Rice is not merely a neutral side dish. Variety, starch composition and cooking method affect aroma, texture and the character of the meal. Jasmine rice, sushi rice and glutinous rice are therefore not straightforward substitutes for one another.
| Rice type | Cooked texture | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| Jasmine rice | fluffy to lightly clinging, aromatic | Thai curries and everyday Southeast Asian meals |
| Sushi rice | moist, tender and clearly sticky | sushi, onigiri and Japanese rice bowls |
| Glutinous rice | dense and strongly sticky | Thai sticky rice, mango sticky rice and savoury snacks |
Jasmine rice
Jasmine rice is an aromatic long-grain rice widely served with Southeast Asian food. When cooked well, the grains remain relatively separate but cling slightly more than many European long-grain varieties. It suits curries, stir-fries and saucy dishes.
Sushi rice
Sushi rice is usually a Japanese or Japanese-style short- to medium-grain rice. Its starch profile helps the cooked grains hold together. For sushi, the rice is also seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Simply cooking a sticky rice does not make it finished sushi rice.
Glutinous rice
Glutinous rice, also called sticky rice, becomes especially cohesive. The word “glutinous” describes its glue-like texture; it does not mean that rice naturally contains gluten. Many traditional methods soak the rice for several hours and steam it rather than boiling it like ordinary rice.
Should rice be washed?
Many Asian recipes rinse rice several times in cold water until the water becomes noticeably clearer. This removes loose surface starch. The ideal amount of rinsing depends on the variety, product and desired texture, so check the packet directions as well.
Cooling and storage
Do not leave cooked rice lukewarm for long periods. Move leftovers promptly into shallow containers, cool them quickly and refrigerate. Reheat until thoroughly hot. Discard rice when storage time, smell or appearance gives you reason to doubt it.
Quick choice
- Thai curry or a Vietnamese everyday meal: jasmine rice
- Sushi or onigiri: sushi rice
- Mango sticky rice or Thai sticky rice: glutinous rice
- Fried rice: often jasmine or another reasonably dry long-grain rice that has been cooled and stored correctly
Related guides
Continue with: Red, green or yellow Thai curry paste: which should you choose?, Coconut milk, coconut cream or coconut drink: what does your recipe need?, Asian pantry essentials: start small and cook more.
