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As I took a step back to admire the colorful spread at our last family gathering, the dish that caught everyone’s eye was my Rice Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice. There’s something captivating about how the flavors mingle, creating a warm embrace of savory delights. The rich aroma of pork and shrimp, all wrapped up in tender, glutinous rice, brings an unmistakable sense of comfort that transports me to my favorite dim sum restaurant.

After a long week of bustling activities, I found myself craving homemade goodness that wasn’t overly complicated. This recipe, with just a bit of soaking time, transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels special enough for gatherings but is easy enough for weeknight dinners. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or satisfy your own cravings, the savory blend of Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and shrimp makes this sticky rice a delightful centerpiece for any meal. Let me show you how simple it is to create this flavorful wonder in your very own kitchen!

Why will you love Rice Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice?

Easy Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, this recipe requires only a few simple steps and basic cooking skills.

Flavor Explosion: The blend of savory ground pork, shrimp, and sweet Chinese sausage creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing.

Perfect for Gatherings: This dish makes a stunning center stage at family gatherings and dinner parties, impressing both friends and family alike.

Comfort Food: There’s nothing like the warmth of sticky rice to bring feelings of comfort and nostalgia, making it a go-to for cozy nights in.

Time-Saver: Using a rice cooker means you can focus on other meal preparations while it works its magic, freeing up your valuable time.

Delight in this comforting dish and discover more easy, delicious recipes that inspire home cooking.

Rice Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice Ingredients

• Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish!

For the Rice
• Thai glutinous rice – This special rice is key for that signature sticky texture.

For the Meat and Seafood
• Ground pork – Adds richness and depth to the flavor profile.
• Shrimp – Fresh or frozen, deveined shrimp cook to perfection and enhance the dish.
• Chinese sausages – These bring a slight sweetness and umami flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

For the Vegetables and Aromatics
• Dried shiitake mushrooms – Soaked to infuse a rich, earthy flavor into the rice.

For the Sauce
• Oyster sauce – This savory sauce adds a depth of flavor that is hard to beat.
• Soy sauce – A classic ingredient that brings saltiness and enhances other flavors.
• Grated ginger – Fresh ginger adds a bright, zesty kick that balances the dish.
• Garlic – Minced garlic enhances the overall aroma and richness of the flavors.
• Tapioca starch – This thickener helps the sauce coat the ingredients for a perfect blend.
• Sesame oil – A drizzle of this adds a nutty fragrance that’s irresistible.
• White pepper – Infuses a hint of warmth without overpowering the other flavors.

For Cooking
• Water – Essential for cooking the rice, ensuring it absorbs all the flavors.

Elevate your cooking with this Rice Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice recipe, and enjoy the wonderful taste of home-cooked comfort!

How to Make Rice Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice

Soak the mushrooms in a bowl of hot water for at least 2 hours. This will soften them and enhance their flavor.
Rinse the rice in a strainer with cold water, stirring gently until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch for fluffy sticky rice.
Soak the rinsed rice in a bowl of water for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful sticky texture.
Mix the sauce in a bowl by combining the oyster sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, tapioca starch, sesame oil, and white pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors beautifully.
Drain the soaked rice in a colander, ensuring all excess water is removed.
Prepare the mushrooms by squeezing out excess water after soaking, discarding any tough stems, and slicing the caps into small pieces.
Slice the Chinese sausages into thin disks, ready to be added to the mixture.
Cook the Chinese sausage and ground pork in a heated skillet over medium heat until the pork is mostly cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the sliced mushrooms and sauce to the skillet with the pork and sausage, stirring to combine and heat through.
Introduce the shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they turn just pink, then remove the skillet from heat.
Layer the Chinese sausage mixture evenly in the rice cooker pot, creating a nice base.
Top with the drained rice, leveling it out for even cooking.
Pour in 1 ¼ cups of water over the rice cooker mixture.
Cook until the rice cooker button pops or for about 25 minutes, then allow it to sit for another 5-10 minutes.
Fluff the rice with chopsticks, gently mixing the rice and filling ingredients together for a beautiful medley of flavors.
Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra touch of freshness, if desired.

Optional: Serve with soy sauce on the side for extra flavor!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Rice Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice

Fridge: Store any leftover rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.

Freezer: If you have a larger batch, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: For best results, reheat frozen sticky rice in a microwave with a damp paper towel over the container to trap steam, ensuring even heating and softness.

Room Temperature: Avoid leaving rice out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent any food safety issues.

Expert Tips for Rice Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice

Mushroom Soaking: Ensure you soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in hot water for at least 2 hours. This enhances their flavor and texture, making them more enjoyable in the dish.

Rice Rinsing: Take the time to rinse the Thai glutinous rice thoroughly until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the sticky rice from becoming overly gummy.

Layering Ingredients: When transferring the Chinese sausage mixture to the rice cooker, layer the rice on top instead of mixing it in with the meat. This helps achieve perfect cooking without overcooking the rice.

Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your rice cooker and let it rest for 5-10 minutes after the cooking cycle completes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Garnishing: Don’t skip the fresh green onions! They brighten and enhance the flavors of the Rice Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice, adding a delightful finishing touch.

Enjoy making this dish and bring the rich flavors of homemade Chinese cuisine right to your table!

What to Serve with Rice Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice?

Let’s create a meal that sings with flavors and textures, making every bite an experience to cherish.

Stir-Fried Bok Choy: This light and crunchy vegetable dish adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich sticky rice, enhancing its comforting nature.
Sweet and Sour Chicken: The tangy and sweet profile pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the sticky rice, creating a delightful balance on your plate.
Steamed Dumplings: These delicate and juicy morsels are a fantastic accompaniment, offering a soft texture that complements the chewy rice beautifully.
Hot and Sour Soup: This spicy and tangy soup provides a contrasting warmth, waking up your taste buds while adding a nourishing element to your meal.
Crispy Spring Rolls: Crunchy on the outside with a savory filling inside, these wraps offer a lovely textural contrast and a hint of sweetness.
Chili Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed with garlic and a touch of heat, these green beans bring a zesty pop to the table that complements the sticky rice’s flavors.
Jasmine Rice: For those who want to keep things traditional, serve a side of fluffy jasmine rice. The aroma and subtle sweetness enhance the overall experience.
Chilled Green Tea: A refreshing drink that cools the palate while providing a light herbal note, making it a perfect beverage choice for this savory dish.
Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet finish, this classic dessert harmony of flavors and textures could end the meal on a satisfying note.

Make Ahead Options

These Rice Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice preparations are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can soak the dried shiitake mushrooms and rice up to 24 hours in advance to soften and prepare for cooking. After soaking, drain the rice and mushrooms, then combine the sauces; store everything in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy this flavorful dish, simply layer the pork and shrimp mixture with the rice in the rice cooker, add water, and cook. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s just as flavorful, and all you need is minimal assembly before cooking!

Rice Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice Variations

Feel the freedom to customize this delightful dish to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Vegan: Substitute ground pork with mushrooms or jackfruit for a plant-based twist that’s still hearty and filling.
Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy this dish worry-free.
Spicy: Add diced fresh or pickled jalapeños to the filling while cooking to elevate the heat level, creating a zesty flavor explosion.
Vegetable Boost: Incorporate diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition, enhancing the visual appeal and crunch.
Savory Alternative: Replace shrimp with cooked tofu cubes for a protein-packed vegetarian option that boasts a lovely texture.
Rice Variant: Use jasmine or basmati rice for a different aroma and flavor profile, allowing you to enjoy various taste experiences.
Herb-Infused: Fold in fresh cilantro or basil before serving for a refreshing herbal note that brightens up the dish beautifully.
Nutty Flavor: Add toasted sesame seeds as a garnish for an extra crunch, enhancing the dish’s texture and flavor profile.

Rice Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, use Thai glutinous rice, which is crucial for achieving that signature sticky texture. Look for clear, shiny grains, and avoid any packages with dark spots or broken pieces. Freshness is key!

What’s the best way to store leftover rice?
You can store any leftover Rice Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, sprinkle a little water over the rice to help it regain its moisture and warmth.

Can I freeze Rice Cooker Chinese Sticky Rice?
Yes! If you’ve made extra, freeze portions in airtight, freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight. When ready to enjoy, reheat with a damp paper towel over the container in the microwave to ensure it stays soft and delicious.

What should I do if my sticky rice turns out too gummy?
Very! A gummy texture usually means too much starch was retained. To prevent this next time, rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear before soaking. Also, make sure you aren’t over-soaking the rice, as it may absorb too much water.

Are there any dietary considerations for this dish?
If you’re serving this to people with dietary restrictions, it’s wise to check the ingredients in Chinese sausage, as they can contain allergens. For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free soy sauce, and if anyone has seafood allergies, simply omit the shrimp and replace it with extra pork or mushrooms.

What are some possible substitutes for the ingredients?
For a great alternative, you can use chicken or turkey instead of ground pork for a leaner option, and if you can’t find Chinese sausage, a combination of sweet Italian sausage and a bit of sugar can work in a pinch. Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand!