Thai-Style Sticky Rice (Khao Niaw)

Name: Thai-Style Sticky Rice (Khao Niaw)
Total time: 5 h
Yield: Serves 4
Cuisine: Thai, Asia
Ingredients: 2 cups Thai glutinous rice

Time

1 hour, plus 4 hours soaking

Yield

Serves 4

Ingredients

Ingredient check list

2 cups Thai glutinous rice

Why This Recipe Works

The traditional vessel for steaming Thai sticky rice (which is made from glutinous rice) is a bamboo basket set over an hourglass-shaped aluminum pot, which allows the rice to steam on all sides. We mimicked that setup with a cheesecloth-lined fine-mesh strainer set over a saucepan of barely simmering water. This sticky rice has a satisfying texture and is perfect for serving with flavorful dishes.

Before You Begin

This recipe requires letting the rice soak in water for at least 4 hours before cooking. When shopping, look for rice labeled “Thai glutinous rice” or “Thai sweet rice”; do not substitute other varieties. Thai glutinous rice can be found in Thai markets and some supermarkets or online.

Instructions

Place rice in medium bowl and pour enough water over rice to cover by 2 inches. Let stand at room temperature for at least 4 hours or up to 8 hours.

Cut 18-inch square of double-thickness cheesecloth. Line large fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth, letting excess hang over sides. Drain rice in prepared strainer, then rinse under running water until water runs clear. Fold edges of cheesecloth over rice and pat surface of rice smooth.

Bring 1 1/2 inches water to boil in large saucepan. Set strainer in saucepan (water should not touch bottom of strainer), cover with lid (it will not form tight seal), reduce heat to medium-high, and steam rice for 15 minutes. Uncover and, using tongs, flip cheesecloth bundle (rice should form sticky mass) so side that was closer to bottom of saucepan is now on top. Cover and continue to steam until rice is just translucent and texture is tender but with a little chew, 15 to 20 minutes longer, checking water level occasionally and adding more if necessary.

Remove saucepan from heat, drain excess water from saucepan and return strainer to saucepan. Cover and let rice stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.