To make sticky rice (also known as glutinous or sweet rice), the traditional and most reliable method involves soaking and steaming the rice. Here's a step-by-step guide based on expert sources:
Ingredients
- Thai glutinous sticky rice (long grain, opaque)
- Water
- Salt (optional)
Equipment
- Steamer (bamboo cone steamer, cloth-lined steamer basket, or heatproof plate in a pot)
- Large bowl for soaking
Method
- Rinse the Rice
Place the sticky rice in a large bowl and wash it by swishing it with room temperature water. Drain and repeat 3-4 times until the water runs mostly clear to remove excess starch
- Soak the Rice
Soak the rinsed rice in plenty of water for at least 3 hours, preferably 4 to 12 hours, or even overnight. Longer soaking results in softer rice
- Drain the Rice
After soaking, drain the rice well. Some methods recommend rinsing again with cool water to remove surface starch
- Prepare the Steamer
Set up your steamer with boiling water. If using a cloth-lined basket, wet the cloth to prevent sticking. If using a bamboo cone steamer, soak it beforehand
- Steam the Rice
Place the drained rice in the steamer. Steam over boiling water for about 20-30 minutes. For larger amounts, steam longer or in batches. Flip or toss the rice halfway through steaming if using a bamboo cone steamer to ensure even cooking
- Check for Doneness
The rice is done when it is translucent and no longer opaque in the center. If needed, steam a few minutes longer
- Serve
Keep the rice covered with a tea towel to stay warm and moist until serving
Alternative Quick Method: Rice Cooker
You can also cook sticky rice quickly in a rice cooker without soaking. Use equal volumes of sticky rice and water, add salt if desired, and cook on the regular setting. Let the rice cool slightly to develop its stickiness
. This method yields the characteristic chewy, sticky texture of authentic sticky rice used in Thai and Laotian cuisine
. Avoid using regular jasmine or sushi rice, as they do not become sticky in the same way
. In summary, soaking the rice thoroughly and steaming it gently is the key to perfect sticky rice, with the option of a faster rice cooker method if time is short.
