I have always been a big fan of Asian cuisine, and one of my favorite dishes is sticky rice. It’s a delicious and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with so many different meals. However, I used to think that making sticky rice was a time-consuming and complicated process that required special equipment. That was until I discovered a quick and easy way to make sticky rice using just my microwave. In this article, I will share with you my step-by-step guide on how to make sticky rice in the microwave.
Gathering the Ingredients and Supplies
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients and supplies we need.
What You’ll Need:
– 1 cup of sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice)
– 1 ½ cups of water
– A microwave-safe bowl with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap
– A fork or a microwave-safe spatula
– A colander
– Optional toppings or seasonings such as sesame seeds or soy sauce
Preparing the Rice
Now that we have everything we need, it’s time to prepare the rice for cooking.
Step 1: Rinsing the Rice
Start by rinsing the sticky rice under cold water. This will help remove excess starch and make the rice less sticky once cooked. Place the rice in a colander and rinse it thoroughly until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Soaking the Rice
After rinsing the rice, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl. Add enough water to cover the rice completely and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Soaking the rice helps soften the grains and ensures even cooking.
Cooking the Rice
Now that the rice is prepped and ready, it’s time to cook it in the microwave.
Step 3: Draining the Rice
After soaking the rice, drain the water using a colander. Make sure the rice is well-drained before transferring it back to the microwave-safe bowl.
Step 4: Adding Water and Covering the Bowl
Now, add 1 ½ cups of fresh water to the bowl with the drained rice. The ratio of water to rice is crucial for perfectly cooked sticky rice. Once the water is added, cover the bowl either with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, make sure to leave a small vent to allow steam to escape.
Step 5: Microwaving the Rice
Place the covered bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove the bowl from the microwave and carefully stir the rice with a fork or a microwave-safe spatula. This helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents any clumping.
Step 6: Continuing to Cook the Rice
Cover the bowl again and return it to the microwave. Cook the rice on medium power for another 10 minutes. Cooking the rice on medium power helps to avoid overcooking and keeps the grains tender and separate.
Step 7: Letting the Rice Rest
Once the cooking time is up, remove the bowl from the microwave and let the rice rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and become even stickier.
Serving and Enjoying the Sticky Rice
Now that our sticky rice is perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy it!
Step 8: Fluffing and Seasoning the Rice
Use a fork or a spatula to fluff up the rice gently. This will loosen the grains and make them even stickier. At this point, you can also add your desired toppings or seasonings such as sesame seeds or a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
Step 9: Serving and Pairing the Rice
Serve the sticky rice as a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired meals. It pairs well with various dishes such as stir-fries, curries, or even as a filling in homemade sushi rolls.
Step 10: Storing the Rice
If you have any leftovers, allow the rice to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sticky rice can be reheated in the microwave or steamed for a few minutes to bring back its chewy texture.
Making sticky rice in the microwave is a fantastic time-saving technique that doesn’t compromise the taste and texture of this beloved Asian dish. With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can enjoy a bowl of sticky rice in no time. So the next time you’re craving a side of sticky rice to accompany your meal, give this microwave method a try – you won’t be disappointed!