How to make sticky rice

Sticky rice complements various dishes, especially with Asian recipes like curries and stir-fries. Cooking rice to perfection can be a challenge, and this particular method is no exception. Discover the best type of rice and flavours to create your perfect sticky rice.

What is sticky rice?

Glutinous rice, commonly referred to as sticky rice or Thai sticky rice, is a variety of rice primarily grown in Southeast and East Asia. It is well known for its sweet, waxy taste and texture that’s perfect for both sweet and savoury dishes. If glutinous rice isn’t available, you can use alternative grains to prepare sticky rice, like the aromatic jasmine rice. 

Cooking glutinous rice

Various types of sticky rice grains are readily available worldwide. Look out for rice labelled ‘Thai sticky rice’, ‘Chinese sticky rice’, ‘sweet’ or ‘glutinous’ rice. There are plenty of ways to cook sticky rice, with the most popular being steaming or using a rice cooker if you have one at home.

How to steam sticky rice

Gather your ingredients and equipment: you’ll need 4 cups of glutinous rice, a large bowl, a fine strainer, a steamer basket (or alternative), a muslin cloth (or alternative), and a large pan.

1. Soak the rice: Soak 4 cups of glutinous rice in cool water for 4-24 hours.
2. Rinse the rice: Once soaked, drain the cloudy water using a fine strainer, then rinse the rice again. Use your hands to wash the rice until the water runs clear. This helps separate the rice, preventing it from clumping when cooked.
3. Prepare the steamer: Assemble your steamer by filling the bottom with 2.5-5 cm of water. Line the steamer basket with a double-layered damp muslin cloth, ensuring a 7-8 cm overhang at the edges.
4. Steam the rice: Transfer the rice into the lined steamer basket and use your hands to shape it into an even layer. Fold the overhanging muslin cloth over the rice to create a parcel, then cover it with a lid.
5. Cook the rice: Bring the water in the steamer to a boil, then place the steamer basket over the top. Lower the heat gradually to bring the water to a gentle simmer. Cook the rice for 10 minutes, then carefully flip the parcel of rice in the steamer basket to ensure even cooking.
6. Final cooking: Cover the rice with the lid again and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender but still chewy with a sticky texture.
7. Rest the rice: Transfer the rice into a heatproof bowl and cover with a plate, then let it rest for around 10 minutes before serving.

Making sticky rice in a rice cooker

If you have a rice cooker, making sticky rice is a much easier process!

1. Gather your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need a rice cooker, salt, 2 cups of sticky rice, and water. You can always adjust the ingredients depending on how much rice you’re making. 
2. Place two cups of sticky rice into your rice cooker, add the water and stir.
3. Let the rice soak in the rice cooker for at least 40 minutes or longer if you have time. This allows the outer shell to soften, so the rice has the best texture. 
4. Add half a tsp of salt, stir again, and turn the rice cooker on. Let the rice cook for 25 minutes. 
5. Once you turn off the rice cooker, let it sit for around 5 minutes, then it’s ready to serve.  

Sticky jasmine rice

If you can’t find sticky or glutinous rice, you can always use jasmine rice as an alternative. Although it’s a different grain, it can still achieve the same sticky texture. 

1. Gather your ingredients. You’ll need 450g of Thai (jasmine) rice, a steamer basket or alternative, non-stick parchment paper, a fine strainer and a large pan. 
2. Soak the rice in a bowl of water overnight to allow the grains to soften.
3. Once soaked, drain the rice with a fine strainer, making sure all excess water is removed. 
4. Line the steamer basket with non-stick parchment paper and fill a large pan with around 3 cm of water. 
5. Position the steamer on top of the pan and bring the water to a simmer. It’s important to make sure the steamer basket fits tightly on top of the pan you are using. 
6. Put the rice in the steamer basket and cover, then cook for around 35 minutes or until the consistency is both sticky and tender. Keep it covered with a damp cloth or parchment paper to prevent the rice from drying out. 
7. Serve the sticky rice once you are ready. 

Sticky rice recipes

Now that you know how to make sticky rice, you’ll need some tasty rice recipes to eat alongside it. It can be paired with many other ingredients, which makes sticky rice recipes extremely versatile. Try it with this Thai fish curry with jasmine rice or Mongolian beef & pea stir-fry with jasmine rice. Enjoy!