How to Make Sticky Rice With Sweet White Rice, just like in the Asian restaurants. There’s a trick. It's not difficult!
Have you ever wondered how Asian restaurants make their rice so sticky? That doesn't happen when you make white rice at home, does it? Well, yes. Yes, it does. But only if you use the right rice and soak it overnight.
What Sticky Rice Looks Like Before Cooking
Sticky Rice is made with a glutinous white rice (but it doesn't contain gluten). The rice looks different than other types of white rice; it has a dull, white patina, rather like the outside of a coated aspirin. It's also a little bit fatter.
I haven't seen this type of rice in the supermarket, but then, I haven't known what to look for. It's not marketed as "sticky rice." We asked the clerk at the Oriental Market about it. She explained that it's a special kind of rice; we purchased a bag, and she said to soak it overnight and then "cook it like regular rice." It worked!
Sticky rice turns out perfectly when made with Sweet White Rice. If you look for gluten-free flours, you'll easily find Sweet Rice Flour. Even though it doesn't contain gluten, its high stickiness makes it grind into a good flour that mimics wheat flour (which contains gluten). Sweet Rice Flour is a good option for thickening gravies and sauces. I find it a bit grainy for baking, however.
Should You Use a Rice Cooker?
I used the rice cooker, but it came out a mushy, gloppy mess because it didn't seem done. I added a bit more water at the end, and then cooked it too long. Here's what I learned: (1) soak Sticky Rice overnight; (2) use 2 cups of water per cup of rice; and (3) don't overcook it. It takes about the same amount of time (around 25 minutes) to cook this rice as it does for any white rice.
What's a Rice Cooker?
A rice cooker is basically a "set it and forget it" small appliance. It takes all the stress out of making perfect rice, steaming veggies, or even cooking quinoa without burning or constant monitoring.
They are super easy to use and no more burning rice or cooking it dry, leaving a mess in your pot. The new, electric rice cookers work great for all types of rice. Just find one with a four or five-star rating on Amazon.
A Little History
Sticky Rice is delicious with any kind of sauce. It's a terrific alternative to potatoes. According to Don, Sticky Rice is one of the reasons we lost the Vietnam War. The Americans had to stop to eat regular meals, which took time, and the Vietnamese soldiers carried nutrition Sticky Rice Balls with them to eat whenever they needed a bit of sustenance. All kinds of rice provide protein, carbs and other nutrients. Some, such as Brown Rice, have more fiber and take longer to digest (making them lower glycemic index and therefore better for diabetics).
Types of Rice
I like most types of rice, but I use them for specific purposes. I prefer Sticky Rice or White Rice with Stir Fry. Basmati Rice is good for Lemon Rice or Cinnamon Sugar Rice. Jasmine Rice (which smells amazing when cooked), Brown Rice, or Red Rice are all good served cooked, alongside a meat or poultry entree. Rice that is called "Wild Rice" is often a mixture of several darker kinds of rice, such as Brown, Black, and Red Rice. Arborio Rice is used to make Risotto. Black Rice made with coconut milk is fabulous as a dessert. Each type of rice has a little different flavor. White rice is generally mildly flavored; darker ones often have a nutty flavor. What's your favorite?
What You Need
Simple tools are required for this recipe: a strainer (to rinse the rice), a rice cooker or covered pot, and a measuring cup. What would you use?
How to Make Sticky Rice Recipe
Author: Recipe Idea Shop
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sweet Rice Asian sticky rice
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Rinse the rice.
- Soak the rice overnight in 2 cups of water.
- Bring the water and rice to a rolling boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook for about 20-25 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice sticks together and is soft.
- Do not overcook or it will be mushy.
Nutrition (may vary depending on ingredients and amounts used)
Recipe Nutrition
This recipe is GF, DF, NF, SF, EF, CF, V, VG*
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
More Recipes Using Rice
- Cinnamon Sugar Rice
- Brown Rice Salad with Cranberries
- Savory Sweet Roasted Butternut Squash Rice Salad
- Tarragon Rice Pilaf
- Lemon Rice
- Ayman’s Egyptian Rice
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*Allergen Key
GF = Gluten free | DF = Dairy free | NF = Nut free | SF = Soy free | EF = Egg free | CF = Corn free | V = Vegetarian | VG = Vegan
Note: If you have serious allergies or sensitivities, to be considered free of these allergens, you need to use products specifically marked "gluten free," etc. There can be cross-contamination in facilities.
