How to Make Sticky Rice

How to Make Sticky Rice: This is a quicker, easier way to make classic sticky rice using your Instant Pot! This rice is chewy, salty, perfectly sticky, versatile, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Easy Instant Pot Sticky Rice

Have you ever wondered How to Make Sticky Rice at home? Well, now you don’t have to!

This recipe is a super simple way to make a perfect sticky rice with just a few minutes of prep. It’s made with only 4 ingredients that are all combined in the Instant Pot and then cooked until perfectly fluffy, sticky, and delicious.

This sticky rice makes the perfect side dish or paired with your favorite rice-based bowls.

What is Sticky Rice?

Sticky rice is a classic dish popular in Thai cuisine but enjoyed all over Asia and beyond. It’s traditionally made by soaking rice in water and steaming it.

This recipe for sticky rice in the Instant Pot is my version of the traditional dish! It’s a little quicker and simpler and can be made using a few different rice varieties.

Ingredients Needed

• Water: You need 2 1/2 cups of water for this recipe.
• Rice: I use sushi rice for this recipe, because I usually make it as a base for my sushi poke bowls! You can use other types of rice, too, although the texture will vary. See below for alternatives!
• Rice Vinegar: Look for unseasoned rice vinegar; not seasoned. Seasoned rice vinegar contains more additives and is sweeter than unseasoned.
• Salt: Adds just the right amount of flavor to finish the rice.

How to Cook Sticky Rice

1. Rinse the rice: Place the rice into a strainer and rinse well until the water runs clear.
2. Combine and cook: Add the rinsed rice to your Instant Pot, then pour in water, salt, and vinegar. Stir to combine, close the lid, and set the valve to sealing. Cook on Manual for 9 minutes.
3. Finish and serve: Once the rice is cooked, do a quick release, stir, then serve as desired.

Alternative Method: Stovetop

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then place it into a medium saucepan with 2 1/2 cups of water.
2. Cover the pan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once at a boil, remove the lid, lower the heat to medium-low, and simmer until the water has been absorbed (about 20 minutes.)
3. Take the pan off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for about 10 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar and salt until the salt has dissolved. Once the rice has steamed for 10 minutes, remove the lid and fluff with a fork. Transfer the sticky rice to a bowl and pour the rice vinegar mixture. Mix carefully, then serve as desired.

What is the Best Rice for Sticky Rice?

I recommend a variety of short-grain white rice for this recipe. Short-grain rice tends to have a higher starch content which contributes to the overall “stickiness” of the finished rice.

I usually use sushi rice, but you can make this recipe using classic sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice), arborio rice, or carnoroli rice.

Serving Suggestions

This sticky rice recipe makes the perfect addition to many of your favorite meals! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Sushi Poke Bowls
• Asian Glazed Salmon
• Sesame Asian Meatballs
• Thai Turkey Bowls
• Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
• Grilled Steak Salad

How to Store

Sticky rice is best enjoyed right away! However, if you do have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

To reheat, place the rice into a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of water to moisten, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

More Rice Recipes You’ll Love

• How to Make the Best Rice Pilaf
• Mexican Rice
• Coconut Rice
• Frozen Veggie Fried Rice
• How to Make Cauliflower Rice