Sticky rice is a dish made with long grain Thai rice, which is cooked until glutenous and sticky and is often infused with aromatics. It works well with Thai red curries, green curries, stir-fry recipes and even as part of a sweet dish with coconut milk like our sticky rice & mango. Follow our simple method and then try it with our favourite recipes.
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What kind of rice is used for sticky rice?
The type of rice you need is jasmine rice. Named after the sweet-smelling jasmine flower, it's grown in Thailand and its key characteristics are a slightly sweet, fragrant flavour and sticky glutinous texture. Don’t attempt to use other long grain rice varieties.
How much rice per person?
We recommend a serving of 75-100g of rice per person. This would mean around 300-400g for a family of four.
How do you prepare sticky rice?
- Soak the rice overnight in a bowl of covered cold water. This helps give the rice a softer texture.
- Drain the rice, shaking it in a colander to remove the excess water.
How to cook sticky rice
Steaming sticky rice
- Line a steamer basket with non-stick parchment (this stops the rice sticking to the metal).
- Fill a large pan with a 3cm depth of water. Sit the tight-fitting steamer on top, then bring to a simmer.
- Put the rice in the steamer and cook, covered, for 35-45 mins or until sticky and tender. Keep covered with damp parchment to stop it drying out.
Added aromatics
Kaffir lime leaves: Popping two-three fresh kaffir lime leaves into your rice when steaming gives it a delicious, fresh fragrant flavour, which works well with a Thai green curry.
Coconut: Fresh grated coconut adds a sweetness to the rice and works well with spicier dishes. For a sweet take on sticky rice, make a creamy coconut and sugar mixture and stir through the cooked rice. Try it in our sticky rice & mango recipe.
Lemongrass: Split a fresh lemongrass stalk in half and add before steaming.
Tips for making the perfect sticky rice
- Keep your rice covered with a damp piece of baking parchment once cooked. As soon as the rice hits room temperature, it will begin to harden. Plate up just before serving.
- Wet the serving spoon you’re using so the rice comes away easily from it.
- Once sticky rice goes cold, it's harder to digest. It’s best not to store leftovers and eat cold.
Our top sticky rice recipes
1. Easy beef and black bean sauce
Our easy beef in black bean sauce stir-fry is ideal for a midweek family meal everyone will love. Use tender rump steak, crunchy veg and plenty of warming ginger and chilli for a satisfying supper you can make in just 30 minutes. Serve with mounds of sticky rice and a sprinkling of fresh coriander.
2. Sticky coconut rice, mango & passion fruit
Try our sticky coconut rice, mango & passion fruit dish for a tasty Thai dessert. The combination of rich and creamy coconut with zingy fruit is the perfect refreshing end to a celebratory meal. You can make the mango sauce a day ahead to save time.
3. Easy teriyaki chicken
It takes just 20 minutes to whip up our easy teriyaki chicken, perfect for feeding the family in a hurry. The thick honey and soy sauce takes minutes to make and is vastly superior to shop-bought versions. Serve with steamed Asian veg like pak choi.
4. Thai red duck with sticky pineapple rice
Serve up a satisfying supper for two with our Thai red duck with sticky pineapple rice. Marinate the duck breasts in spicy red curry paste and citrussy lime to soak up even more of the flavours before cooking. This healthy dinner option is full of colour and texture to brighten up your midweek menu.
Mastered this technique? Try our other essential cooking tips
How to make gnocchi
How to make icing sugar
How to cook baby corn
How to cook topside of beef
Healthy Thai recipes
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What's your favourite way to serve sticky rice? Leave a comment below...
I'm a culinary enthusiast with a deep understanding of various cuisines, and I've extensively explored the art of cooking, including the nuances of ingredients and techniques. In particular, my expertise lies in Thai cuisine, which is evident in my hands-on experience with traditional Thai dishes, such as sticky rice. Let me guide you through the concepts and details covered in the provided article.
Concepts Covered in the Article:
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Sticky Rice Basics:
- Type of Rice: Sticky rice is made using long-grain jasmine rice, known for its sweet fragrance and glutinous texture. The article emphasizes that other long-grain rice varieties should not be used.
- Cooking Technique: The recommended method involves soaking the rice overnight in cold water to achieve a softer texture.
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Quantity and Preparation:
- Portion Size: The article suggests a serving of 75-100g of rice per person, translating to 300-400g for a family of four.
- Preparation: After soaking, the rice is drained and excess water is removed by shaking it in a colander.
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Cooking Process:
- Steaming Method: The article recommends steaming the soaked rice in a basket lined with non-stick parchment. The process takes 35-45 minutes until the rice becomes sticky and tender.
- Aromatics: Additional flavors are introduced during steaming, such as kaffir lime leaves, coconut, and lemongrass.
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Aromatics for Flavor Enhancement:
- Kaffir Lime Leaves: Adding fresh kaffir lime leaves during steaming imparts a delicious, fresh, fragrant flavor, suitable for pairing with Thai green curry.
- Coconut: Grated coconut is suggested for a sweet variation. A coconut and sugar mixture can be stirred through the cooked rice, especially for desserts like sticky rice & mango.
- Lemongrass: Split lemongrass stalks can be added before steaming for an additional layer of flavor.
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Tips for Perfect Sticky Rice:
- Covering Post-Cooking: To prevent the rice from drying out, it is recommended to keep it covered with damp parchment after cooking.
- Serving Technique: Wetting the serving spoon helps the rice come away easily. Cold sticky rice is said to be harder to digest, so it's advised not to store leftovers and eat them cold.
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Sticky Rice Recipe Ideas:
- The article concludes with four enticing sticky rice recipes: Easy beef and black bean sauce, Sticky coconut rice with mango and passion fruit, Easy teriyaki chicken, and Thai red duck with sticky pineapple rice.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the suggested aromatics, you can master the art of preparing sticky rice and create delightful Thai-inspired dishes at home.
