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How To Make Sticky Rice In A Rice Cooker

Sticky rice is a kind of rice that becomes more cooked and sticky when it cools—cooked in a traditional clay vessel or ceramic pottery. But on this page, I will teach you how to make sticky rice in a rice cooker. This method is the best and the easiest.

To make sticky rice, you first need to soak rice in water for about an hour, drain and put it back in the rice cooker. Set the rice on a pyrex or ceramic dish and bring it to a boil. Boil on high setting for about 30 minutes. Then turn off the rice cooker and let the rice sit for a bit before fluffing it with a fork, serve it after that.

However, It is often served as part of a dim sum or banquet-style tea party, but it is also an essential part of Chinese cuisine. You can add it to soups, stir-fries, noodle dishes, and stews. 

Also, sticky rice combines the best features of cooked grains and raw grains, made with long-grain white rice.

What is sticky rice

What is sticky riceSticky rice is the perfect addition to stir fry, soups, baked goods, and more. Use it instead of brown rice for an extra nutty flavor, also called sweet rice.

To make sticky rice, you need to coat an equal ratio of white rice and glutinous rice with warm water to get your sticky texture. 

Only use short-grain white rice for this recipe because long-grain rice won’t achieve the sticky quality you’re looking for. 

Rice cookers are great for cooking sticky rice; however, you can use an electric steam basket or a large bamboo steamer if you don’t have one to hand.

The best type of rice to make sticky rice

Sticky rice, also known as sweet rice, glutinous rice, or waxy rice, is shorter and starchier than varieties like long-grain white rice. Jasmine Rice, Brown Basmati Rice, White Basmati Rice are the best rice to prepare sticky rice.

To make the best homemade sticky rice, you need a type of rice that is sticky enough when cooked. Basmati and jasmine rice are perfect types of rice to make sticky rice because both of them have a high starch content. 

In addition, they will expand significantly during cooking. Every rice brand is different, so experiment with a few brands before deciding which one makes the best homemade sticky rice.

Jasmine rice has an excellent texture and absorbs less liquid than other rice, making it perfect for sticky rice. It also gives the finished meal a nice flavor. 

Brown and white basmati rice is another good choice; it has little starch and is dry and fluffy.

White basmati rice is ideal for making sticky rice. It has a wonderful aroma and slightly nutty flavor. 

One cup of uncooked white basmati rice makes about 3 cups of cooked white basmati rice. 

How do you make sticky rice in a rice cooker?

How do you make sticky rice in a rice cookerHere’s a step-by-step guide for making delicious sticky rice in your rice cooker.

1. Properly Rinse the rice

Rinse 1 cup of regular dry jasmine rice at least 2 or 3 times until the water is almost clear. Unrinsed rice will be too starchy and will not stick together when cooked.

2. Soak the rinsed rice for 1 hour or more

Soak in warm water for about 1 hour or longer if your room is cold. Then put 3 cups of water and drain the soaked rice. 

3. Put the soaked rice into your rice cooker and add water

Place the well-drained and even amount of rice and water into your rice cooker. 

To cook sticky rice in a rice cooker, do a rice-to-water ratio of 1:1. In other words, 1 cup of dry uncooked Basmati or Jasmine rice needs 1 cup of water.

4. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Place 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup uncooked rice (also known as sweet rice or glutinous rice) 

Add the salt and stir until combined. Cover it with the lid and make sure it closes securely. 

5. Allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes

Allow it to cook for 14-20 minutes before opening the lid to check on it. When the steam escapes from the valve, this means that your rice is ready.

After 20 minutes, kindly turn off the cooker and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. 

Or you just set the timer according to the instructions of your rice cooker. 

6. Serve immediately

Fluff with a fork and serve immediately.

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How do you make sticky rice without a rice cooker?

How do you make sticky rice without a rice cookerThere are two perfect methods to replace the rice cooker when you want to cook sticky rice. A small metal or bamboo steamer and a traditional way with a pot and tight lid.

Using a small metal or bamboo rice steamer

A small metal or bamboo rice steamer is the perfect tool for making sticky rice without a rice cooker. 

To make sticky rice, cook regular long-grain or jasmine rice as usual, but steam it in a small metal/bamboo rice steamer instead of a pot. 

The steam will cook the rice to perfection, and you’ll wind up with fluffy, delicious sticky rice. 

Using Traditional method

To make traditional sticky rice, you’ll need a medium or large pot with a tight-fitting lid, where the rice will simmer in liquid. 

A 12 cup/3.5L capacity is best for about 3 cups/750 ml of raw rice, though this amount will vary depending on the kind of sticky rice that you want to make.

When you are using this method, it is very important not to wash the rice before cooking to have long-grain sticky rice.

How to make sticky rice with regular rice in a rice cooker

It’s difficult to make sticky rice with regular rice in a rice cooker, but you can do it. The method I have perfected is below.

It is straightforward and will take you just a few minutes. Cook the rice as we regularly would, let it steam for a little longer than normal, and then fluff the rice and give it a good mix, and you should have sticky rice. 

Then you can stir-fry it as desired, but serve it with some sugar and soy sauce on top.

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How to make sticky rice for sushi with regular rice

How to make sticky rice for sushi with regular riceRegular rice can be used as a substitute for sushi rice as long as you make some adjustments to the process. Sushi rice is slightly sweeter and stickier than regular rice. The table sugar in sushi rice draws out moisture from the rice, making it sticky and delicious. 

To make regular rice sticky for sushi, you will need to serve it with a simple mix of vinegar, sugar, and salt after cooking the meal.

Additionally, cooking the steaming rice will bond the natural starches in the rice grains together. Soak your grains beforehand, cover them with water and steam them, and you will have sticky rice for sushi.

How can I make sticky rice for sushi without rice cooker?

The easiest way to make sticky rice without using a rice cooker is to use a stove with regular long-grain white rice. Soak it overnight in lukewarm water, then drain completely before proceeding with your recipe. 

Although you do not need to use the stovetop, it’s best to use a rice cooker.

To use a saucepan, add 3/4 cup of sugar, 3/4 cup water with one tablespoon Korean sweet rice flour mixed with a whisk. Bring this mixture to a boil and mix well. 

Add in 2 cups of steamed sushi rice and cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes with a lid on. Stir often to help it cook evenly. 

Please remove it from the stovetop and allow it to cool down completely before using sushi rolls or topping cakes, etc.

How to make sticky rice in rice cooker with long-grain rice

How to make sticky rice in rice cooker with long-grain riceThe secret to sticky rice can also be long-grain rice. You can get this kind of rice at an Asian market or order it online and have it shipped to you.

To cook with long grain rice in a rice cooker for sticky rice, you need 1 part sticky rice (aka sweet rice), two parts warm water, and 1 cup long-grain white rice.

Next is to put the rice with water in the cooker. Cook with steam for 25-30 minutes. Kindly turn off the heat and let it sit with steam for another 5 minutes before you fluff it.

This method takes little effort but does not give good results as regular dry jasmine rice.

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How to make sticky rice quick

You can quickly make sticky rice with the right ingredients and techniques to rinse it, cook it, and roll to serve fresh

These are three effortless ways to make sticky rice quickly.

 1. Use a rice cooker. While this is an option, it’s also a pain to clean up. 

2. Make sticky rice on the stovetop. It can be time-consuming, not to mention messy.

3. Steam sticky rice in a microwave oven. It is perhaps the easiest way to make sticky rice quickly and doesn’t require a ton of hand washing

To use any of the above methods is good. Still, a rice cooker can be another available option by soaking jasmine or fragrant rice for 1 to 2 hours in cold water, then putting it in a rice cooker with one cup of cooled boiled water for every cup of uncooked rice.

As the water boils, steam will rise and stick to the grains. When done, scoop it into bowls to serve hot.

Recommended Post: How To Cook Cabbage In A Crock Pot

How to make sticky rice with white rice

To make sticky rice with white rice, place pre-cooked rice in a bowl. Add water, cover, and let stand overnight. 

In the morning, pour it into a larger saucepan and add more water if needed. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. 

When it reaches a boil, return to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until nearly all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. 

Please turn off the heat before placing the lid on the pot and removing it from the stove.

You can mix in some velvety coconut milk, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, sliced almonds before cooking for a fantastic side dish.

How to make sticky rice with jasmine rice

This rice is different from normal white rice because it has more starch, making it stick together.

Follow these straightforward instructions to learn exactly how to make sticky rice with Jasmine Rice.

1. Cook with a rice cooker or on a pot. 

2. Add it to a steamer and steam for 15 minutes.

 3. Pour 1 cup of water into a wok and add a pinch of salt with the pork sliver. Bring the mixture to boil; add millet into it with soy sauce when the water is boiling.

How to make sticky rice with basmati rice

How to make sticky rice with basmati riceTo make sticky rice with basmati:

1. Wash the basmati rice and soak it for 20 minutes in enough water for the ratio to be 1:2. 

2. In a wok or a non-stick pot, heat the oil and sauté the garlic over medium heat for about 20 seconds without burning it. 

3. Add rice and stir well with a wooden spatula so that each grain is covered with oil

 4. Pour in water until it’s about a quarter of a centimeter above the level of rice 

5. Boil until half of the water is gone 

6. Cover with a lid and simmer until all the water has evaporated

Note: Cooking rice with double water is suitable for regular rice but not 100% true with basmati rice.

How to Make Thai Sticky Rice

To make Thai Sticky rice in a heavy saucepan:

  1. Bring the milk to a boil.
  2. Add in the rice and cook 5 to 10 minutes or until the milk is fully absorbed.
  3. Transfer hot cooked rice into a bowl and add sesame oil, salt, sugar, and vanilla bean seeds.
  4. Toss well, then cover it with a towel and let sit for at least 30 minutes to enjoy the crispy texture of your Thai Sticky Rice.

Although traditionally eaten with the hands, sticky rice is often accompanied by a fork. First, soak the rice in water to soften it and remove excess starch. Cook the rice in a rice cooker as usual, or boil it on the stovetop to speed up the process. 

To prevent stickiness from forming during cooking, moisten your hands with cold water as you form each portion of rice into small balls or clumps. Some cooks prefer to use hot water for cooking sticky rice, as this process keeps it from sticking together too much; however, others prefer using cold water instead since it can be nearly impossible to separate the grains when hot water has been used.

How long does it take to cook sticky rice in a rice cooker?

If you’re cooking on the stove, sticky rice will take around 25 minutes; if you’re using a rice cooker, it’ll only take about 20 minutes. No matter what method you use, set a timer before you start so you can check to make sure your rice isn’t overcooked.

However, the cooking time for sticky rice in a rice cooker depends on the type of rice. For example, Thai Jasmine rice takes longer than long-grain white or brown rice. There are also differences in cooking time depending on the rice cooker you use.

 If you like Asian recipes, you might want to consider getting the “Super Fast Thai Cooking” cookbook, which has some great information about preparing your Thai meals in less than 30 minutes!

Sticky rice water ratio rice cooker

Cook rice with 1/3 of water in a rice cooker, and it should not be later than 75% full.

The sticky rice water ratio is 3 to 1. That means 1 cup of uncooked sticky rice; you need 3 cups of water. If you are making 6 cups of sticky rice, then you will need 18 cups of water.

Rice cookers can be optimal for making sticky rice, as most units include a function to steam and maintain the temperature and texture of the rice. 

Typical cooking times for sticky rice are generally under 35 minutes, and you will generally need 1 cup sticky rice per 3 cups water. 

It tells you how much water you need to put into your sticky rice cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a rice cooker good for sticky rice?

Rice cookers are great for cooking sticky rice. It comes out just the way you like it, with that beautiful white color and very little or no browning on the bottom of your pot. You can also use a rice cooker to cook brown rice, although you’ll need to slightly increase the amount of water.

What is the water to rice ratio for sticky rice?

The water to rice ratio depends on the type of rice cooked. For white sticky rice, 1 cup of water is added for each cup of uncooked sticky rice. If the rice has brown molds, the ratio begins on 2 cups of water for each cup of uncooked sticky rice.

Why is my rice sticky in the rice cooker?

Rice that is or feels sticky or gummy has the exact cause. It just means that your rice cooker temp settings are too low. It means that the amount of water in the pot is too small for the size of the pot.

Rice absorbs water in two phases: in the steaming phase when the raw grains are sealed inside a closed pot with live steam, and in setting or after steaming when you leave it in contact with the residual heat in the pot. But sticky rice results from cooking water that evaporates out of a grain of rice. 

What kind of rice is used for sticky rice?

Most recipes call for medium to short-grain white rice, though the best type of rice used for sticky rice is a special variety from Thailand. They are called “Chao nao” or “glutinous rice,” this type of rice has a starchier texture and is used to make things like congee, desserts, and dinner dishes.

The recommended ratio, including water and rice, is 2:1. An additional amount of water will affect the taste of sticky rice.

Can you buy sticky rice at grocery store?

Generally, you cannot buy Thai sticky rice at the grocery store. However, it is easy to find in Asian supermarkets and Asian food stores in most countries. The most popular brand in the USA is Thai Jasmine brand sticky rice.

Conclusion

Rice is a staple food for many people. It’s also very versatile, with tons of varieties. How to make sticky rice in a rice cooker is simple if you follow the steps by step guide above, and you’ll be enjoying perfectly sticky rice every time.

How to make sticky rice for sushi with regular rice

How to make Sticky Rice in Rice cooker

Sticky rice is the perfect addition to stir fry, soups, baked goods, and more. Use it instead of brown rice for an extra nutty flavor, also called sweet rice.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: How to make sticky rice in a rice cooker
Servings: 4
Calories: 385kcal

Equipment

  • Rice Cooker

Ingredients

  • 416 g glutinous rice
  • 488 g filtered water

Instructions

  • Measure out the glutinous rice and place it into a strainer. Under running water, wash the rice until the water runs clear.
  • Add the rice into the cooking pot.
  • Add the water and make sure the rice is leveled.
  • Plug in your rice cooker and close the lid. Follow your rice cooker’s instruction, or use the “normal” setting and press start.
  • Once the rice is finished, open the lid and use the rice paddle to fluff up the rice to remove excess moisture and let it sit for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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