Steaming sticky rice using a fragrant steamer, with plump and tender grains, is simple yet satisfying.

Cooking sticky rice is a relatively straightforward task, but making delicious sticky rice is a whole process. To achieve fragrant and tender sticky rice, it requires a lot of time and preparation steps.

A method for steaming deliciously soft and chewy sticky rice.

Sticky rice is considered one of the most delicious and appealing breakfast dishes, convenient for those with limited time as it can be packed and taken to work or school. It ensures the dish stays hot, adding a touch of aromatic seasoning from the accompanying ingredients. This provides you and your family with a very tasty, appealing, and healthy breakfast.

This article will guide you on how to cook sticky rice using a simple steamer while still ensuring it is fragrant, delicious, and tender. This method is also a concern for many homemakers.

1. The process of cooking sticky rice using a steamer at home

Selecting quality ingredients for delicious sticky rice

- Ingredients are crucial in determining whether a dish is delicious or not. For sticky rice, choosing the right glutinous rice accounts for 70% of its deliciousness.

Choosing high-quality rice

- When selecting glutinous rice for sticky rice, it's recommended to choose aromatic glutinous rice as it requires a moderate stickiness and distinctive fragrance. Opt for newly harvested glutinous rice, with a milky white color, round and evenly plump grains. Additionally, you can taste a few grains to determine their sweetness and fragrance, indicating whether they meet the standards for delicious sticky rice.

Soaking rice for delicious sticky rice

- Unlike cooking regular rice, sticky rice is cooked by steaming, utilizing steam vapor. Therefore, soaking the rice before cooking helps soften and make the grains more elastic. Depending on the firmness of the rice grains, soaking time varies. Typically, soaking rice for 6-8 hours is sufficient. If soaked longer, the rice grains will become sour and mushy when cooked, losing their integrity and resulting in less appetizing sticky rice.

Soak rice for 6 - 8 hours to soften

- During the rice soaking process, add a pinch of salt to the water to remove any odors and enhance the flavor of the sticky rice when cooking. The water level should be higher than the rice because glutinous rice absorbs water significantly during soaking.

- If you intend to cook sticky rice early in the morning, soak the rice overnight, estimating the appropriate time and draining the rice to remove excess water to prevent it from souring.

After soaking, drain and rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess water

2. Steaming delicious sticky rice with a steamer

First Steaming of Sticky Rice

- Step 1: Pour cold water into the steamer's reservoir, filling it to one-third of its capacity. Avoid adding too much water, as it may make the sticky rice mushy during cooking. Then, bring the water to a boil and add a few pandan leaves for a fresher aroma, or mix the rice with various ingredients such as peeled mung beans, black beans, peanuts, etc.

- Step 2: While waiting for the water in the steamer to boil, you can use your hand to grasp handfuls of rice, then evenly spread them gently into the steamer, or use a small bowl to scoop the rice. Repeat until all the rice is placed in the steamer. Avoid steaming too much rice exceeding the steamer's capacity, as it may cause the rice to compress and block the steam vents, resulting in insufficient steam and unevenly cooked, dry, or undercooked sticky rice.

First Steaming of Sticky Rice

- Step 3: Create holes in the rice layer to allow steam from the bottom of the steamer to evenly penetrate upwards, ensuring even and tender sticky rice.

- Step 4: Once the water in the steamer is boiling evenly, place the steamer on top, adjust the heat to medium, then cover tightly. Place a damp cloth on top to retain steam and ensure even steaming. Every 10 minutes, gently stir the sticky rice with chopsticks. The optimal steaming time for sticky rice is approximately 45 minutes.

Second Steaming of Sticky Rice

- Step 1: Gently fluff the steamed sticky rice and spread it evenly on a tray to cool.

- Step 2: Transfer the sticky rice back into the steamer for a second steaming. Pour the rice in slowly and gently to avoid breaking the grains. Steaming the rice a second time helps it become softer, stickier, and last longer without drying out.

Second Steaming of Sticky Rice

- Step 3: Continue steaming for another 15 - 20 minutes. Then, take a small amount to taste the texture. If the sticky rice is cooked, add a little cooking oil or chicken fat and stir well before turning off the heat and removing from the stove. This step will make the sticky rice shiny and smoother.

Finished Product: Delicious Steamed Sticky Rice Using a Steamer

Finished Product: Steamed Sticky Rice Using a Steamer

After completion, transfer the sticky rice onto a plate or bowl. It can be served with sausage, meat, braised meat, or dried shredded pork. With just a simple process, you can have fragrant and tender steamed sticky rice right at home for family breakfasts or entertaining friends. Let's give it a try now!

3. How to Cook Chicken Sticky Rice Using a Steamer for Exquisite Flavor

Chicken sticky rice is one of the most delicious and irresistible dishes, thanks to the fragrant aroma of glutinous rice, the rich taste of chicken, and the distinctive flavor of rendered fat with a hint of scallion.

Ingredients for delicious chicken sticky rice for 5 servings

- Half a chicken

- 600 grams of glutinous rice

- Chicken fat

- 60 grams of coconut flour

- 5 stalks of scallions, 4 bulbs of shallots

- 1/2 tablespoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of seasoning powder

Ingredients for making chicken sticky rice

How to cook chicken sticky rice using a steamer

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

- If the chicken you bought has a strong odor, remove it by rubbing the meat with salt and lime, then rinse it thoroughly with water and let it drain. Marinate the chicken with a little seasoning powder and salt so that it won't become bland when steaming.

- Peel and clean the shallots, then slice them thinly. Remove the roots of the scallions, wash them thoroughly, and chop finely.

- Choose high-quality and fresh glutinous rice, then wash and soak it overnight (about 6 hours) to make it soft and evenly swollen. Before cooking, wash the rice again and drain it. Mix the rice with a pinch of salt and coconut flour to enhance its aroma and flavor when cooked.

Step 2: Steaming sticky rice using a steamer

- Prepare a steamer pot and fill it with water up to one-third of its capacity. Place the steamer basket on top and slowly pour the rice onto the basket, spreading it evenly. Then, create several holes on the surface of the rice to allow steam to rise and distribute evenly, ensuring quick and even cooking of the sticky rice.

- Next, place the chicken on top, cover the steamer again, and steam for about 40 minutes until the chicken and sticky rice are thoroughly cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate to cool, then tear it into bite-sized pieces by hand or chop it into pieces.

- To enhance the flavor and aroma of the sticky rice, steam it for a second time to make it softer and more thoroughly cooked. Once the rice is cooked, drizzle chicken fat slowly over it or add a little cooking oil and mix well with chopsticks. Steam the rice for an additional 5 - 10 minutes to make it shinier, golden, and more fragrant.

Steaming chicken sticky rice using a steamer

Step 3: Fry dried shallots

Heat a pan on the stove, then add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and heat until hot. Add sliced shallots and fry until golden and crispy. Remove the shallots and drain them. Repeat the same process with scallions, ensuring they retain their green color. Delicious and enticing chicken sticky rice is now ready!

Transfer the sticky rice onto a plate, then arrange the chicken on top. Add some fried shallots and scallions, and it's ready to enjoy. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some crushed roasted peanuts on top to add a nutty aroma and taste.

Ingredients for making steamed chicken sticky rice

There you have it, we've completed the recipe for delicious steamed chicken sticky rice using a steamer! Wishing you success with this method.

4. How to Make Mung Bean Sticky Rice Using a Steamer

Mung bean sticky rice is a familiar dish for every Vietnamese person because it's a popular breakfast dish that's easy to eat. Mung bean sticky rice has cooling properties and helps regulate the internal organs, thanks to the mung beans combined with the vitamins from glutinous rice, creating a wonderful and delicious sticky rice dish. Let's explore how to make mung bean sticky rice using a steamer, which is extremely simple and easy to eat.

Ingredients for Delicious Mung Bean Sticky Rice for 3 People

- Glutinous rice 500g

- Peeled mung beans 250g

- Side vegetables, sausage, pork belly, stewed meat, dried shredded pork ...

Ingredients for Making Mung Bean Sticky Rice

How to Cook Mung Bean Sticky Rice Using a Steamer

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients for Sticky Rice

- Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 6 hours before steaming to soften and expand evenly.

- Wash the mung beans thoroughly and soak them for about 3 - 4 hours to ensure even expansion, or you can soak them in hot water for 30 - 45 minutes for faster softening and to prevent them from becoming tough when cooked.

Soak Rice and Mung Beans for Softening

- Before cooking, it's advisable to rinse the rice again and mix it with water, then combine the rice with the soaked mung beans and let it drain. Add a small tablespoon of salt to the rice, then use your hands or a spoon to mix it evenly to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Cooking Sticky Rice with Mung Beans Using a Steamer

- Place a steamer pot on the stove, pour 1/3 of the water into the pot, then place the steamer basket on top. Next, evenly spread the mixture of rice and mung beans (pouring gradually and evenly) into the steamer basket. Make a few holes to allow steam to rise evenly and spread across the surface of the rice, ensuring even cooking.

- Then, bring it to a boil for about 45 minutes. During this process, it's recommended to stir the rice frequently to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption. Stirring every 10 minutes will help distribute the steam evenly.

Steaming Sticky Rice with Mung Beans Using a Steamer

- To make the sticky rice softer and more tender, it's recommended to steam it twice. After the rice is fully cooked, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil or chicken fat (if available) and mix well with the rice to enhance its richness and aroma. Steam for an additional 5 minutes, and the sticky rice with mung beans is ready to serve.

Finished Product: Sticky Rice with Mung Beans Steamed Using a Steamer

Finished Product: Sticky Rice with Mung Beans Steamed Using a Steamer

Serve the sticky rice on a plate or in a bowl, then enjoy it with sausage, pork belly, braised pork, or dried shredded pork for an even more delicious taste. Soft sticky rice combined with the nutty flavor of peanuts and the creamy taste of cooking oil is truly irresistible, isn't it?

Ingredients for Peanut Sticky Rice

- High-quality glutinous rice 500g

- Fresh peanuts 300g

- Seasonings: Sugar, salt, coconut milk, shredded coconut

- Sesame salt

Ingredients for Steamed Peanut Sticky Rice

How to Cook Delicious and Creamy Peanut Sticky Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

- Rinse the rice and peanuts thoroughly with water, then soak them separately for 6 - 8 hours until soft.

- When ready to cook the sticky rice, drain the rice again and add a pinch of salt, stirring well to enhance its flavor.

- After soaking, boil the peanuts in water until cooked, then remove them from the water.

Soak the rice with water and briefly boil the peanuts

Step 2: Steam the Rice and Peanuts with a Steamer

- Place a pot on the stove, add water to the pot, then place the steamer on top and start adding the rice slowly, spreading it evenly. Create a few holes at the bottom of the steamer to ensure even cooking. While cooking, pour coconut milk over the rice and stir well for absorption.

- Once the rice is cooked, add the pre-boiled peanuts and stir them together with the rice using chopsticks to make the rice fluffier and evenly mixed with the peanuts. Simmer for another 10 - 15 minutes until the peanuts are evenly cooked. If you prefer it sweet, you can add a bit of sugar, then stir well and remove the rice from heat.

Steaming Peanut Sticky Rice with a Steamer

- When the peanut sticky rice is cooked, it will be soft, fragrant, and slightly sticky from the peanut oil and the aromatic coconut milk. At this point, sprinkle some shredded coconut on top to enhance the flavor.

Delicious Steamed Peanut Sticky Rice with a Steamer, Enhanced with Sesame Salt

Above is the simple yet delicious way to cook sticky rice using a steamer that anyone can do. We can also steam sticky rice with other ingredients such as black beans, pumpkin sticky rice, etc.

Wishing you all success and a delicious sticky rice dish to showcase with your family!