Culinary Enhance: 5 BEST Substitutes for Glutinous Rice

Ever stared at a recipe calling for glutinous rice and found your pantry glaringly empty of it? Yeah, we’ve all been there.

Finding a substitute feels like a quest in a dungeon without a map. It’s tricky, yet not impossible. We’ve knocked on the doors of every culinary wizard we know to conjure up this list. It’s a lifesaver, or at least a dinner saver.

Ever tried to sticky your regular rice with a spell and ended up with a mushy disaster? We have. Not fun. These alternatives will save your dishes and your dignity. You won’t have to serve a side of apologies at your next dinner.

What is Glutinous Rice?

It’s a type of rice that is naturally sticky, and it’s also referred to as sweet or glutinous rice.

The word ‘glutinous’ means sticky, and the reason why this type of rice is classified as such because when cooked, the grains will stick together.

This type was originally grown in Southeast Asia, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Glutinous rice is different from other types of long-grain or medium-grain rice because it contains a high amount of starch, giving the cooked rice a sticky consistency.

In Asia, glutinous rice is prepared as a sweet dessert and used in savory dishes.

This type of rice is used more often in traditional dishes.

It can be ground into flour to make tapioca or a thickener for soups.

Also, it’s usually blended to create different types of starch that can be used as ingredients for noodles, bread, and pastries.

Once cooked, glutinous rice can become hard if left to cool off.

For this reason, it’s usually served warm or at room temperature to make it soft again.

The 4 Best Substitutes for Glutinous Rice

Glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice or sweet rice, is a staple in many Asian cuisines.

However, if you don’t have access to glutinous rice or prefer alternatives, there are several substitutes available.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
White Rice	Less sticky, neutral flavor	Use an equal amount of white rice as a substitute
Arborio Rice	Creamy texture, suitable for risotto	Use an equal amount of Arborio rice as a substitute
Jasmine Rice	Fragrant aroma, slightly sticky	Use an equal amount of Jasmine rice as a substitute
Sushi Rice	Sticky texture, suitable for sushi	Use an equal amount of sushi rice as a substitute

Now let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1 – White Rice

Second, white rice is a good substitute for glutinous rice.

White rice may be nutritious and healthy, but it doesn’t have the sticky texture that the latter has.

This type of rice contains less fiber than brown rice, making it easier to digest.

It’s also light and fluffy when cooked.

White rice can come in different types: long-grain, basmati, steamed, wild, jasmine, or Calrose, medium-grain rice known for its stickiness.

When cooking white rice, it’s crucial to use the right water.

However, most people mistake adding too much, and it ends up too wet and mushy.

Key Characteristics: White rice, such as long-grain or short-grain varieties, has a less sticky texture compared to glutinous rice. It has a neutral flavor and can be used as a substitute in many dishes. Use an equal amount of white rice as a substitute to achieve a similar consistency.

2 – Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is another option if you want something sticky when cooked.

It’s known as risotto rice, and it’s round in shape with many indentations.

Arborio rice is commonly used to prepare risotto, the Italian dish of creamy rice.

When cooked, Arborio rice has a slightly chewy consistency which is perfect if you’re looking for that.

The best thing about this type of rice is that it’s very versatile and paired with veggies, seafood, or meat.

You can also use it to make paella or risotto. It’s very easy to cook Arborio rice.

Just make sure to use the correct amount of liquid and cook it with gentle heat.

Key Characteristics: Arborio rice is a medium-grain rice known for its creamy texture when cooked. It is commonly used in risotto dishes.

While it is not as sticky as glutinous rice, it can be used as a substitute in recipes that require a creamy and slightly sticky texture. Use an equal amount of Arborio rice as a substitute, but note that the final result may have a different flavor profile.

3 – Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is also great as a substitute for glutinous rice.

This type of rice will give your meal the same sticky texture that you would get from using glutinous rice.

It can be used in Asian dishes like congee, fried rice, or steamed dumplings.

When cooking jasmine, it’s important to add enough water to come out moist and with a slightly sticky consistency.

Also, make sure to use gentle heat when cooking this type of rice because if the heat is too strong, the grains will break and end up mushy.

Jasmine rice is easy to find in grocery stores, and the best thing about it is that it’s inexpensive.

You can also use this type of rice for desserts like rice pudding, or you can simply serve it as a side dish with your favorite meat entrée.

Key Characteristics: Jasmine rice is a long-grain rice with a fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture when cooked. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine.

While it is not as sticky as glutinous rice, it can be used as a substitute in many dishes where a slight stickiness is desired. Use an equal amount of Jasmine rice as a substitute, adjusting the cooking method if necessary.

4 – Sushi Rice

Sushi rice also makes a good substitute for glutinous rice.

This type of rice is short grain and has a high starch content.

It’s also very sticky when cooked and is used in Japanese dishes like sushi and maki rolls.

Japanese sushi rice will do the trick if you want to make your sushi at home.

Sushi rice is also versatile so that you can use it in many Asian dishes like stir-fries, congee, and fried rice.

It’s important to remember, though, that this type of rice doesn’t hold its shape very well, so it’s best served with meat or seafood that has a sauce that you can mix with the rice.

Key Characteristics: Sushi rice, also known as japonica rice or sushi-grade rice, has a sticky texture when cooked. It is commonly used in sushi rolls and other Japanese dishes.

Sushi rice is a closer match to glutinous rice in terms of stickiness and texture. Use an equal amount of sushi rice as a substitute for glutinous rice, especially in dishes that require a sticky consistency.

Conclusion

Glutinous rice is popular in Asia because of its taste and because it is highly nutritious, making it a healthy alternative.

However, there are many other types of rice that you can use as an alternative to the traditional glutinous option.

Your next Asian dish will be just as delicious as the list above, even if you don’t have glutinous rice.

That being said, make sure to use your cooking skills for these substitutes to come out with the same texture and taste that you’d get from using glutinous rice.

Then, serve them to your family and friends who will surely love the meal.