Sticky Rice Cooked in a MicrowaveIf you’ve ever been to a Thai restaurant or had Thai food, chances are you’ve had sticky rice. Sticky rice, also known as sweet rice or glutinous rice, is a type of rice commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly Thai cuisine. In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes sticky rice so special, how to cook it perfectly, and some delicious Thai dishes that use sticky rice as a key ingredient. The main recipe below shows you how to prepare sticky rice cooked in a microwave. 

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What is Sticky Rice?

Sticky rice is a type of rice that is known for its sticky texture. It’s called glutinous rice because of its high level of amylopectin, a type of starch that gives the rice its sticky texture. Despite its name, glutinous rice does not contain gluten, so it’s safe for people with gluten allergies or sensitivities to consume.

Sticky rice is different from regular rice, such as jasmine rice or long-grain rice. While these types of rice are fluffy and separate easily, sticky rice grains tend to stick together. This makes it perfect for certain dishes, such as sushi rice or lo mai gai, a Chinese dim sum dish that’s made with sticky rice, chicken, and Chinese sausage.

Types of Sticky Rice

There are several different types of sticky rice, each with their own unique flavour and texture. Thai glutinous rice is the most common type of sticky rice and is what you’ll typically find in Thai restaurants. It has a slightly sweet flavour and a sticky, chewy texture.

Chinese sticky rice, on the other hand, is made from short-grain rice and has a nutty flavour. It’s often used in Chinese cuisine and is a key ingredient in dishes such as zongzi and sticky rice dumplings that are often filled with pork and mushrooms.

Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, is another type of sticky rice that’s becoming more popular. It has a dark, purplish-black colour and a nutty flavour. It’s also high in antioxidants and whole grains, making it a healthier alternative to white rice.

How to Cook Sticky Rice

Cooking sticky rice can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the traditional method. However, there are some easy ways to cook sticky rice that will give you great results every time. Don’t forget the recipe below for Sticky Rice Cooked in a Microwave Jump to Recipe

Traditional Method

The traditional way to cook sticky rice is to use a bamboo basket and a pot of boiling water. First, rinse a couple of cups of glutinous rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in enough water to cover it for at least 30 minutes or up to four hours.

Next, place the rice in a bamboo basket lined with a piece of cheesecloth. Fill a pot with enough water to come just below the bottom of the basket and bring it to a boil over high heat. Place the basket over the pot, cover it with a tight lid, and steam for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.

Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently stir and fluff the rice. Add a pinch of salt and a splash of lime juice or coconut milk, if desired, for extra flavour.

Simple Method

If you don’t have a bamboo basket or don’t want to go through the traditional method, you can still cook sticky rice using a rice cooker or a regular pot. To cook sticky rice in a rice cooker, simply rinse a couple of cups of glutinous rice in cold water and then add it to the rice cooker with enough water to cover the rice by about half an inch. Press the start button and let the rice cooker do the rest.

To cook sticky rice in a pot, rinse a couple of cups of glutinous rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Then, add the rice to a pot with 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight lid. Let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is cooked through.

No matter which method you choose, it’s important to use the right ratio of rice to water. Generally, you’ll need about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of water for every cup of glutinous rice. If you use too much water, you’ll end up with mushy rice. If you use too little water, the rice will be dry and crunchy.

Using a Sticky Rice Steamer Basket

If you want to cook sticky rice using the traditional method, you’ll need a bamboo steamer basket. These baskets can be found in most Asian markets or online. To use a bamboo steamer basket, follow these steps:

1. Rinse a couple of cups of glutinous rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in enough water to cover it for at least 30 minutes or up to four hours.
2. Line the bamboo basket with a piece of cheesecloth or parchment paper.
3. Fill a pot with enough water to come just below the bottom of the basket and bring it to a boil over high heat.
4. Place the basket over the pot, cover it with a tight lid, and steam for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
5. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently stir and fluff the rice. Add a pinch of salt and a splash of lime juice or coconut milk, if desired, for extra flavour.

Using a rice steamer cooking pot or an aluminium pot with a tight lid can also work just as well.

Or, the even easier method – Sticky Rice Cooked in a Microwave. Jump to Recipe

Tips for Perfect Sticky Rice

• Rinse the rice several times in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevent mushy rice.
• Soak the rice in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the rice absorb water evenly and cook more evenly.
• Use the right ratio of rice to water. Generally, you’ll need about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of water for every cup of glutinous rice.
• Cook the rice over low heat and cover the pot with a tight lid to prevent steam from escaping.
• Once the rice is cooked, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before fluffing it with a wooden spoon or spatula. This helps the rice settle and become more sticky.

Delicious Thai Dishes that Use Sticky Rice

Sticky rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of Thai dishes. Here are some of our favourite Thai dishes that use sticky rice as a key ingredient:

1. Mango Sticky Rice: This is a classic Thai dessert that consists of sticky rice cooked with coconut milk and served with fresh mango slices.
2. Green Papaya Salad: This salad is made with shredded green papaya, fresh herbs, and a spicy lime dressing. Sticky rice is often served on the side to balance out the heat.
3. Larb Gai: This is a spicy Thai salad made with ground chicken or pork, fresh herbs, and a spicy lime dressing. Sticky rice is often served on the side to help cool down the heat.
4. Khao Soi: This is a Northern Thai noodle soup made with coconut milk, curry paste, and chicken or beef. Sticky rice is often served on the side to help soak up the broth.
5. Pad See Ew: This is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish that is made with thin rice noodles, soy sauce, and a variety of vegetables and proteins. Sticky rice is often served on the side as a perfect side dish.

1. Lo Mai Gai: This is a popular dim sum dish that consists of sticky rice cooked with Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and other fillings. All wrapped in a lotus leaf and steamed.

Sticky rice can also be used in sushi rolls or stuffed into dumplings. Or used as a bed for grilled meats or vegetables.

Final Thoughts

Thai sticky rice is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you prefer the traditional method of using a bamboo steamer basket. Or a simple method with a regular pot. The key is to use the right ratio of rice to water and cook it over low heat with a tight lid. With the right technique, you can achieve the perfect sticky texture and nutty flavour that makes Thai sticky rice so irresistible.

So next time you visit a Thai restaurant or want to add a new dish to your next Thai dinner. Be sure to give sticky rice a try. It’s an excellent basis for some of the most popular and delicious Thai dishes out there.

 Sticky Rice  Cooked in a Microwave

However, I was recently in the right place at the right time for this northern Thailand dish. I have discovered a really easy way to get cooked rice using the microwave. There is no need for a steamer pot, sticky rice steamer baskets or splatter guard. For this easy sticky rice recipe,  you simply use a microwave, a heatproof bowl and plastic wrap. Check out my latest recipe, straight from a southeast Asia, Asian market below. Just don’t forget the important ingredients……… sticky rice!