How to Make Thai Sticky Rice in an Instant Pot

Indulge in the exotic flavors of Thai cuisine with a delightful dish that perfectly captures the essence of Thailand - Thai sticky rice. Learn how to make Thai sticky rice in an instant pot. A simple and quick method that yields amazing results!

With its unique sticky texture and subtle sweetness, Thai sticky rice is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any meal. 

For more sticky rice recipes, check out how to make sticky rice traditionally in a bamboo basket set.  And if you don't have a bamboo basket, check out this easy method of making sticky rice using a stainless steel pot (or a stock pot). Then be adventurous and try out this fun and colorful sticky rice recipe using red sticky rice to make purple sticky rice! 

Learn more about the different types of Thai rice with this useful blog post here. 

Jump to:

• Unlock the Secrets of Thai Sticky Rice
• Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Recipe
• What is Thai Sticky Rice (Khao Neow)
• Where to buy sticky rice
• Ingredients for Thai Sticky Rice in an Instant Pot
• Instant pot sets needed for making sticky rice
• How to Make instant pot Sticky Rice 
• How to serve Thai sticky rice
• Helpful Kitchen Notes and Tips
• Helpful Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
• Variations
• Substitutes
• How to store leftover sticky rice
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Thai Recipes You'll Love
• How to Make Thai Sticky Rice in an Instant Pot
• Related Recipes
• Pairing

Unlock the Secrets of Thai Sticky Rice

Thai sticky rice is a true delight for the senses, offering a unique texture and flavor that sets it apart from regular rice. With the help of an Instant Pot, you can easily create this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether pairing it with savory Asian dishes or savoring it as a dessert with sweet mangoes, Thai sticky rice will impress your guests and transport them to the vibrant streets of Thailand. Embrace the exotic and enjoy the wonderful world of Thai cuisine!

Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Recipe

1. This instant pot recipe is effortless Cooking. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, making Thai sticky rice has never been easier. With its high-pressure cooking and precise settings, the Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of the equation, allowing you to achieve perfect results every time.
2. It's fast! The cook time for sticky rice in the instant pot is approximately 10 minutes, then 10 more for the natural pressure release. It's another easy way to have your favorite rice cooked and ready to serve in no time. 
3. Versatility at Your Fingertips. Thai sticky rice is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various ways. From pairing it with savory Asian dishes to creating irresistible desserts like mango sticky rice, this recipe opens up a world of culinary possibilities.
4.  The result of the sticky rice in the pressure cooker is as good as the authentic sticky rice recipe using the bamboo basket with a tall aluminum pot. Following this recipe, you can recreate the flavors and textures in Thai restaurants or street food stalls. Impress your friends and family with homemade sticky rice that tastes like the real deal.

What is Thai Sticky Rice (Khao Neow)

Thai sticky rice, glutinous rice, or sweet rice (ข้าวเหนียว) is commonly eaten in many Southeast Asian countries. It is a staple rice in Isaan (Northeast), Northern Thailand, and Laos. Unlike regular rice, Thai sticky rice has a higher starch content, giving it a sticky texture when cooked. This sticky nature makes it perfect for molding into small portions and enjoying various dishes. 

Where to buy sticky rice

You can find Thai sticky rice at your favorite Asian grocery store. They are also labeled glutinous rice or Thai sweet rice. Buy online here.

Ingredients for Thai Sticky Rice in an Instant Pot

• Thai sticky rice. Find Thai sticky rice at your Asian market or order online.
• Water. Adjust the water as needed for the size of your instant pot. As long as the water is not touching the rice, it's perfect.

​That's it! Just two very simple ingredients! Check the recipe card below for instructions. 

Instant pot sets needed for making sticky rice

Pictured below are the parts needed to make this recipe successful. Check the tools section for more helpful tools for making instant pot sticky rice.

How to Make instant pot Sticky Rice 

You must have the right tools for the instant pot to make your sticky rice. Please check below for the exact model and the stainless steel pieces I used for this recipe. 

Step 1. Rinse the Thai sticky rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This process removes excess starch and removes any impurities from the rice.

Step 2. Next, place the rinsed rice in a large bowl and cover it with room-temperature water. Allow the rice to soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. This soaking step is crucial for achieving the desired texture of the sticky rice. 

Step 3. Once the rice has finished soaking, drain it well, and wash it quickly one last time. Place it inside the cheesecloth on top of the stainless steel mesh strainer.

Step 4. Set up the instant pot parts. First, the rack goes directly inside the stainless steel inner pot. Add 2 cups of water to the inner pot of the instant pot. Then place the mesh strainer and sticky rice inside the cheesecloth on top of the stainless steel inner pot. 

Step 5. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the pressure valve to the sealing position. Press the "Pressure Cook" setting and adjust the cooking time to 10 minutes on high pressure.

Step 6. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes once the cooking time is complete. I like the natural release better than the quick release too. Less tinkering with the hot instant pot. Afterward, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the pressure valve to the venting position.

Step 7. Open the Instant Pot lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and marvel at the perfectly cooked Thai sticky rice!

How to serve Thai sticky rice

Once you have your cooked rice, use it with these recipes. 

1. Serve sticky rice as a side dish to pair with other Thai dishes.
2. Serve with Thai salads like Laab Gai , Nam Tok, Thai green papaya salad, and Lao cucumber salads.
3. Make grilled sticky rice patties with this simple Khao Jee recipe.
4. Make mango sticky rice dessert. The classic mango sticky rice is one of the best dessert pairings for Thai sticky rice. This heavenly combination features ripe mango slices served alongside sticky rice drizzled with a sweet coconut sauce.

Helpful Kitchen Notes and Tips

• Thai sticky rice is also known as glutinous rice but does not contain gluten. The term "glutinous" refers to its sticky nature. Learn more about the different types of Thai rice in Thai cooking here.
• Soaking the rice for at least 4 hours or overnight is essential to achieve the desired texture. It allows the rice grains to absorb enough water and ensures even cooking.
• If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can still make sticky rice using a bamboo steamer set or how to make sticky rice in a pot.

Helpful Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

• Instant Pot. The stainless steel bowl is inside the pot. This electric pressure cooker simplifies the cooking process and ensures consistent results.
• Instant pot Stainless steel rack
• Instant Pot Mesh Steamer Basket, Set of 2, Stainless Steel
• Cheese cloths

Variations

• Make Coconut Sticky Rice. Add a tropical twist to your sticky rice by substituting water with unsweetened coconut milk. This variation infuses the rice with a subtle coconut flavor, enhancing its appeal. This variation is similar to coconut rice using Jasmine rice, but the sticky rice version is a delicious dessert served with slices of juicy mangos. 
• Make purple sticky rice! Add ⅓ cup of red sticky rice to 1 ⅔ cups of white sticky rice, soak them together, and follow the cooking instructions above. More detailed instructions on how to make purple sticky rice are here. LINK

Substitutes

• Black rice. Black sticky rice has a similar texture as white sticky rice but needs more time to soak and cook. Black sticky rice is often mixed with white glutinous rice to help with the cooking time and adds a purple color once combined with white rice.
• Sushi Rice. If Thai sticky rice is unavailable, you can use Japanese sushi rice, a short-grain rice, as an alternative. Although they have different textures, they can still provide a satisfactory substitute for Thai sticky rice.

How to store leftover sticky rice

Thai sticky rice is best enjoyed fresh and warm. However, if you have leftovers, here are 3 suggestions for storing sticky rice for the next day or so.

• In Asian kitchens, mine and my Thai families, sticky rice is stored at room temperature in a bamboo basket for up to 2 days. If your house is set to a lower temperature, storing it at room temperature is best. 
• If you don't have a bamboo basket, use aluminum to wrap the rice and leave it at room temperature for up to 2 days. 
• If you are uncomfortable storing them at room temperature, store leftover rice in an airtight container or a refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice and steam it in a covered container or microwave until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Thai Recipes You'll Love

• Mango sticky rice
• How to make purple sticky rice
• Khao Jee
• Laab Gai
• Nam Tok beef waterfall salad

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]: