Sticky rice, or sweet rice, is very different from other types of rice. It has a sticky, chewy texture when cooked. It is widely used in Asian cuisines, including Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese, where it is a staple.

Preparing this recipe at home has always been a delightful experience as it lets me add my personal touch. Sticky rice has a unique texture that regular rice lacks, so substituting regular rice may not yield the same results.
Its incredible texture and flavor make it a versatile choice for any meal option. The recipe is simple to prepare you can customize it as per your preferences too.
It’s best to use glutinous rice, specifically when making sticky rice dishes, to achieve the desired texture. It is just a summary of the recipe. Find the complete recipe below.
Equipment Required
- Pot: The most common and traditional way to cook sticky rice. The pot allows the rice to cook through the steam, creating a sticky texture.
- Bowl: A large bowl will be needed to soak the glutinous rice in water before cooking.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: You’ll need a fine-mesh strainer to rinse the glutinous rice before soaking, removing excess starch and impurities.
- Lid: You’ll need a lid for the steamer or pot to trap the steam and cook the rice evenly.
- Fork: A fork can fluff the cooked sticky rice after steaming, being careful not to crush the grains.

Easy Sticky Rice Ingredients and Substitutions
Note: The recipe can make 4 servings. You can increase or decrease the quantity of ingredients based on the size of the gathering.
- 1 Cup Medium Grain Rice
- 1 Cup of Water: Coconut milk can also be added instead of water to add flavor.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Minutes | 40 Minutes | 45 Minutes |
How To Make Easy Sticky Rice At Home

Step 1
Wash rice properly in a bowl. Keep it soaked in a colander for a few minutes. Then, add them to a stockpot filled with water.

Step 2
Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.

Step 3
Cover and bring it to a boil. Once the rice is cooked, please turn off the heat and let it sit in the pot, covered, for an additional five minutes to allow it to firm up and release all the steam.

Step 4
Once ready, serve and enjoy.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- Use slightly less water than for regular rice when making sticky rice.
- Do not open the lid frequently; the steam is the key player in this recipe.
- I like to add butter at the end of the process as it adds extra flavor to the rice.
- Before cooking, add a pinch of salt and butter to the water to enhance the rice’s subtle flavors.
- After you have cooked the rice, gently flip it from the bottom to the top.
FAQ About Easy Sticky Rice
Nutritional Information Per Serving
The Easy Sticky Rice is a delicious source of nutrients. The recipe is a perfect addition to a healthy diet, as it is rich in carbohydrates, protein, and minerals.
| Calories | 154 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Calcium | 5 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Sodium | 6 mg |
| Potassium | 31 mg |
The recipe can be customized as per your dietary preferences. All you need to do is tweak some ingredients, and it’s ready.

Recipe Variation For Different Diets
- Vegan Version: You can use coconut milk instead of water when preparing sticky rice.
Storing This Recipe
Storing
- Refrigerate: Transfer the rice to an airtight container and refrigerate. This way, it will remain fresh for up to 4-5 days.
Reheating
- Microwave method:Â Place rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel or lid, and heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway through if needed.
- Stovetop method:Â Place rice in a pan with a splash of water, cover with a lid, and warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.
What To Serve With This Recipe
The Easy Sticky Rice pairs well with Mango Chicken Curry. The rice can be enjoyed with Thai Curry Wings or Gordon Ramsay Fish Curry for added deliciousness. You can also pair it with Margarita Grilled Chicken.
Printable Version
Sticky Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Medium Grain Rice
- 1 Cup of Water
Equipment
- Pot
- Bowl
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Lid
- Fork
Instructions
- Wash rice properly in a bowl. Keep it soaked in a colander for a few minutes. Then, add them to a stockpot filled with water.
- Simmer over low heat for 25 minutes.
- Cover and bring it to a boil. Once the rice is cooked, please turn off the heat and let it sit in the pot, covered, for an additional five minutes to allow it to firm up and full steam.
- Once ready, serve and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- Use slightly less water than regular rice for sticky rice.
- Do not open the lid frequently; the steam is the key player in this recipe.
- I like to add butter at the end of the process as it adds extra flavor to the rice.
- Before cooking, add a pinch of salt and butter to the water to add more subtle flavors to the rice.
- After you have cooked the rice, flip the rice gently from bottom to top.
Nutrition
More Rice Recipes That You Can Try






Conclusion
Give your feedback about these sticky rice in the comments section below. If you have any recipe you’d like us to feature on FoodXP, also let us know in the comments.
I’ll make sure those recipes are featured in our upcoming blogs. Till then, stay happy and stay healthy.






