Go Back
Steaming is by far the best way to reheat sticky rice. All you have to do is prepare your steamer, fill some water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn it down to simmer.

Step by step instructions how to reheat sticky rice

5 from 1 vote
Pin Recipe
Steaming is the best way on how to reheat sticky rice. All you have to do is prepare your steamer, fill some water and bring it to a boil.

Equipments:

  • stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Rice Cooker

Instructions:

#1 How to reheat sticky rice in the microwave

    With a paper towel:

    • Transfer the sticky rice to a microwave-safe plate and spread it into an even layer.
    • Lightly moisten a sheet of paper kitchen towel and drape over the rice. (Optional, but I do it all the time:  Fill a small heatproof container with ¼ cup of water and put it next to the plate).
    • Nuke at 30-second intervals for two minutes, depending on how many servings of rice you are reheating. Check intermittently between intervals to ensure the rice has reheated evenly.

    With plastic wrap:

    • Ladle out sticky rice into a microwave-safe deep bowl dish, ensuring ample space for steaming.
    • You can drizzle two or three tablespoon of water over a bowl of sticky rice. If you crave an extra flavor, try adding chicken or beef broth instead of water.
    • Encase plastic wrap over the wider shallow bowl. Don’t let the saran or cling wrap touch the actual food. Pierce some small holes to avoid pressure buildup.
    • Zap on high for 30 seconds burst until warmed through, stirring the rice amid the breaks to guarantee even heating.
    • Take the plastic wrap off cautiously to shun the steam deserting from the bowl.
    • Mix and stir the sticky rice to evenly distribute the heat on every piece.

    The ice cube method:

    • Arrange the sticky rice into the deep, microwave-safe bowl.
      Position one ice cube over the rice before zapping it in the microwave. If you’re reheating two or more servings, you may need to add one or two more cubes.
    • Drape a sheet of paper towel or parchment paper over the rice before you start nuking to keep the moisture in and assist the steaming process.
      If you haven’t done this before, you’ll be surprised to notice that the ice cube hasn’t melted. However, your rice should be nice and warm, and moist.
    • Remove the ice cube immediately and serve the reheated rice.

    #2 Reheating sticky rice in a steamer

    • Prepare the steamer, boil the water and simmer down the heat.
    • While waiting for the water to boil, scoop the sticky rice into a plate and crumble up any lumps.
    • Transfer the bowl of sticky rice to the steamer, then spread the rice to form one thin layer.
    • Put the steamer lid in place and cook for five minutes.

    #3 Reheating sticky rice in a rice cooker

    • Place the leftover rice into the rice cooker. Sprinkle two or three tablespoon of water to maintain the moisture. Put the lid back.
    • Adjust the rice cooker to a “warm” setting and reheat for 6 to 8 minutes or until the rice is evenly reheated.

    Notes:

    Extra tip:

    1. If you’re serving your reheated sticky rice with a savory dish, you can add chicken stock to impart a little flavor boost rather than water before microwaving.
    2. Don’t forget to check periodically while the rice is warming through to ensure it doesn’t overheat and dry out.
    3. Make sure NOT to reheat too much sticky rice at once. Otherwise, you’ll come up with unevenly heated rice. My recommendation is no more than two heaped cups of rice per session.

    Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.

    Did you make this?I would love seeing what you've made! Tag me on Instagram @theforkbitedotcom or leave me a comment or rating below.
    Keywords: how to reheat sticky rice