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How to Make Thai Sticky Rice (Khao Niao)

Cooked Thai sticky rice served in a traditional bamboo basket with grilled chicken, dipping sauce, and sides in the background.
Discover how to make Thai sticky rice (khao niao) with two simple techniques: the traditional bamboo steamer method or a regular steaming pot!
Praew
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Soaking Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Cuisine Thai
Course Side Dish
Serving Size 4 people

Ingredients

  • 3 cups glutinous rice
  • 4 1/2 cups water, (for soaking rice)

Instructions

Using a bamboo steaming basket

  • Place Thai glutinous rice in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
  • When ready, fill a traditional aluminum steamer pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
  • After soaking, drain the rice and place it in the bamboo steaming basket. Rinse the rice under running water directly in the basket to remove excess starch.
  • Place the basket over the boiling water, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water. Cover the basket with a lid and steam for 15 minutes.
  • Carefully flip the rice inside the basket to ensure even cooking. Steam for another 5–7 minutes.
  • Remove the rice, fluff it with a spoon, and transfer it to a serving basket or bowl. Cover to keep warm until serving.

Using a regular steaming pot

  • Place Thai glutinous rice in a bowl, cover with water, and soak for 4 hours or overnight.
  • Fill the bottom of your steaming pot with water and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
  • After soaking, drain the rice and rinse it thoroughly under running water.
  • Line the steamer tray with a clean cotton steamer cloth or cheesecloth. Spread the rice evenly over the cloth and fold it to cover the rice.
  • Place the steamer tray over the boiling water and cover with a lid. Steam for 20 minutes.
  • Halfway through steaming, check the water level and add more if needed to avoid burning. Once done, fluff the rice with a spoon and transfer it to a covered serving dish to keep it warm.

Notes

  • Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
  • Soaking: The rice needs to be soaked in water for at least 4 hours to overnight.
Calories: 551kcal | Carbohydrates: 122g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 115mg | Fiber: 4g | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg