Hey y’all! Austin here from Beyond The Bayou Blog. Today I’m sharing one of my favorite comfort food recipes – Sticky Rice. This humble dish takes me right back to my childhood. Momma would make it for us kids after school as an easy snack. The sweet aroma filling the kitchen is one of my earliest food memories.
I remember sneaking bites straight from the pot, burning my tongue on the piping hot rice every time. It was worth it for those chewy, sticky bites coated in the sweet coconut sauce.
These days, I make sticky rice as a nostalgic treat when I’m craving something simple but satisfying. It’s the kind of homey dish that just sticks to your ribs and soul. Grab a spoon and some banana slices for the ultimate throwback experience!
Overview: How To Make Sticky Rice?
Today, I’m sharing my go-to method for making perfect sticky rice at home. With just two simple ingredients – sweet rice and water – you can create a delicious and versatile base for many Asian-inspired dishes.
Start by soaking your sweet rice for 6 to 24 hours, allowing it to plump up and achieve that ideal sticky texture. The longer you soak, the softer the rice will become. Once soaked, drain the water and steam the rice for 30 to 45 minutes until it’s cooked through and wonderfully sticky.
I recommend keeping the rice covered or in the steamer until you’re ready to serve or incorporate it into your favorite recipes to prevent it from drying out. Whether you’re crafting sushi, Thai mango sticky rice, or a simple side dish, this sticky rice recipe is sure to elevate your culinary creations to the next level. Enjoy!
Sticky Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl or deep container
- heat-proof rimmed plate or bamboo steamer
- natural steamer liners or parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweet rice/sticky rice/glutinous rice
- Water
Instructions
- Soak sticky rice in water for 6 to 24 hours, ensuring water level is 3 inches above rice.
- Drain soaked rice and spread evenly on a heat-proof plate or bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper.
- Steam covered for 30-45 minutes, adjusting time for larger batches.
- Keep rice covered or in steamer until ready to use.
- Serve as a side dish or in various Asian-inspired recipes.
Nutrition
Tips You Must Be Mindful Of!
- Be Mindful of Water Amount: Avoid adding too much water. Add just enough to cover the rice by 0.5-1 inch. Extra water can lead to overheating during the 20-minute soak, resulting in overly soft rice.
- Adjust Soaking Time for Large Batches: If cooking a lot of rice, decrease soaking time. Successfully used for up to 3 cups of uncooked rice. For larger quantities, reduce soaking time slightly due to increased water heat retention. While 4 cups should be fine, 5+ cups may cause significant differences.
- Increase Water for Small Portions: For very small amounts (1 cup or less), increase water slightly to compensate for faster cooling. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water coverage instead of 0.5-1 inch.
- Customize to Taste: This method offers flexibility based on preference. For softer rice, add more hot water or extend the soaking time. For firmer rice, reduce soaking time.
What to Serve with Sticky Rice?
What Makes Sticky Rice “Sticky�
- Glutinous or Sweet Rice: Use the correct type of rice, labeled “glutinous” or “sweet.” Other rice types, like jasmine rice, won’t work.
- Soaking in Water: Soak the rice in water for 4 to 10 hours before cooking.
- Steaming: Steam the rice over simmering water. Do not boil it directly in water like other types of rice.
Is Sticky Rice Healthy?
Sticky rice can be a healthy part of your diet when eaten in moderation. It’s low in fat and provides a good source of energy. However, it’s also high in carbohydrates, so it’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced meal with vegetables and proteins. As with any food, the key is to enjoy sticky rice in moderation to maintain a healthy diet.