Steaming Sticky Rice: Bamboo Steamer Secrets

Sticky rice is a versatile ingredient used in many forms of Asian cooking. It is typically cooked in a steamer rather than boiled, and there are several ways to do this. One of the most popular methods is to use a bamboo steamer, which is also the traditional way. This method is preferred as it ensures that the rice comes out perfectly every time, with each kernel staying relatively separate.

To cook sticky rice in a bamboo steamer, you will need to first soak the rice in water for at least 3 hours or up to overnight. The rice should then be drained and rinsed before being placed in the bamboo steamer to steam. It is important to ensure that the water in the steamer does not touch the bottom of the steamer to avoid the rice turning into a sticky mess. The rice is then steamed for around 20-45 minutes, depending on the amount being cooked.

Some recipes also suggest flipping the rice halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. It is also recommended to line the bamboo steamer with parchment paper or cheesecloth to prevent the rice from sticking.

Rinse the rice several times until the water is clear

Rinsing the rice is an important step in preparing sticky rice. It is necessary to rinse the rice several times until the water is clear to remove the starch from the outside of the grains. This process helps to ensure that the rice will cook evenly and have the desired sticky texture.

To rinse the rice, place the desired amount of rice in a large bowl and cover it with plenty of cold water. Use your fingers to swish the rice around in the water, releasing the starch attached to the grains. The water will become cloudy and milky in colour. After 30 seconds of swishing, drain the cloudy water and replace it with clean water. Repeat this process of rinsing and draining 3-4 times until the water remains relatively clear even after swishing.

Once the rice has been sufficiently rinsed, it is ready to be soaked in water for a minimum of 2 hours or up to 24 hours, depending on the desired texture. For softer sticky rice, a longer soaking time is recommended. After soaking, the rice can be drained and prepared for steaming.

Soak the rice for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for a softer texture

Soaking the rice is an essential step in the process of cooking sticky rice. It helps to soften the grains before steaming, and the length of time you soak it for will depend on the texture you want to achieve. If you're after softer rice, it's best to soak the grains for at least 2 hours, but you can leave it for up to 24 hours. The longer you soak the rice, the shorter the steaming time will be. However, don't soak the rice for longer than 24 hours, as the grains will start to break down and become too soft.

To soak the rice, place it in a mixing bowl or another deep container and cover it with water. The water level should be at least 3 inches above the rice, as it will expand while soaking. You can also wash the rice several times before you start soaking it to get rid of the starch. To do this, cover the rice with water and swirl it around with your fingers. The water will turn cloudy, and after about 30 seconds, you can drain it and repeat the process until the water is reasonably clear.

Once you've finished soaking the rice, it's important to drain the water and rinse the grains before placing them in the steamer.

Drain the rice and place it in the bamboo steamer

Now that you've soaked your rice, it's time to drain it and place it in the bamboo steamer. Remember, the amount of rice you're cooking will determine how long you need to steam it for. For example, if you're cooking a large amount of rice, you may need to steam it for longer than if you're cooking a smaller batch.

To start, grab your bamboo steamer and give it a quick rinse. You want to make sure it's clean and free of any debris before adding your rice. If you have a traditional bamboo cone steamer, go ahead and soak it as well. This will help ensure your rice doesn't stick to the steamer.

Next, evenly spread out the soaked rice in the bamboo steamer. If you're using a traditional bamboo cone steamer, you can create a hole in the centre of the rice to help it cook faster. This isn't necessary, but it can help speed up the cooking process.

Once your rice is in the steamer, it's time to start steaming! Place the steamer over a pot of boiling water, making sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer. Cover the steamer with a lid and let the rice steam for 20-30 minutes, depending on the amount you're cooking.

If you're using a traditional bamboo cone steamer, you'll want to flip the rice halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the rice from sticking. To do this, simply remove the steamer from the pot, carefully flip it over so that the top of the rice is now at the bottom, and then place it back on the pot to continue steaming.

And that's it! Your sticky rice is now ready to be enjoyed. Remember to serve it warm, as sticky rice can harden and dry out at room temperature.

Place the bamboo steamer over a pot of boiling water

Now that you've soaked your rice and prepared your bamboo steamer, it's time to place the steamer over a pot of boiling water.

First, ensure that your pot is filled with enough water to steam the rice for 20-25 minutes without the water drying out. Depending on the size of your pot, this could be anywhere from 8-12 cups of water. The water level should be at least 2 inches away from the bottom of the bamboo basket. This is important because if the water touches the rice, it will become a sticky mess.

Next, place the bamboo steamer over the pot of boiling water. Cover the pot with a lid and let the rice steam for 15-20 minutes. If you are using a bamboo cone steamer, you will need to flip the rice halfway through. This can be done by pressing the bottom of the steamer against a flat surface to loosen the rice, then flipping it so that the top layer of rice is now at the bottom.

Check the rice after 15 minutes to see if it is cooked to your liking. It should be translucent and shiny, with a sticky texture. If it is not ready, continue steaming and check again in 5-minute intervals.

Once the rice is cooked, carefully remove the steamer from the pot and open the cheesecloth or parchment paper. Fluff the rice with a fork or wooden spoon to release moisture and steam, then cover it back up. Place the steamer back over the pot of boiling water and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Your sticky rice is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Steam the rice for 20-45 minutes

Now that you've got your rice ready, it's time to steam it!

Fill the bottom of the steamer pot with enough water to steam the rice for up to 20-25 minutes without the water drying out. Depending on the size of your pot, this could be anywhere from 8-12 cups of water. Make sure the water level is low enough that the bottom of the bamboo basket doesn't touch it. Leave at least 2 inches of space between the water and the basket.

Place the stainless steel pot with water inside and the cheesecloth-covered rice in the bamboo basket. Turn the stove to high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes. If you soaked your rice for less than 5 hours, it will take longer (20-25 minutes).

Check your rice 15 minutes into steaming. If the rice looks translucent and shiny, carefully take a small piece of cooked rice with a long fork or wooden spoon to test it. Be very careful of the hot steam!

The rice should be cooked but still a little firm. If you like it this way, it's done. If not, cook for 5-10 more minutes.

Now, carefully remove the stackable steamer from the stainless steel pot and open the cheesecloth. It's going to be hot, so be careful. Slowly flip the rice until the rounded bottom part is on top. Use a fork or wooden spoon to fluff the rice and let the steam escape so the rice doesn't become mushy. Leave it briefly, then wrap the cheesecloth back over the rice.

Cover with the lid and place the bamboo basket back into the pot of water. Be careful of the boiling water.

Steam the rice for 5-10 more minutes until it is soft and chewy. Turn off the heat, remove the rice basket from the pot, and set it on a steaming rack or sink. Fluff the rice again and leave the cheesecloth open. Let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle some salt on the rice.

Finally, discard the excess water in the stainless steel pot and place the cooked rice in another sticky rice basket—the kind used for serving rice, like you might see at your favorite Thai restaurant.

Frequently asked questions