Sticky rice is a widely enjoyed dish in Asian cuisine. It is versatile, and you can pair it with sweet and savory dishes. It is known for its gelatinous texture, but it is not easy to find in grocery stores. So, if you are wondering how to make sticky rice with regular rice…keep reading!
What is sticky rice?
Sticky rice is a type of gelatinous rice that, when cooked, becomes sticky from two types of starch. It is a round-shaped grain and is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially Chinese and Thai. It is not easily found or grown and, therefore, is quite expensive as well.
Can you make sticky rice with regular rice?
Although most people love the texture round-shaped rice gives to sticky rice, sometimes this type of rice isn’t easy to get, or it can be very expensive. So, in this case, if you still want to enjoy sticky rice with our homemade Chinese or Thai dish, you can use regular rice. You can work with the short-grain, medium-grain, or even long-grain rice to get the same texture and flavor. And the best part is, it is super easy to make as well!
Different ways to make it
You can cook sticky rice with regular rice in a few different ways. These include cooking them in a steamer, pan, rice cooker, or even in the microwave. However, it’s the ingredients that are the most important. Here are a few ideas:
- Water: The easiest and most convenient way to make sticky rice using regular rice is to cook it in plain water. You can add a little salt to ensure that it doesn’t taste bland. Keep the rice-to-water ratio in mind. It should be 1:2.
- Coconut milk: Most people add coconut milk to regular rice to bring in a slight sweetness and sticky texture. It is a great way to add flavor and ensure your rice gets that creamy and sticky texture. For every 1 cup of regular rice, you will need 2 cups of water and 1 ½ cups of coconut milk. And if you are planning a dessert, add a cup of sugar, and the perfect dessert is ready!
What to serve with it
You can serve it with the following sides:
- Grilled meat: Serve with either grilled pork, chicken, or duck. It is a perfect match!
- Salad: Serve with a tropical salad, especially in Thai cuisine. You can enjoy it with a pineapple salad or a papaya salad.
- Coconut sauce: Drizzle sweet coconut sauce over it and turn it into a delicious and wholesome dessert.
- Mangos: Serving it with fresh mango or a mango salsa is also a great way to enjoy the two ingredients.
Tips for adding flavor
- Add spices like cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, etc., for both aroma and flavor.
- Add rice wine vinegar for a tangy and savory flavor.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for flavor.
How to store it
Because cooked, leftover sticky rice can dry out faster and lose its texture, store it in an air-tight container for no more than 3 days. You can freeze it by placing them in a Ziplock plastic bag for up to a month.
How to make sticky rice with regular rice
- Preparation time: 2 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 12 minutes
- Servings: 3 to 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup long to medium grain rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp white granulated sugar
- 1 star anise
- A pinch salt
Instructions
- In a pot, add rice and pour water.
- Place star anise in it along with salt and sugar.
- Place the pot over medium heat and seal it with a lid.
- Let the water come to a boil.
- Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Don’t take the lid off.
- Let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the water is soaked.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes without taking off the lid.
- Fluff it up using a fork, remove the star anise and serve.
How to make sticky rice with regular rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long to medium grain rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp white granulated sugar
- 1 star anise
- A pinch salt
Instructions
- In a pot, add rice and pour water.
- Place star anise in it along with salt and sugar.
- Place the pot over medium heat and seal it with a lid.
- Let the water come to a boil.
- Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Don’t take the lid off.
- Let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the water is soaked.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes without taking off the lid.
- Fluff it up using a fork, remove the star anise and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of desserts can be made with sticky rice?
Sticky rice is versatile in dessert making. You can create traditional Southeast Asian sweets like Thai Mango Sticky Rice or Filipino Biko, which integrate coconut milk and sugar.
Can sticky rice be made using alternative types of rice, such as basmati?
No, sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice or sweet rice, has unique properties that basmati rice lacks. Basmati rice, while aromatic, does not possess the stickiness or texture required for authentic sticky rice dishes.
What are the unique characteristics that differentiate sticky rice from other rice varieties?
Sticky rice is characterized by its high amylopectin content, which makes it exceptionally sticky and able to clump together when cooked. It is also opaque rather than translucent and becomes tender and chewy once steamed.
How do you properly serve and pair mango with sticky rice?
To serve sticky rice with mango, present the freshly steamed rice with ripe mango slices on the side. Often, the rice is topped with a mixture of coconut milk and sugar to enhance its sweetness and creaminess.
What is the difference between Japanese sticky rice and Taiwanese sticky rice?
Japanese sticky rice, or sushi rice, is somewhat sticky and used for sushi and onigiri. Taiwanese sticky rice, on the other hand, is usually mixed with savory ingredients and is stickier than Japanese rice, lending itself to dishes like Taiwanese Sticky Rice (You Fan).
How do you properly serve and pair mango with sticky rice?
Pairing mango with sticky rice entails serving warm or room-temperature steamed sticky rice with chilled, ripe slices of mango. Drizzle the duo with sweetened coconut cream and a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds or mung beans for texture.
What can I do with leftover sticky rice?
Leftover sticky rice can be made into fried rice balls, stuffed with sweet or savory fillings, or used as a base for a rice pudding by reheating it with additional coconut milk and sugar.
Can I make sticky rice with Minute Rice?
Minute Rice, being precooked and dehydrated, will not reproduce the same sticky texture and taste. Traditional sticky rice requires specific glutinous rice that is steamed to achieve its authentic characteristics.