Learn how to make sticky rice in a rice cooker without soaking. You don’t need a steamer, and this method saves time (only 30 minutes needed!), plus it works great for beginners.
🤔 What is Thai sticky rice?
Thai sticky rice, also called glutinous rice, is a type of rice that turns soft and sticky when cooked. It’s high in starch, especially amylopectin, which gives it its signature chewy texture.
🥣 Ingredient notes & tools
- Glutinous rice The correct rice for making sticky rice is Thai glutinous rice, also called sweet rice. It’s different from regular jasmine rice because it turns soft and sticky when cooked, making it perfect for shaping and scooping by hand.
- Water Used for cooking the rice and activating the starches that give it its signature chewy texture.
- Rice cooker Any basic rice cooker works.
Sticky rice is best served warm, right after cooking. Keep it covered so it stays soft and chewy. In Thailand, we shape it into small balls with our hands and dip it into sauces or eat it alongside grilled meats and salads. It’s especially good with dishes that have bold, spicy flavors. Follow me on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more!
How to Make Sticky Rice in Rice Cooker
Equipment
- Rice cooker
- Sieve for rinsing the rise before cooking
- Measuring cup
- Rice spoon to fluff the rice after cooking
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked glutinous rice also known as sticky rice, sweet rice
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a bowl or directly in the rice cooker pot. Swirl with your hand and drain. Repeat 3–4 times until the water runs mostly clear.
- Drain the rice well using a fine mesh strainer to remove excess water.
- Add the rinsed rice back into the rice cooker pot. Add 1 cup of water for each 1 cup of rice.
- Place the pot in the rice cooker and cook as you normally would for white rice. Cook for 20–25 minutes, depending on your model.
- When ready, leave the lid closed and let the rice rest for 5–10 minutes to finish steaming.
- Fluff gently with a rice paddle or spoon, and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and should be considered approximate.
👩🍳 Step-by-step image instructions
- Rinse the rice in the rice cooker pot or a large bowl under running water. Swirl the rice with your hand and drain. Repeat 3–4 times until the water runs mostly clear.
- Drain the rice using a sieve or fine mesh strainer to remove excess water.
- Add the rinsed rice back into the rice cooker pot.
- Pour in fresh water. Use 1 cup of water for every 1 cup of rice.
- Place the pot in your rice cooker and cook as you would for regular white rice. Most models take 20–25 minutes to finish.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes with the lid on after cooking. This helps it finish steaming and gives that soft, sticky texture. Fluff gently with a rice paddle before serving.
❓Frequently asked questions
Can sticky rice be overcooked? In a rice cooker, too much water or sitting on warm too long makes it mushy. When steaming, overcooking (or not soaking) can lead to burned, uneven, or overly sticky rice. Use the right ratio or soak time for best results.
Do I need to soak sticky rice? Soaking is only needed if you’re using the traditional steaming method. When using a rice cooker, the rice cooks directly in water, so it softens and turns sticky without soaking.
