How to make sticky rice in instant pot

Instant Pot Sticky Rice is completely fool proof. It’s textured to perfection, and can be used with several Asian dishes!

While it does take some time to prep, this sticky rice is quick and easy to cook. It goes perfectly with all of your favorite takeout classics like Szechuan Beef, Sticky Asian Meatballs, and Better Than Takeout Sesame Chicken. 

What is sticky rice??

Sticky rice is a versatile ingredient used in many forms of Asian cooking. It is a great side to many savory dishes.

In addition to many savory dishes you may be familiar with, like zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) or shumai, it is also used in dessert recipes. My favorite dessert dish is sticky rice with fresh mango and creamy coconut sauce. 

Steaming, not boiling it, is also crucial for creating its unique texture.  This instant pot sticky rice is surprisingly easy to pull off at home. Just remember to pre-soak the short rice.

How to Make Sticky Rice

There are two major things that contribute to the perfect sticky rice consistency: The type of rice, and the soaking process.

• The right type of rice will be labeled as “sweet” rice or “glutinous” rice.
• You should soak your rice anywhere from 4-10 hours. The longer you soak the rice the softer the texture will be!

PREP. Measure rice and place in a medium bowl or a large glass measuring cup. Add water about 1 inch above the rice. Let soak for at least 4 hours.

ADD. Add 1 cup of cold water into the Instant Pot. Place a fine colander in. (I used the Instant Pot silicone vegetable steamer). Drain rice and pour rice in the colander spread into an even layer.

COOK. Place lid on and lock. Check to ensure the valve is set to sealing. Turn Instant Pot on MANUAL mode (high pressure) for 12 minutes. Once fully cooked, release pressure manually by carefully switching the valve to venting position. Once the float valve pin drops, carefully remove the lid.

SERVE. Serve immediately.

No Instant Pot? No Problem. 

You can also make sticky rice on the stovetop or in a rice cooker.

• Stove-top: Soak your rice and then place the rice in the colander. Add enough water in the pot to just touch the bottom of the colander. Bring the water to a simmer and cover it and steam it for about 10 minutes. You must make sure to flip the rice halfway through, like a giant pancake.
• Rice Cooker: Place your rice and water in the rice cooker to let it soak there for 40 minutes to 4 hours. Then you can turn your rice cooker on “cook” until it’s done.

Like we said – no instant pot – no problem!

Serving and Storing

What to serve with? You can serve sticky rice with pretty much any meat dish, like chicken or pork. It’s especially common with Asian or even Hawaiian dishes. Here are some dishes that pair well with it:

• Orange Chicken
• 30 Minute Mongolian Beef Stir Fry
• Sweet Potato Coconut Curry
• Homemade Massaman Curry

Make sure to STORE the rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last 4-5 days this way. 

REHEAT your rice in the microwave after adding a couple of tablespoons of water or chicken broth. In order to get the best texture, you are going to want to reheat it in that tupperware container with the lid on. This creates a steaming effect with the lid being on and the extra addition of water.

Fore more rice recipes, try:

• Instant Pot Coconut Rice
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Ham Fried Rice
• Rice Pilaf
• Instant Pot Brown Rice

Instant Pot Sticky Rice Recipe

Instant Pot Sticky Rice is completely fool proof. It's textured to perfection, and can be used with several Asian dishes!

5 from 7 votes

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Japanese

Prep Time: 4 hrs 10 mins

Cook Time: 18 mins

Total Time: 4 hrs 28 mins

Calories: 293kcal

Ingredients

• ▢2 cup sweet rice
• ▢water

Instructions

• Measure rice and place in a medium bowl or a large glass measuring cup. Add water about 1 inch above the rice. Let soak for at least 4 hours.

• Add 1 cup of cold water into the Instant Pot. Place a fine colander in. (I used the Instant Pot silicone vegetable steamer). Drain rice and pour rice in the colander Spread into an even layer.

• Place lid on and lock. Check to ensure the valve is set to sealing.

• Turn Instant Pot on MANUAL mode (high pressure) for 12 minutes. Once fully cooked, release pressure manually by carefully switching the valve to venting position. Once the float valve pin drops, carefully remove the lid.

• Serve immediately.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Instant Pot

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Sticky Rice Recipe

Serving Size

4 serving

Amount per Serving

Calories

293

% Daily Value*

Fat

1

g

2

%

Saturated Fat

1

g

6

%

Potassium

61

mg

2

%

Carbohydrates

64

g

21

%

Fiber

2

g

8

%

Sugar

1

g

1

%

Protein

5

g

10

%

Calcium

8

mg

1

%

Iron

1

mg

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Did you make this recipe?Take a picture and tag @lmadesimple on Instagram or tag #LMSBakes! We can't wait to see your version!

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