How to make sticky rice (without a bamboo basket steamer)

Learn how to make sticky rice (without a bamboo basket steamer). This stovetop method of making Thai sticky rice is easy, using kitchen tools you will likely already have at home. 

Go here for a traditional method of making sticky rice using a bamboo steamer. Once you finish your perfect sticky rice, make this popular Thai sticky rice mango dessert and this delicious Khao Jee grilled rice patties recipe. Also, learn how to make this colorful fun purple sticky rice using this recipe here.

Learn more about the different types of Thai rice and how to use them in this blog post here.

Jump to:

• Pros & Cons
• Why you'll love this method of cooking sticky rice
• What is sticky rice?
• How Sticky Rice is Different from Other Rice
• History
• Ingredients for making Thai sticky rice 
• How to make sticky rice on the stovetop
• Using a stainless steel steamer
• Using the Dutch oven or a stock pot
• Pairing and side dishes with Khao Neow
• Helpful kitchen tips for this sticky rice recipe
• Where to buy sticky rice
• The different types of sticky rice
• Kitchen Tools for making sticky rice
• Variations
• Substitute for sticky rice
• Storing your leftover rice
• Reheating Kao Neow
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Thai recipes you'll love
• How to make sticky rice (without a bamboo basket steamer)
• Using a Durch oven or stock pot
• Pairing

I shared how to make Thai sticky rice using the traditional method of steaming the rice in a conical cone with a bamboo basket. For decades, this method of cooking rice seemed to be the only way of making perfect sticky rice.

As I realized more and more people don't have the space or the know-how to use the bamboo steamer, I've found several ways of making this delicious rice without the beloved bamboo steamer set. 

Pros & Cons

The best part about finding a new cooking method is that it makes life easier. Without using the bamboo basket steamer, cleaning up is easier. Also, having extra room on the stove to cook multiple dishes, especially for parties, is much easier. 

Don't get me wrong, cooking sticky rice traditionally is my favorite and best cooking method. But a busy family with young kiddos lends itself to finding quicker and easier ways to do things sometimes. Don't worry. Using this method won't compromise the great texture and taste of rice. This is just a different way of doing things. 

Why you'll love this method of cooking sticky rice

• It's easy! You won't need the traditional Thai bamboo basket, which is hard to find sometimes. 
• Easy clean-up! Cleaning the bamboo basket can be tricky. Using a stainless steel or stock pot is much easier and faster to clean up.
• Save on storage space! You won't have to find extra space in your pantry for the extra tool. 

What is sticky rice?

Sticky rice is a kind of rice that is popular in Thai, Laos, Cambodian, and other Asian cuisines. Once cooked, the rice grains expand and soften, and they have a sticky texture that glues the grains together, and they can be rolled into little balls to eat with your fingers. Sticky rice is a delicious Thai rice to cook and eat! 

How Sticky Rice is Different from Other Rice

It is different from other types of rice used in Thai cooking. It is important to know the right type of rice to use.  Sticky rice must be soaked in water for at least 4 hours before it's steamed, not cooked. In the traditional method of cooking sticky rice, water never touches the grains once on the stovetop. You can easily tell sticky rice apart because other types of rice do not have the obvious glue-like texture of sticky rice once cooked. 

History

Sticky rice is delicious rice from Laos, then Northern Thailand, and trickled down to Thailand  Isaan region (Northeast) of Thailand. Now, it's being eaten and enjoyed throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. 

In Thailand, sticky rice is considered the main eaten rice in Northern Thai food, especially in the Northeast of Thailand. However, many Asian countries also cook with glutinous Thai rice and use it in various recipes. 

Ingredients for making Thai sticky rice 

• Sticky rice. Sold at most Asian markets, or grab yours here.
• Water. You will need a few cups of water for rinsing, soaking, and steaming the sticky rice. The water ratio used in your steamer differs from pot to pot, but you are good to go as long as there's enough cold water at the bottom of the pot to boil for 20-25 minutes. 
• Salt. Optional. Use a little bit to season the rice before eating. 

How to make sticky rice on the stovetop

I'm sharing how to use two different kitchen tools to make this sticky rice recipe without a bamboo basket. Both are very similar. One uses a small steamer (My favorite), and the second uses a Dutch oven or stock pot. See the note at the bottom of the steps for using a Dutch oven or stock pot.

Using a stainless steel steamer

Step 1. Wash the sticky rice. Wash and rinse the sticky rice in a large bowl with cold water. Use your fingers to swoosh around the rice grains in the water. Drain the water and repeat the process 3-5 times until the water is mostly clear and not cloudy white. We do this to rinse off the rice's starch and help give the rice a soft and chewy texture once cooked. Use a strainer or splatter guard to catch the rice grains when pouring if you don't want to lose rice grains. 

Step 2. Soak the rice in cold water for a minimum of 5 hours at room temperature for up to overnight for best results. No longer than 24 hours, the rice will get too soft, the grains will start breaking, and you'll get mushy rice. 

Step 3. Steam the rice. Fill the bottom of the steamer pot with enough water to steam rice for up to 20-25 minutes without the water drying out. You'll need anywhere from4-6 cups of water, depending on the size of your pot. The water level should be low enough not to let the bottom of the bamboo basket touch it. Allow 1-2 inches of space between the water and the pot. 

Step 4. Wash, drain, and rinse the soaked rice last time to remove any excess starch before steaming. Then line the steamer with cheesecloth, and place the rinsed rice over the cloth.

Step 5. Wrap the cheesecloth around the rice, cover it, and we'll start steaming! Turn the stovetop to high heat and steam the rice for 15-20 minutes. 

Step 6. Check your rice 10-15 minutes into the steaming. (It's helpful to set the timer.) If the rice looks translucent and shiny, carefully take a small piece of cooked rice with a long fork or wooden spoon to see how it tastes. The steam is hot with boiling water, be careful.

Step 7. The rice should be cooked on the el dente side but not crunchy. If you love it as it is, it's done! If not, cook for another 5-10 minutes. Carefully open the cheesecloth, then use a wooden spatula to stir the rice around to get it cooked evenly. Cover it back with the lid and return to cooking for a few more minutes until done. 

Step 8. Turn the heat off, and remove the steamer from the stove. Fluff the rice again, and leave the cheesecloth open. Let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle a little salt on the rice if you prefer some. Discard the excess water in the pot.  

Using the Dutch oven or a stock pot

For this next method, you'll need a Dutch oven, a medium-sized stock pot, a strainer or colander, or a stainless steel steamer for this method. And also, use the cheesecloth for easy cleanup.

Steps 1-3. Prepare the rice using the same way from steps 1-3 above.

Step 4. Line the bottom of the Dutch oven or stock pot with a colander or a stainless steamer with water in the bottom of the Dutch oven. See the image below.

Step 5. Place the cheesecloth over the colander, and add the sticky rice inside the cloth. Make sure the strainer or colander doesn't touch the water in the bottom of the pot.

Step 6. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the rice following the same instructions from steps 5-8 above.

That's it! You basically make your own steamer using a few kitchen tools you already have!

Pairing and side dishes with Khao Neow

Thai Sticky Rice is perfect for serving alongside light dishes. Use these recipes to pair with your sticky rice. Easy Chicken Satay, Moo Ping, Thai BBQ meat, Thai Green Papaya Salad, or Grilled fish. Enjoy cooking!  If you have leftover sticky rice, use this recipe to make a mango sticky rice dessert with coconut milk.

Helpful kitchen tips for this sticky rice recipe

• Thai sticky rice MUST be soaked before cooking. This step is crucial. The soaking will help soften the grains before steaming. At least 5 hours of soaking is recommended for the rice to achieve the proper consistency when steamed. This top tip needs a little planning for making the perfect rice. 
• The longer you soak the rice, the shorter the steaming time.
• Use a clear glass lid to cover the bamboo sticky rice steamer basket. It helps with seeing how the sticky rice is cooking. 
• Right after the rice is done cooking, fluff the cooked rice on a flat surface like a baking sheet to allow the moisture to escape. This means using a fork or spoon to stir the rice to allow it to air out for 2-3 minutes before placing the warm rice in a serving container. 

Where to buy sticky rice

1. Find your sticky rice at your local Asian markets. Most stores will have them.
2. Grab them online at Amazon. Here are the brands I recommend. Three Rings brand, Cock on the Mountain Top brand, and Three Ladies Santapong brand.

The different types of sticky rice

There are a few kinds of rice labeled sticky rice or sweet rice. Look for Thai sticky rice from Thailand or with the word Thai on the label. Find these at Asian grocery stores or 

They are long-grain rice similar to Japanese sticky rice though not the same. Japanese rice is a short-grain rice that looks and is cooked almost the same way as Thai sticky rice.

There is also glutinous black rice or forbidden rice. It's another Thai variety of rice enjoyed by Thai people. 

Kitchen Tools for making sticky rice

• 6 quartz Dutch oven
• The metal steamer works great as a substitute for steaming sticky rice
• Cheesecloth
• Strainer or Colander
• Stainless steel steamer with handle
• Wooden spatula

Variations

• Japanese sweet rice is another type of glutinous rice. It's not the same thing as Thai sticky rice, but it will cooked to the same consistency. It has shorter grains than Thai sticky rice.
• Black sticky rice (red or purple rice) is another type of long-grain sticky rice, and the cooking process is slightly different from white sticky rice. The black rice needs soaking time, and best to combine it with white rice before cooking. They can be found in most Asian markets. Check out my recipe here for using black rice to make purple sticky rice.

Substitute for sticky rice

There is no substitute for Thai sticky rice. Jasmine, basmati, or brown rice can not be used as a substitute.

Storing your leftover rice

• Store your cooked sticky rice in a small sticky rice basket with the lid on. Leave the rice at room temperature for up to 2 days. 
• If you don't have a sticky rice basket holder, store your rice in aluminum foil and fold it neatly to keep it soft. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Store your leftover sticky rice in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for 2-3 days only.

Reheating Kao Neow

• Reheat your sticky rice in the microwave for a minute or so. Rub some water into the rice to add moisture back in, and it helps the rice grains soften when reheating.  
• You can also reheat the rice in the steamer for a few minutes like you'd cook it initially. Use parchment paper to lightly cover the top of the rice to prevent drying.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Thai recipes you'll love

Looking for more delicious Thai recipes? Try these:

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Pairing

These are my favorite drinks to serve with my favorite Thai dishes.