Tiffany Haney
Thai sticky rice is a delicious dish that is best cooked by steaming rather than boiling. The traditional way to cook it is to soak the rice in room-temperature water for at least 3 hours and up to 24 hours, and then steam it in a bamboo basket called a teeneung khao neow. However, there are several other methods to cook Thai sticky rice, including using a rice cooker, a steamer pot, or even just a large pot with a lid. The cooking time varies depending on the method and the amount of rice being cooked, but it typically takes around 15-30 minutes to steam the rice after it has been soaked.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soaking time | Minimum of 3 hours, preferably 4, and up to 12 hours or overnight |
| Amount of water for soaking | Enough water so it comes 0.5-1 inch above the rice or has a few inches above it |
| Water temperature for soaking | Room temperature |
| Steaming time | 15-30 minutes, depending on the stove top |
| Amount of water for steaming | Add water to a pot, making sure it doesn't touch the rice |
| Steaming setup | Bamboo cone steamer, cheesecloth, or any other steaming mechanism |
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What You'll Learn
Soaking time: 3-24 hours
The first step in cooking Thai sticky rice is to soak the rice in water. The rice should be washed and rinsed a few times in room-temperature water until the water runs clear. This is an important step to ensure the rice doesn't become gummy.
After washing the rice, it should be soaked in room-temperature water for a minimum of 3 hours, preferably 4 hours, and up to 12 hours or even overnight. The rice will expand during soaking, so make sure there is enough water, with a few inches above the rice.
Some sources recommend a longer soaking time of 6 to 24 hours. Soaking the rice for a longer period of time will ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs moisture uniformly.
After soaking, the rice should be drained and is then ready to be steamed.
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Steaming time: 15-45 minutes
Thai sticky rice is steamed, not boiled, and the steaming time can vary from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the method used and the amount of rice being cooked. It's important to note that sticky rice should be soaked before steaming, which can be done in room temperature water for at least 3 hours and up to overnight. This soaking process ensures that the rice cooks evenly and helps to remove excess starch, preventing it from becoming a solid mass.
One method for steaming Thai sticky rice is to use a bamboo cone steamer or a traditional bamboo basket called a "teeneung khao neow" in Thailand. The rice is placed in the steamer or basket, which is then set over a pot of boiling water. The steaming time using this method is typically around 20-30 minutes. It's important to ensure that the water doesn't touch the sticky rice during steaming.
Another method is to use a rice cooker with a steaming rack. After soaking, the rice is added to the rice cooker pot with just enough water to cover the rice. The steaming time using this method can range from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the amount of rice being cooked.
For those without a rice cooker or steamer, it is possible to steam Thai sticky rice in a pot on the stovetop. One way to do this is by using a splatter guard and a large saute pan or pot. The rice is spread in a thin layer on the splatter guard, and another pot or bowl is placed on top, creating a steaming chamber. The steaming time using this method is around 12-18 minutes.
It's important to note that the steaming time may vary depending on the stove and the amount of rice being cooked. It's always a good idea to taste and check the texture of the rice to ensure it's cooked to your preference.
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Rice-to-water ratio: 1:1.5 to 1:3
Cooking Thai sticky rice involves a different process from cooking regular rice. It requires less water and is steamed instead of boiled. The rice-to-water ratio depends on the cooking method chosen.
One method involves a rice cooker. For this, the ratio is 1 cup of water to 1.5 cups of rice. First, rinse the rice 3 times, then spray the pot with olive oil. Bring the rice and water to a boil, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Let it sit for 10 minutes with the lid on, then fluff with a fork.
Another method uses a steamer pot. For this, the ratio is 1 cup of water to 3 cups of rice. Bring the water to a boil in the pot. Meanwhile, soak the bamboo steamer in water. Wet the bamboo steamer until it is damp to the touch. Add the sticky rice to the basket and press it down. Cover the rice with a lid that doesn't touch the rice. Let the rice cook for about 18-20 minutes, depending on your stove. Then, gently flip the rice over by taking off the basket and jiggling it until the rice shifts.
A third method involves a bowl or plastic tub. For this, the ratio is also 1 cup of water to 3 cups of rice. Soak the rice in water overnight or for at least 4-5 hours. Then, steam the rice for about 15 minutes.
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Boiling water vs. room temperature water
Cooking Thai sticky rice is not as straightforward as cooking regular rice. The traditional way to cook Thai sticky rice is to first soak the rice in room-temperature water for at least 3 hours, preferably 4, and up to 12 hours. The rice can also be soaked overnight. The longer the rice is soaked, the softer its texture will be.
After the rice has been soaked, it is then steamed. One method is to place the rice in a sieve above a pot of boiling water. The rice should be steamed for 20-30 minutes, depending on the amount of rice. If a large batch is being cooked, it may need to be steamed for longer.
Another method is to first soak the rice in hot water for 10 minutes before steaming. The rice is then drained and steamed for 20-25 minutes.
A third method is to bring a pot of water to a boil and then add the rice. The rice and water are then cooked together for 20 minutes with the lid on. The rice is then left to sit for 10 minutes with the lid on before being fluffed with a fork.
Using room-temperature water to soak Thai sticky rice is important for the first method outlined above. However, using boiling water is an essential step in the second and third methods.
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Using a rice cooker
Thai sticky rice can be made very easily using a rice cooker, without having to soak the rice beforehand. This method simplifies the process and produces delicious results. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking Thai sticky rice using a rice cooker:
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Use a strainer to rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear. This step ensures that any dirt on the rice is removed.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Water
Place the desired amount of rice into the rice cooker. The general rule is to use equal volumetric amounts of rice and water. For example, for every cup of rice, add one cup of water. However, some sources suggest using a ratio of one part rice to ⅔ parts water. It is important to measure the amounts accurately, as using too much water can lead to overcooking the rice.
If you are using a measuring cup, it is recommended to measure by weight, as different measuring cups may vary in terms of manufacturing differences. You can also add a pinch of salt to the rice cooker at this step to enhance the flavour of the rice.
Step 3: Level the Rice
Use your hands or a rice paddle to level the rice in the pot, ensuring that it is flat and even.
Step 4: Close the Lid and Cook
Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. Most rice cookers have a normal or white rice setting, which can be used for cooking sticky rice. If your rice cooker has a sweet rice or brown rice function, you can use that as well. The cooking time can vary depending on the rice cooker, ranging from 25 minutes to one hour.
Step 5: Let the Rice Stand
Once the rice is cooked, let it stand for a few minutes before opening the lid. This allows the rice to finish cooking and for the stickiness to develop.
Step 6: Serve the Rice
Finally, scoop out the rice from the rice cooker and serve it. You can shape the rice into a dome by spooning it into a small shallow bowl, flattening it, and then turning it out onto a plate.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to soak Thai sticky rice in water for at least 3 hours, preferably 4 hours, and up to 12 hours or even overnight.
There are several ways to cook Thai sticky rice. One method involves using a pot with a steamer basket or rack. First, soak the rice for the recommended time, then drain it and add it to the steamer basket. Place the basket over a pot of boiling water, ensuring the water doesn't touch the rice. Cover and steam for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the recipe and the amount of rice being cooked.
Thai sticky rice is typically cooked when it is tender but still chewy. It should be sticky and maintain its individual structure without turning into a homogeneous paste. Taste-testing the rice is a good way to determine if it is cooked to your preference.
