--- title: "How to Make Sticky Rice in A Rice Cooker? (5 Easy Steps)" description: "Learn how to make perfect sticky rice in just 5 easy steps using a rice cooker. Impress your guests with this delicious and authentic dish." canonical: "https://kitchencuddle.com/how-to-make-sticky-rice-in-a-rice-cooker/" author: "Anushree R." published: "2023-04-27T11:01:03" updated: "2026-10-30T03:04:01" --- # How to Make Sticky Rice in A Rice Cooker? (5 Easy Steps) ![Sticky rice made in rice cooker](https://kitchencuddle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/sticky-rice-made-in-rice-cooker-1024x576.jpg) Sticky rice is the best side dish for different Asian dishes like stir fries and curries. The traditional way of making it is by steaming. But you can also prepare it in a rice cooker. Making sticky rice in a rice cooker allows you to cut down on several steps, making it very easy and quick. Let us look at how to make the perfect sticky rice in a rice cooker every time. ## Steps to Make Sticky Rice in A Rice Cooker Making sticky rice in a rice cooker is simple and easy if you follow this sequence of steps. ### 1\. Rinse the Rice Rice is a starchy grain. The starch in it makes the grains clump together after cooking. In the case of sticky rice, you may want the grains to be sticky. However, they should not be too sticky. So it’s important to rinse the rice. Rinsing rice with water gets rid of excess starch. It separates the grains and makes them fluff up after cooking. Apart from removing starch, rinsing also cleans impurities in the rice. Rinsing removes loose surface material, but the rice still needs proper cooking and handling. To rinse the rice, place the required quantity in a mesh container. Wash it under cold running water till the water runs clear. Alternatively, you can also soak the rice in a vessel and swirl it, followed by pouring the water out to get rid of the starch. You may have to repeat this a couple of times for the water to run clear. Rinsing the rice grains only gets rid of the excess starch. It does not eliminate all the starch; the rice will still have enough starch to make the grains sticky enough. ### 2\. Soak the Rice Soaking requirements depend on the glutinous-rice variety and cooking method. Follow the rice package and model-specific recipe. Soaking helps the grains absorb moisture before cooking, but thirty minutes is not a universal recommendation. Some methods call for longer soaking and others use a program that handles preparation differently. You can soak the rice in cold water. An important tip to remember here is that measure the rice before soaking it since the grains will change in size after soaking. So this can make the water measurements confusing afterward. ### 3\. Measure the Water There are several types of sticky rice varieties, like short-grain Japanese rice, long-grain Thai rice, and black sticky rice. Each of them cooks differently. So, the required water quantity also varies. For most types of rice, the [water-to-rice ratio](https://kitchencuddle.com/rice-to-water-ratio-for-a-rice-cooker/) is mentioned in the label or instruction manual. You can follow these instructions. Use a sweet-rice or glutinous-rice recipe for your cooker. Water requirements differ by rice variety and soaking method, so do not assume one ratio fits every type. Use the measuring method specified by the recipe. When using the pot’s water marks, measure dry rice with the supplied rice cup. Also, measure the rice before soaking to ensure you get your measurements right. ### 4\. Cook the Rice After draining the rice, add it to the rice cooker. Some rice cookers have a special setting for sticky rice. Use the appropriate Sweet Rice or glutinous-rice program and its water line. If that program is absent, consult the manufacturer’s grain guide before choosing a substitute. Most of the time, flipping the switch starts the cooking process. The rice cooker will automatically turn off or switch to the “Keep Warm” mode when the rice is cooked. ### 5\. Let the Rice Rest Before Fluffing It When making sticky rice, we don’t recommend serving it as soon as it cooks. Follow the resting time and lid-opening instructions in the approved recipe. This will allow the rice to steam and absorb any remaining moisture. It will also make it sticky. After the recommended rest, open the lid carefully and gently turn the rice with a suitable paddle. You can use a rice paddle or fork. It will make the rice much easier to serve. ## Difference Between Normal Rice and Sticky Rice [![Sticky rice](https://kitchencuddle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/sticky-rice-1024x576.jpg)](https://kitchencuddle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/sticky-rice.jpg) You can prepare both normal rice and sticky rice in a rice cooker. In normal rice, the grains will be separate whereas they will stick together in sticky rice. This difference is not due to the cooking method or rice-to-water ratio. It’s because of the differences in the type of rice. Here are some factors that characterize sticky rice. ### 1\. Starch Content of Sticky Rice Rice contains two types of starches: amylose and amylopectin. The ratio in which these starches appear decides the texture of the rice. Higher amylose levels make the rice light and fluffy. Higher amylopectin makes the rice grains clumpy, and they stick together. Sticky rice has a higher amylopectin content. When you cook the rice, amylopectin makes the rice soft and creamy. ### 2\. Different Preparation and Cooking Times Regular rice and glutinous rice may need different water levels and preparation. [Cooking time](https://kitchencuddle.com/why-do-rice-cookers-take-so-long/) depends on the grain, soaking and program; glutinous rice does not universally take longer than all ordinary rice. ### 3\. Sticky Rice Does Not Contain Gluten Sticky rice is also called glutinous rice, though it’s gluten-free. It’s called “glutinous” because it develops a glue-like texture. As we mentioned earlier, this sticky texture is due to its high amylopectin level. It has nothing to do with the elastic and sticky nature of wheat flour. So the name glutinous isn’t related to the gluten content of the flour. ## Best Varieties of Sticky Rice for Rice Cookers There are different types of sticky rice available. Each variety has its distinct flavor and aroma that makes it unique. Check whether your cooker has an approved method for the variety you choose. Whole-grain black or red glutinous rice may need different preparation from white sweet rice. Here are some of the different varieties you may want to try. ### Thai Sticky Rice This rice comes from Thailand and is also called “khao niao” in Thai. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a chewy texture. This rice is very aromatic. It’s popularly used for recipes like mango sticky rice and coconut sticky rice. ### Japanese Glutinous Rice Japanese glutinous rice, also called sweet rice or mochigome, is used for foods such as mochi. It is different from the short- or medium-grain white rice normally seasoned for sushi; [sashimi is sliced seafood served without sushi rice](https://www.japan.travel/en/guide/sushi-in-japan/). Choose the rice specified for the dish rather than substituting glutinous rice for ordinary sushi rice. ### Chinese Sticky Rice Zongzi are wrapped rice dumplings, not the name of a rice variety. Glutinous rice is used to make these dumplings with sweet or savory fillings. Different regions use glutinous rice in several sweet and savory preparations. ### Black Sticky Rice Black sticky rice is a specialty variety used in Asian cuisines. It’s commonly used to make desserts like sticky rice pudding. This rice has a distinct black or purplish color and a delicious nutty flavor. ### Red Sticky Rice This is a whole-grain variety in which the rice grains have a rust or brown color. It has a strong nutty flavor. This rice is commonly used in South-Asian desserts. **Further Reading:** [How to Use a Rice Cooker Properly?](https://kitchencuddle.com/how-to-use-a-rice-cooker/) ### White Sticky Rice White sticky rice is a mild-tasting variety of sticky rice that is used as the base for many dishes. As the name suggests it’s white and has a soft but chewy texture. You can use this rice for both savory and sweet dishes.