How to Cook Sweet Rice: The Glutinous Sticky Rice

What Is Sweet Rice?

Sweet rice is a type of rice with a high amylopectin content, a substance that makes the grains sticky. Hence, once it is cooked, this rice is so sticky that people also call it sticky rice. I’m not sure how and why the sweet word became the name of this grain because it does not taste sweet at all unless you put sugar in it. Anyway. 

Another name for this rice is glutinous rice. But make sure you don’t confuse yourself with gluten. A long time ago, I used to think that this rice contained high amounts of gluten, so I thought that’s why it was called glutinous rice. Little did I know that it had nothing to do with gluten. In fact, sweet rice is actually gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten intolerance.

In the Far East, sweet rice is a staple among snacks and sweet dishes. You might come across a dish made of these grains in Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cuisines. 

Chances are you’ve known a Thai dessert made of sticky rice with mango, Japanese mochi, or Korean tteok (rice cake) in popular tteoppoki. In Indonesia, we have an endless variety of snacks and sweet dishes that are made with glutinous rice. Semar Mendem, Lemper,  Klepon, Onde-Onde, Bubur Ketan Hitam, Wajik, and Lemang are only some examples. God willing, I will try to share more recipes that use glutinous rice. 

Glutinous Sticky Rice is Called Ketan in Indonesia

In Indonesia, we call this sticky rice Ketan, and there are two different types of glutinous rice, i.e., black glutinous rice, which is called Ketan Hitam in Indonesian, and white glutinous rice, which is called Ketan Putih.

Both have the same sticky texture and taste. Its color is the only difference.

Here, I’m using the white type of sweet rice as it’s more easily available in my local Asian shops. 

Where to Get Sweet Rice

I usually buy it from my local Asian shops, and sometimes I get it from Chinese shops whenever I go to Chinatown. But during the lockdown, I managed to order online from Amazon. 

How to Cook Sweet Rice on The Stovetop

Wash, rinse, and drain 1 cup/ 225 grams of rice with water until the water runs clear.

Place the rice in a mixing bowl and pour 2-3 cups/ 500-750 milliliters of water in until all the grains are submerged. Let the rice soak for about 1-4 hours.

Drain the rice and discard the water when you are ready to cook the rice.

Place the rice in a lidded pan and add 1 cup of water.

Stir in the salt.

Cook the rice at medium-high heat with the lid on.

Once it reaches the boiling point, open the lid slightly ajar and turn the heat down. Let it cook further until the steam comes out.

Your sweet rice is cooked when it turns shiny and translucent.

How to Cook Glutinous Rice in A Steamer

This is the most original way of cooking sticky rice. Traditionally, Indonesians used to steam Ketan Putih in a copper or aluminum steamer that has a bamboo insert. But you can use any steamer available to you. A stovetop steamer or electric steamer will do just fine.

1. Follow the first three steps above to prepare the rice, then preheat your steamer. 
2. Place the rice in your steamer insert, ideally lined with a banana leaf, or you can use greaseproof baking paper/ parchment paper. 
3. Mix in the salt.
4. Steam the rice for about 30-45 minutes until the grains become soft and translucent.

How to Cook Sweet Rice in The Rice Cooker

Prepare the rice by following the first three steps above.

Put the rice in the cooker bowl.

Add 1½ cups of water and stir in the salt.

Set the rice cooker according to its manual for white rice cooking. 

What to Serve The Sweet Rice With

Traditionally, Indonesians enjoy steamed sticky rice with grated fresh coconut. Some people drizzle brown sugar syrup or sprinkle some sugar granules over the rice to give it a sweet taste. Others who prefer savory enjoy the rice along with spicy peanut dipping sauce.

For practical reasons, I use desiccated coconut and serve it with spicy peanut sauce. 

Although there is no set rule for when to serve it, I remember my mom used to make this sticky rice for late afternoon snacks or weekend breakfast. Hot steaming Ketan Putih topped with grated coconut and sprinkled with granulated sugar was one of my late dad’s favorites. So we used to have it quite regularly. 

How to Store and Reheat Ketan Putih

Keep any leftover sweet rice in a tight-lidded food container and store it in the refrigerator. Ideally, you consume it within 2-3 days. 

The best way to reheat leftovers is by steaming them. However, you can use a microwave, too, if that’s what you prefer. Just sprinkle a little water over the rice before you reheat it.

More Snacks from the Indonesian Kitchen

If you need more ideas of what Indonesian snacks to make next time, why don’t you try Cilok? It’s a popular chewy, savory snack made with tapioca flour that you enjoy with spicy peanut sauce. Or you can try the refreshingly spicy and nutty Asinan Jakarta, the crunchy salad with spicy peanut dressing. But if you like finger foods and don’t mind some deep-fried stuff once in a while, you should try Bakwan Sayur, the tasty vegetable fritters.