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      Home » Thai Appetizers

      How to Make Thai Sticky Rice in an Instant Pot

      Published: Jul 16, 2023 by Suwanee · This post may contain affiliate links.

      Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

      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!

      Sticky rice in an instant pot basket

      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

      Sticky ric and water in glass bowls.
      • 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.

      Instant pot parts for making 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.

      Hand holding sticky rice over water.

      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.

      Sticky rice wrapped in cheesecloth.

      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. 

      Instant pot and rack.
      Sticky rice in cheesecloth inside an instant 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.

      Istant pot picture with 10 minutes flashing.

      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!

      Cooked sticky rice in an instant pot.

      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.
      Thai sticky rice in an instant pot basket.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Can I use regular white rice instead of Thai sticky rice?

      Regular white rice does not have the same sticky texture as Thai sticky rice. It's best to use Thai sticky rice, jasmine rice, or sushi rice as alternatives.

      Can I freeze sticky rice?

      Freezing sticky rice is not recommended, as it can alter the texture and lead to a loss of flavor. It's best to consume it fresh or refrigerate any leftovers.

      How can I make mango sticky rice using this recipe?

      To make mango sticky rice, follow the recipe for Thai sticky rice outlined above. Serve the cooked sticky rice with ripe mango slices and drizzle it with a sweet coconut cream sauce for an authentic Thai dessert.

      Can I use a bamboo steamer basket instead of an Instant Pot?

      You can use a bamboo steamer basket to steam the sticky rice. Follow the same steps for rinsing, soaking, and steaming the rice according to the manufacturer's instructions.

      More Thai Recipes You'll Love

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

      Love a recipe you've tried? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Or follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram!

      Print
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      Thai sticky rice instant pot on the table.

      How to Make Thai Sticky Rice in an Instant Pot


      ★★★★★

      5 from 2 reviews

      • Author: Suwanee
      • Total Time: 25 minutes
      • Yield: 8 1x
      • Diet: Gluten Free
      Print Recipe
      Pin Recipe

      Description

      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! 


      Ingredients

      Scale
      • 2 cups Thai sticky rice
      • 2-3 cups water, depending on your instant pot's size and the wireless rack's height. As long as the water is not touching the rice, it's perfect.  

      Instructions

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

      Notes

      • Thai sticky rice is also known as glutinous rice but does not contain gluten. The term "glutinous" refers to its sticky nature.
      • 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.

      ** Thank you so much for visiting my blog! This is truly a passion for me. If you have enjoyed these recipes and appreciate the hard work I put into them, I would love it if you would share them with your friends! Your recommendation is the highest review I could hope for, and I’d appreciate it! **

      • Prep Time: 5
      • Cook Time: 20
      • Category: Rice
      • Method: Instant pot
      • Cuisine: Thai

      Keywords: Thai sticky rice, instant pot sticky rice, Thai glutinous rice, sticky rice, sweet rice, instant pot rice, instant pot recipes

      Did you make this recipe?

      Please rate and review this recipe in the comment section below so I can improve and make it a better experience for you!

      Related Recipes

      Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

      • Tom Yum fried rice in a blue plate.
        Easy Thai Tom Yum Fried Rice (using Tom Yum paste)
      • purple rice in cheese cloth
        How to Make Purple Sticky Rice
      • Toasted rice powder in wooden bowls.
        Toasted Rice Powder, Khao Khua
      • Thai breakfast rice soup with condiments on the side.
        Thai Chicken and Rice Breakfast Soup (Khao Tom Gai)

      Pairing

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

      • thai corn salad in a bowl with flowers on table
        Thai spicy grilled corn salad (Som Tum Khao Pod)
      • handholding eggplant salad
        Spicy Thai Grilled Eggplant Salad with Pork
      • Hand holding Egg salad in a platter
        Thai Crispy Fried Egg Salad (Yam Khai Dao)
      • cucumber salad in a glass bowl
        Thai Cucumber Salad for Satay (อาจาด)

      More Thai & Asian Appetizer Recipes

      • Kanom Jeeb Thai dumplings on a platter with sauces.
        Kanom Jeeb (Thai Pork and Shrimp Dumplings)
      • Beef Laab on a plate with lettuce, lime and cucumber slices.
        Authentic Thai Beef Larb Recipe
      • Moo Yang grilled pork slices on a platter.
        Moo Yang Recipe (Thai Grilled Pork Neck) 
      • Sticky Asian ribs on a plate on the table.
        Sticky Asian Ribs 

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Ashley Stoll

        July 22, 2023 at 6:30 pm

        I love sticky rice and assumed I needed a special steamer to create it. I'm thrilled to find out that I can now make it in my Insta Pot!

        ★★★★★

      2. Alexa

        July 18, 2023 at 5:41 pm

        Omgeeee…why didn’t I know or think about this earlier!!! lol! Sticky rice making will never be the same again. THANK YOU!

        ★★★★★

      Leave a Reply

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