Total time
20 min
Servings
1
Calories
427.4
Category
Rice
Experience the authentic flavors of Thailand with this easy Aromatic Sticky Rice recipe. Perfectly chewy, fragrant, and ready in under 20 minutes, this vegan staple is the ideal accompaniment to your favorite curries, stir-fries, or mango sticky rice desserts.
Ingredients
Makes 1 serving
- 225 water
- 425 lemongrass
- 1 red chile
- 1 garlic
Method
Put all the ingredients into a large saucepan and let stand for five minutes.
Cover the pan and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook over a low heat for 10 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow to stand covered for five further minutes.
Remove the flavourings, if wished, and pile into a serving dish.
Serve immediately, while very hot.
Cook's notes
- Always use authentic Thai glutinous rice (sticky rice) rather than long-grain jasmine rice for the correct texture.
- Soaking the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking ensures even hydration and prevents hard grains.
- Use a cheesecloth-lined bamboo steamer or a fine-mesh sieve over a pot for the traditional steaming method.
Easy swaps
- If you cannot find glutinous rice, you can use high-quality sushi rice, though the texture will be slightly less chewy.
- For a coconut-infused version, stir in a splash of full-fat coconut milk and a pinch of salt after steaming.
- Add a drop of pandan extract to the soaking water for a traditional floral aroma.
Frequently asked
Is sticky rice the same as jasmine rice?
No. Sticky rice (glutinous rice) is opaque and becomes very chewy and adhesive when cooked, whereas jasmine rice is translucent, long-grained, and fluffy.
Do I have to soak the rice?
Yes, soaking is essential for sticky rice. It allows the grains to hydrate properly so they steam evenly without remaining hard in the center.
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