — Contains monacolin K, a naturally occurring compound that supports healthy lipid levels
✓ Promotes Blood Circulation — Warming properties help stimulate blood flow, highly valued in postpartum recovery
✓ Aids Digestion — Fermented ingredients support gut microbiome health
✓ Rich in Natural Pigments — Contains monascin and ankaflavin with antioxidant properties
✓ Postnatal Recovery — A cornerstone ingredient in confinement cooking for generations in Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan

Note: Consult your doctor before consuming red yeast rice supplements if you are on statins or cholesterol medication.

How to Cook with Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice is one of the most versatile ingredients in Chinese heritage cooking:

As a marinade: Combine Hong Zao with garlic, sesame oil and a pinch of salt. Marinate chicken, pork or seafood for 30 minutes before cooking.
In soups and stews: Add 2–3 tablespoons to chicken or pork rib soups. Simmer for 30 minutes for a rich red broth.
As a cooking paste: Use in Fuzhou-style fried pork ribs (红糟炸排骨), steamed fish or braised duck.
With tofu: Pan-fry firm tofu, deglaze with Hong Zao and rice wine for a quick weeknight dish.

Classic dishes that use red yeast rice: Hong Zao Chicken Soup (红糟鸡汤) · Fried Red Yeast Pork Ribs (红糟炸排骨) · Red Clams · Fuzhou Lychee Pork (荔枝肉) · Red Rice Wine Braised Sea Cucumber

Why Ye Traditions Red Yeast Rice

✓ Handcrafted in Singapore since 1912 — over a century of small-batch fermentation tradition
✓ No preservatives, no artificial colouring, no additives — pure fermented goodness
✓ SFA licensed — meets Singapore Food Agency standards
✓ Used by confinement nannies — trusted by professionals for postnatal cooking
✓ Featured in The Straits Times — recognised as a quality heritage food brand

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Yeast Rice

What is the difference between red yeast rice and red rice wine?
Red rice wine (红糟酒) is the fermented rice wine beverage. Red yeast rice / Hong Zao (红糟) is the solid lees that remain after the wine is pressed out. Both come from the same fermentation process. The lees are used for cooking; the wine is used in soups, marinades and for drinking.

Where can I buy red yeast rice in Singapore?
You can buy authentic red yeast rice (Hong Zao 红糟) directly from Ye Traditions at yetraditions.com. We ship island-wide with delivery in 1–3 business days. Our red yeast rice is handcrafted in Singapore without any preservatives.

Is red yeast rice safe for confinement?
Yes. Red yeast rice is a traditional cornerstone of Chinese confinement cooking in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and southern China. It is used in nourishing soups and stews to support circulation and postpartum recovery. Ye Traditions Hong Zao is made without alcohol additives, making it suitable for confinement meals.

How long does red yeast rice last?
Ye Traditions Hong Zao should be refrigerated upon receipt and used within 2–3 weeks once opened. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.

What is red yeast rice used for in TCM?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, red yeast rice (红曲米) is classified as a warming food that promotes circulation, tonifies the spleen and supports digestion. It has been used for over 1,000 years as both a food and a medicinal ingredient, particularly in postpartum and recovery contexts.