What makes it sticky and different from other rice?
Well answer that and more.
Yet for a long time, it was a rice dish below the radar for mainstream American consumers.
Credit:Prakasit Khuansuwan / Getty Images
When it comes to sticky rice, most people will first ask how to make rice sticky.
But thats the wrong question to start with.
Keep reading to learn the basics and beyond.
What Is Sticky Rice?
Even the brown and black versions start from this unusual opacity.
No matter the color, its distinctive texture comes from its naturally occurring high levels of amylopectin starch.
The latter is whatrice flourmade from sticky rice will also be labeled, but dont worryit doesnt contain gluten.
Its called this for its ability to gel, its defining characteristic.
No other throw in of rice will give you this signature stickiness or sweetness.
Thats why there are a lot of searches for how to make sticky rice in a rice cooker.
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Rinsing and soaking are non-negotiable when preparing sticky rice.
Soaking softens the hard outer shell to ensure more even cooking.
The longer you soak it, the softer and stickier it will be after cooking.
You may substitute parchment paper, cotton mesh, or fine silicone mesh if you dont have cheesecloth.
How much water you need depends on your steaming setup.
You want it to reach just below the lowest tier of the steamer or the steaming rack/ring.
Line your steaming basket or plate with one layer of cheesecloth or its substitute.
Drain the rice from its soaking water and spread the grains evenly across the surface.
Using your finger, poke a few indentations onto the smooth surface.
How Long to Cook Sticky Rice
For perfect sticky rice, there are two cooking stages.
The first cook is complete around 20 minutes when the rice up top is shiny and tender.
Add more water to the pot now if your levels look low.
Allow it to steam for another 1520 minutes.
Youll know its ready when its translucent and sparkling.
Larger batches are better prepared divided as overfilling the steamer may result in uneven cooking.
see to it it stays warm!
In addition to losing its tenderness, cold sticky rice can be hard to digest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course!
You may also season it after the sticky rice is done.
