How to Make Sticky Rice (Foolproof Method!)

4.75 from 27 votes

Foolproof instructions to make sticky rice without a rice cooker or special equipment. Our method makes perfect sticky rice every time!

Cook Time45

Total Time45

Course: Rice

Cuisine: Asian

Servings:

Calories: 342kcal

Author: Judy

Add the sticky rice to a mixing bowl or other deep container. Fill it with water so that the water level is at least 3 inches above the rice, as the rice will expand when soaking.
Soak for 6 to 24 hours. Soak it longer if you want your sticky rice to have a softer texture.
Drain the water (no need to shake off the excess water), and evenly arrange the soaked sticky rice on a heat-proof, rimmed plate or bamboo steamer lined with natural steamer liners or parchment paper.
Cover and steam for 30-45 minutes. When making larger batch of rice, steam in two batches or steam longer. You can check the rice and increase the steaming time if need be.
Keep the sticky rice in the steamer or covered to prevent drying out until you serve it or use it in a recipe.

Prep time does not include 6 hours/overnight soaking time.

Rice Cooker Method:

Add the sticky rice to a mixing bowl or other deep container. Fill it with water so that the water level is at least 3 inches above the rice, as the rice will expand when soaking. Soak for a minimum of 2 hours, but ideally in the range of 6 to 24 hours.
Drain the rice and add it to your rice cooker pot. Add water so it barely covers the rice. (Basically, the water level should be about the same as the height of the rice in the pot.) Cover, and press the “cook” or “start” button.
If you find that the rice is a bit undercooked after the rice cooker finishes, sprinkle in a bit more water, and turn it back on. Overly wet rice is harder to salvage, which is why we prefer the steamer method, which is much more foolproof, as rice cooker models vary!