Can you cook sticky rice in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can make sticky rice in a rice cooker, but there are a few things to keep in mind. While I prefer the traditional Lao method for its perfect balance of texture—slightly bouncy, not too dry or wet—this rice cooker method is great when you forget to soak the rice and need a quick dinner. The key to achieving a texture close to the traditional method is using the right water-to-rice ratio: 1 ⅔ cups of water for every 3 cups of sticky rice.
Whats the traditional Lao sticky rice method?
This is the tried-and-true method for making sticky rice that has been perfected over hundreds of years, but it does require specific traditional equipment. If you need more details, I recommend downloading my free Lao Sticky Rice Guide, which includes step-by-step instructions and links to the necessary equipment. You can also find the full written guide to the traditional method here.
Rice Cooker Lao Sticky Rice
Ingredients
Instructions
- In the pot, add the sticky rice and enough water to cover it. Use your hands to mix the rice and rinse away excess starch. Repeat this process 3 times.
- After draining, return the rice to the pot. For sticky rice, use a ratio of 1-2/3 cups of water for every 3 cups of rice to achieve the perfect texture—not too wet, not too dry. Be sure to use the measuring cup that comes with your rice cooker.
- Set the cooker to the "sweet" setting, which, in this case, adjusted to 49 minutes.
- Once done, open the cooker and gently fluff the rice.
Sabaidee, I’m Saeng!
I’m a personal chef who specializes in Lao food. Here at Saeng’s Kitchen, you’ll find all your favorite traditional Lao foods and also some new twists to Lao style dishes.