Sticky Rice Guide: What is Glutinous Rice?

Like many other foods, rice is a staple grain in Asian cuisine, and it comes in all sorts of varieties, like basmati, jasmine, arborio, long-grain, white rice, and brown rice, to name just a few. But, amongst the abundance of grains, one prevalent and versatile grain shines brightly - sticky rice! Celebrated for its unique texture, sweetness, and culinary creativity, you’ll want to discover everything there is to know about this delightful rice.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of sticky rice, exploring its origins, what it is, and how to make the most of this tasty grain in your own kitchen.

What is Sticky Rice and Where Does it Come From?

Sticky rice, also known as sweet rice, mochi rice, or glutinous rice (a bit more of a mouthful!), is a unique variety of rice containing a higher proportion of amylopectin than other rice types. Amylopectin, a type of starch, is responsible for glutinous rice's gluey, sticky texture. Unlike different types of rice, sticky rice also contains very little (close to nothing) amylose, another type of starch responsible for the firm and fluffy texture of other types of rice, such as long-grain varieties like basmati.

This sweet rice has historically been used in many East Asian cuisines - Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Indonesian - but its exact origin remains a bit ‘sticky’, shall we say? However, it is thought that Laos could be the true birthplace of this waxy rice, and its people often refer to themselves as the ‘children of sticky rice’, but who knows for sure? There’s no harm in being left a little ‘glueless’.

Is Glutinous Rice Gluten Free?

Yes. Despite the confusing name, glutinous rice is, in fact, gluten-free! The term ‘glutinous’ refers to sticky rice's glue-like consistency, not the gluten protein found in wheat.

What’s the Best Type of Rice for Sticky Rice?

There are a few different types of sticky rice, including black or purple glutinous rice, Japanese sticky rice, and Thai sweet rice - often long-grain but still has that desired sticky texture with a slight floral aroma.

Our Hakubai Premium Sweet Sticky Rice is a Japanese mochi rice and may be an easier option to use if you have little time, as this rice turns into a sticky paste with little effort when mixed with hot water - perfect for binding together rice balls!

On the other hand, our Green Dragon Thai Glutinous Rice is a little starchier, allowing it to retain its long-grain form after being cooked whilst still being gluey. Thai sticky rice also has a slight floral scent, adding to its sweetness. If you want to stock up on this delightful rice, then the Royal Umbrella Thai Glutinous Rice 5kg is perfect for you.

What Does Sticky Rice Taste Like?

Sticky rice is very dense and extremely chewy, and, if you haven’t guessed already, it is naturally sweeter than other types of rice, making it an essential ingredient for all sorts of Asian puddings, such as mango sticky rice, sticky toffee rice pudding, or sticky rice in banana leaf. However, its sweetness isn’t overpowering, which makes it the perfect companion to bring out other tasteful flavours of savoury dishes.

What Can I Eat With Sticky Rice?

So, if you’re wondering what to eat with sticky rice, your options are limitless with the choice of main course, pudding, or even better - both! Pair sticky rice with delicious fruits like mango, or serve with fried spring rolls, pad Thai, vegetable curries, chicken satay, Chinese sausage, or homemade steamed dumplings - using our glutinous rice flour for the perfect sticky, chewy texture.

Glutinous rice flour is also used to make a variety of Asian sweets or as a sauce thickener; plus, it’s gluten-free, making it an ideal substitute for those who suffer from gluten sensitivities such as coeliac disease.

If you have a sweet tooth, you need to try these mouth-watering sticky rice desserts:

• Lamai Thai Durian and Sticky Rice in Coconut Milk
• Lamai Thai Mango Sticky Rice
• Sticky Rice Wrapped in Banana Leaf
• Taro Sticky Rice

Glutinous rice balls can also satisfy a sweet craving - if you prefer, they also make the perfect snack or appetiser. Here are some of our best sticky rice balls to take the edge away:

• Spring Home Glutinous Rice Ball (Peanut Filling)
• Sesame Filled Glutinous Rice Ball
• Authentic Glutinous Rice Ball with Sesame
• Red Bean Paste Glutinous Rice Ball
• Chinatown Egg Custard (Lightly Salted) Lava Rice Ball

How To Make Sticky Rice

The key to good sticky rice is to let it soak in water for at least a couple of hours before cooking. If you’d like to know how to cook sticky rice on a stove, follow our easy sticky rice recipe, where we use a bamboo steamer for a traditional oriental experience.

Once you’ve mastered that, you could try some of our more exciting recipes like Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausage Recipe, or, if you fancy something authentic Chinese dessert, our Glutinous Rice Balls with Fermented Rice Wine Recipe always goes down a treat.

Does Sticky Rice Have Any Benefits?

Studies show that sticky rice can help improve bone density, reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and reduce oxidative stress. It also contains vitamins B and D and minerals potassium, phosphorus, and selenium - which boosts your immune system, supports a healthy thyroid and supports the growth of healthy hair and nails.

Where to Buy Sticky Rice?

Now we’ve taken you through the world of sticky rice, here comes the all-important question - where can you buy it? You can purchase glutinous rice from our online Asian supermarket, where you’ll find various brands and many great snacks and desserts.