The Best Rice for Sticky Rice?

Choosing The Correct Rice is Important

Quite simply, the best rice for sticky rice is glutinous rice. Glutinous rice is a specific type of rice cultivar known for its unique sticky and chewy texture when cooked. If you are gluten intolerant, you don’t have to worry though because contrary to its name, glutinous rice does not contain gluten; the term “glutinous” refers to its adhesive quality.

Glutinous rice, scientifically known as Oryza sativa var. glutinosa, is primarily grown in various Asian countries, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and parts of China. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and holds a special place in the culinary traditions of these regions.

The grains of glutinous rice are short and round, with a high starch content that sets it apart from regular long-grain or medium-grain rice varieties. This higher starch content is responsible for the sticky consistency when cooked, making it ideal for dishes where a cohesive, glutinous texture is desired.

In Thai cuisine, sticky rice is a fundamental ingredient used in both savoury and sweet dishes. It is a key component of many iconic dishes. Its sticky texture also makes it suitable for wrapping and moulding into various shapes, such as rice cakes and dumplings. Click here to jump to some of the most popular Thai dishes that use sticky rice.

When preparing glutinous rice, it is often soaked before cooking to achieve the desired consistency. This soaking allows the rice grains to absorb water, resulting in a tender, sticky texture when steamed or boiled.

Now you know the best rice for sticky rice you can learn how to prepare it properly. Once you know how to make sticky rice you will be able to make a lot of classic Thai dishes.

Why Glutinous Rice is The Best Rice for Sticky Rice and Not Jasmine Rice

So we already know glutinous rice is the best rice for sticky rice, but a lot of people want to know if you can use jasmine rice instead. The answer is no because Jasmine rice and sticky rice are two distinct types of rice, each with its own unique characteristics, flavours, and culinary uses. Here are the key differences between jasmine rice and sticky rice:

1. Variety and Grain Shape:

• Jasmine Rice: Jasmine rice is a long-grain rice variety known for its slender and elongated grains. These grains remain separate and fluffy when cooked, making it a popular choice for dishes where distinct grains are desired.
• Sticky Rice: Sticky rice, also called glutinous rice or sweet rice, is a short-grain rice variety with round and plump grains. Unlike jasmine rice, sticky rice becomes sticky and clumps together when cooked, creating a cohesive, glutinous texture.

1. Texture:

• Jasmine Rice: Jasmine rice has a light and fluffy texture with a slightly soft, non-sticky quality. It is often used as a side dish or a base for various main courses.
• Sticky Rice: As the name suggests, sticky rice has a sticky and chewy texture. It is prized for its ability to hold together, making it suitable for dishes where a cohesive consistency is desired.

1. Flavor:

• Jasmine Rice: Jasmine rice has a subtle floral aroma and a delicate, nutty flavour. It is often praised for its fragrant qualities, which can enhance the overall taste of a dish.
• Sticky Rice: Sticky rice has a mild, neutral flavour with a slightly sweet undertone. Its primary appeal is its unique texture rather than its strong flavour.

1. Culinary Uses:

• Jasmine Rice: Jasmine rice is commonly used in a wide range of Asian and non-Asian cuisines. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, including curries, stir-fries, and grilled meats. Its fluffy texture makes it a versatile choice for both savoury and sweet applications.
• Sticky Rice: Sticky rice is primarily used in dishes where its stickiness is essential, such as in traditional Asian desserts, rice cakes, and certain savoury dishes like Thai sticky rice with mango. It is not typically used as a standalone side dish.

In short, while both jasmine rice and sticky rice are important components of Thai cuisine, they serve different culinary purposes due to their distinct textures and flavours. Glutinous rice is not only the best rice for sticky rice, it is the only rice you should use to make sticky rice

Summary of The Differences Between Sticky and Jasmine Rice

Characteristic	Jasmine Rice	Sticky Rice (Glutinous Rice)
Grain Variety	Long-grain, slender and elongated	Short-grain, round and plump
Texture when Cooked	Light and fluffy, grains remain separate	Sticky and cohesive, grains clump together
Flavour	Subtle floral aroma, nutty flavour	Mild, neutral with a slight sweetness
Culinary Uses	Versatile, used in a variety of savoury and sweet dishes	Primarily used in dishes where stickiness is desired, including desserts and some savoury dishes
Preferred Regional Usage	Common in Southeast Asian cuisines	Predominantly featured in various Asian countries’ culinary traditions, with specific applications

5 Popular Thai Dishes That Use Sticky Rice

Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)

A beloved Thai dessert consisting of sweet glutinous rice topped with ripe mango slices and drizzled with a creamy coconut sauce.

Sticky Rice with Grilled Pork (Khao Niew Moo Ping)

A popular street food dish featuring marinated pork skewers, grilled to perfection, and served alongside sticky rice as a delicious and satisfying snack.

Sticky Rice with Northern Thai Curry (Khao Soi)

A speciality in Northern Thailand, khao soi is a coconut curry soup served with chicken or beef and accompanied by sticky rice to soak up the flavorful broth.

Sticky Rice with Grilled Sticky Rice Sausage (Sai Krok Isaan)

This northeastern Thai dish features fermented pork sausage, known as Sai Krok Isan, which is grilled until slightly crispy and served with sticky rice, fresh vegetables, and optional spicy dipping sauce.

Sticky Rice Stuffed in Bamboo (Khao Lam)

Sticky rice is stuffed into bamboo tubes along with coconut milk, sugar, and sometimes beans or taro. The bamboo tubes are roasted over an open flame until the rice is cooked and infused with smoky flavours, resulting in a fragrant dessert or snack.

Sticky Rice FAQ

What is sticky rice, and why is it called “sticky”?

Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice or sweet rice, is a type of rice that becomes sticky and glutinous when cooked. It’s called “sticky” because the cooked grains cling together, creating a cohesive and chewy texture. Despite its name, sticky rice does not contain gluten.

What does sticky rice taste like?

Sticky rice has a mild, neutral flavour with a slightly sweet undertone. Its primary appeal is its unique texture, rather than a strong taste. The mild flavour makes it versatile for both sweet and savoury dishes.

How is sticky rice different from regular rice?

Sticky rice is different from regular rice, such as long-grain or medium-grain varieties, in terms of its starch content and texture. Sticky rice has higher amylopectin starch content, which makes it sticky and cohesive when cooked. In contrast, regular rice varieties have a lower amylopectin content and result in separate, non-sticky grains.

What are some popular dishes made with sticky rice?

Sticky rice is used in a wide range of dishes, including:

• Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)
• Sticky Rice with Grilled Pork (Khao Niew Moo Ping)
• Sticky Rice with Northern Thai Curry (Khao Soi)
• Sticky Rice with Grilled Sticky Rice Sausage (Sai Krok Isan)
• Sticky Rice Stuffed in Bamboo (Khao Lam)

Can you substitute regular rice for sticky rice in recipes?

No, sticky rice cannot be directly substituted for regular rice in recipes because they have different textures and cooking requirements. Sticky rice is best used in dishes specifically designed for its unique properties, while regular rice varieties are better suited for most other rice-based dishes.

How is sticky rice prepared and cooked?

To prepare sticky rice, it is typically soaked in water for several hours or overnight to allow the grains to absorb moisture fully. Then, it can be steamed, boiled, or cooked in a bamboo steamer, depending on the recipe. Steaming is a common method for achieving the desired sticky texture.

Is sticky rice gluten-free?

Yes, sticky rice is naturally gluten-free. It is a safe option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Where can I buy sticky rice?

Sticky rice is available in many Asian grocery stores and some well-stocked supermarkets. You may find it labelled as “sweet rice” or “glutinous rice.” It is typically sold in bags or bulk bins.

What are some traditional ceremonies or festivals where sticky rice is used?

Sticky rice holds cultural significance in various Asian countries and is often used in ceremonies, festivals, and special occasions. For example, in Thailand, sticky rice is offered to monks during almsgiving ceremonies, and it plays a central role in the Thai New Year (Songkran) celebrations.

Can sticky rice be used in desserts and savoury dishes?

Yes, sticky rice is incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be the foundation for traditional desserts like mango sticky rice or utilized in savoury dishes such as Thai sticky rice with grilled meats and dipping sauces.

Are there any health benefits associated with sticky rice?

Sticky rice, like other types of rice, is a good source of carbohydrates. It provides energy and is gluten-free. However, it is essential to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet because it is calorie-dense due to its higher starch content.

What are some common misconceptions about sticky rice?

One common misconception is that sticky rice contains gluten because of its name, but it is gluten-free. Another misconception is that it is unhealthy due to its stickiness, but it can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and as part of well-balanced meals.