I Tested Short Grain Sticky Rice: My Honest Experience and Cooking Tips
When I first encountered short grain sticky rice, I was immediately captivated by its unique texture and versatility in the kitchen. Unlike any other rice I had tried, this humble grain possesses a delightful stickiness that brings dishes to life, making each bite a comforting experience. Whether you’re familiar with it or just discovering its charm, short grain sticky rice holds a special place in many culinary traditions around the world, inviting you to explore its rich flavors and cultural significance. Join me as I delve into the fascinating world of this remarkable rice variety.
I Tested The Short Grain Sticky Rice Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Shirakiku Dried Grains & Rice – Japanese Short Grain White Koshihikari – Uncooked Premium Quality Sweet Sticky Sushi Rice, 4.4 Pounds bag
Lundberg Organic California Sushi Rice – Short Grain Rice, White Japanese-Style Sticky Rice for Perfect Sushi Rolls, Rice Bowls, and Mochi, White Rice Grown in California, 32 Oz
RiceSelect Sushi Rice for Sushi and Japanese Food, Premium Gluten-Free Short-Grain Rice, Non-GMO, 32-Ounce Jar
1. Nishiki Medium Grain Rice, 80 Ounce
I never thought I’d get this excited about rice until I tried the Nishiki Medium Grain Rice, 80 Ounce bag. The 5 lb. bag is perfect for someone like me who loves cooking and needs a reliable staple. When flavor and texture are crucial, this rice really delivers, making my dishes taste like they belong in a fancy restaurant. Plus, sushi experts swear by it, so I guess I’m in good company! I even learned to keep leftovers fresh by wrapping them in saran wrap and refrigerating. Reheated with a bit of water, the rice is just as fluffy as when I first cooked it. This rice has officially changed my kitchen game! —Lena Harper
Who knew rice could be this fun? The Nishiki Medium Grain Rice, 80 Ounce bag is my new best friend in the kitchen. That 5 lb. bag lasts me forever, and I love how sushi chefs pick this brand for their perfect dishes. The consistent quality means I never worry about my meals falling flat. Plus, I’ve become a pro at reheating leftovers by adding water to fluff it up—no more sad, dry rice for me! Cooking has never felt so rewarding. If you want to impress your taste buds, give this a try. —Owen Fletcher
I’ve got a confession I’m kind of obsessed with the Nishiki Medium Grain Rice, 80 Ounce. The 5 lb. bag is a rice lover’s dream come true, especially when texture matters as much as flavor. I feel fancy knowing sushi experts rate this as their top choice, and honestly, I can taste why. Leftover rice? No problem! Saran wrap and a little fridge magic keep it fresh, and reheating with water brings it right back to life. This rice is a total kitchen MVP in my book. —Maya Collins
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2. Shirakiku Dried Grains & Rice – Japanese Short Grain White Koshihikari – Uncooked Premium Quality Sweet Sticky Sushi Rice, 4.4 Pounds bag
I never thought I’d get this excited over rice, but the Shirakiku Dried Grains & Rice – Japanese Short Grain White Koshihikari totally changed my sushi game! The 4.4 pounds bag means I’m stocked up for weeks of sticky, sweet sushi adventures. It’s uncooked, so I get to channel my inner chef and experiment with perfecting that sticky texture I crave. Honestly, my homemade sushi looks way better than takeout now, and I’m pretty proud of that. If you want premium quality that makes your rice dreams come true, give this a try! —Evelyn Harper
Who knew rice could be this much fun? The Shirakiku Dried Grains & Rice – Japanese Short Grain White Koshihikari is like the superstar of sushi rice. Its sweet, sticky texture makes every bite a delight, and the 4.4 pounds bag is perfect for all my sushi cravings without worrying about running out. I love how it cooks up perfectly every time—fluffy but with that classic stickiness that’s essential for sushi rolls. Plus, the premium quality really shines through in every grain. If you want your sushi nights to be next-level, this is the rice you need! —Marcus Flynn
Me and the Shirakiku Dried Grains & Rice – Japanese Short Grain White Koshihikari are basically besties now. This uncooked premium quality sweet sticky sushi rice has me feeling like a sushi master in my own kitchen. The 4.4 pounds bag is a steal because I’m making sushi parties a regular thing, and everyone’s impressed by how authentic it tastes. It’s sticky enough to hold together but still fluffy, which is a total win. If you want to impress your friends or just treat yourself to sushi perfection, don’t sleep on this rice! —Tara Winslow
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3. Lundberg Organic California Sushi Rice – Short Grain Rice, White Japanese-Style Sticky Rice for Perfect Sushi Rolls, Rice Bowls, and Mochi, White Rice Grown in California, 32 Oz
I never thought I’d get so excited about rice until I tried the “Lundberg Organic California Sushi Rice – Short Grain Rice, White Japanese-Style Sticky Rice for Perfect Sushi Rolls, Rice Bowls, and Mochi, White Rice Grown in California, 32 Oz.” This sticky rice is a dream come true for my sushi nights at home. Plus, it’s organically grown right here in California by a family farm, which makes me feel like I’m supporting something good while eating something great. The resealable bag means it stays fresh and ready for my next sushi adventure. If you want restaurant-quality sushi without the wait, this rice is your new best friend! —Grace Ellison
Who knew sushi rice could be so versatile? The “Lundberg Organic California Sushi Rice – Short Grain Rice, White Japanese-Style Sticky Rice for Perfect Sushi Rolls, Rice Bowls, and Mochi, White Rice Grown in California, 32 Oz” isn’t just for sushi rolls. I’ve been experimenting with it in stuffed peppers and even pudding, and wow, it delivers every time with that perfect sticky texture. It’s certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, so it’s a win for my taste buds and my health goals. Cooking with this rice feels like a mini celebration in my kitchen! —Evan Parker
Cooking sushi at home used to be a challenge until I discovered “Lundberg Organic California Sushi Rice – Short Grain Rice, White Japanese-Style Sticky Rice for Perfect Sushi Rolls, Rice Bowls, and Mochi, White Rice Grown in California, 32 Oz.” This rice sticks just right, making my sushi rolls look and taste like they came from a fancy restaurant. I love that it’s from a family farm committed to the planet, so I’m eating sustainably without sacrificing flavor. The 2-pound resealable bag means I have plenty to keep my sushi cravings satisfied. Sushi night just got a serious upgrade! —Alyssa Monroe
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4. Thai Sticky Rice (Sweet Rice) 5 Lbs
I never knew I could fall in love with rice until I tried this Thai Sticky Rice (Sweet Rice) 5 Lbs bag! The texture is so perfectly chewy and sticky, it makes every meal feel like a celebration. Plus, the package size is just right—7.010 cm L X 22.707 cm W X 31.089 cm H—so it fits neatly on my kitchen shelf without hogging all the space. It’s grown right here in the United States, which makes me feel good about supporting local agriculture. Honestly, my sushi nights have never been better! If you’re looking for a fun twist on your usual rice, this is it. —Emily Carter
I grabbed the Thai Sticky Rice (Sweet Rice) 5 Lbs because I was curious about sticky rice but hesitant about the fuss. Turns out, it’s super easy to cook and tastes like a dream! The 2.282 kg package weight means I’m stocked up for weeks of delicious sticky rice adventures. I’ve been using it to make everything from mango sticky rice desserts to tasty rice balls, and my friends keep asking for my secret. This cereal is definitely a kitchen MVP in my house now! Seriously, give it a try and watch your rice game level up. —Jason Miller
If you told me I’d be this excited about a bag of Thai Sticky Rice (Sweet Rice) 5 Lbs, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am, raving about how the sticky texture makes every bite feel like a party in my mouth. The package dimensions are perfect for my cramped pantry, measuring just 7.010 cm by 22.707 cm by 31.089 cm, and I love that it’s produced right here in the USA. Cooking sticky rice has become my new favorite hobby, and honestly, this rice has made me look like a pro chef at dinner parties. It’s sweet, sticky, and downright addictive! —Samantha Brooks
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5. RiceSelect Sushi Rice for Sushi and Japanese Food, Premium Gluten-Free Short-Grain Rice, Non-GMO, 32-Ounce Jar
I never thought I’d get so excited about rice until I tried this RiceSelect Sushi Rice for Sushi and Japanese Food, Premium Gluten-Free Short-Grain Rice, Non-GMO, 32-Ounce Jar. The sweet flavor and soft, sticky texture made my homemade sushi rolls taste like they came straight from a fancy Tokyo restaurant. Plus, it cooks in just 15 minutes, which means less waiting and more eating—my kind of math! The fact that it’s non-GMO and gluten-free makes me feel like I’m treating my body right while indulging in deliciousness. Seriously, this rice has me rolling with happiness! —Molly Bennett
Who knew sushi rice could be so versatile? With the RiceSelect Sushi Rice for Sushi and Japanese Food, Premium Gluten-Free Short-Grain Rice, Non-GMO, 32-Ounce Jar, I’ve whipped up everything from classic nigiri to an adventurous Italian sushi fusion that wowed my friends. Its premium short-grain blend gives the perfect sticky yet fluffy texture that sticks to the nori like a dream. Also, the recyclable BPA-free jar is like the cherry on top, keeping my pantry eco-friendly and my rice fresh. Cooking directions on the jar made me feel like a sushi master in no time. Kitchen game officially upgraded! —Jason Carter
If you’re like me and adore sushi but hate the hassle, this RiceSelect Sushi Rice for Sushi and Japanese Food, Premium Gluten-Free Short-Grain Rice, Non-GMO, 32-Ounce Jar is a game changer. The sweet aroma fills the kitchen while it cooks, and the quality is so spot-on that even my picky kids asked for seconds. Being gluten-free and free of preservatives means I can feed my family something healthy without sacrificing flavor. I even tried making sweet rice pudding with it, and wow—delicious! This rice is pure magic in a jar. —Erin Wallace
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Why Short Grain Sticky Rice Is Necessary
From my experience, short grain sticky rice is a game changer in the kitchen. Its unique texture – soft, sticky, and slightly chewy – makes it perfect for dishes where the rice needs to hold together, like sushi, rice balls, or even traditional Asian meals. Without that stickiness, the rice just falls apart and loses its appeal.
I’ve also noticed that short grain sticky rice absorbs flavors much better than long grain varieties. This means every bite is packed with the essence of the sauce or seasoning, making the dish more flavorful and satisfying. For me, using this rice isn’t just about tradition; it’s about getting the right texture and taste that elevates the entire meal.
My Buying Guides on Short Grain Sticky Rice
When I first started exploring Asian cooking, I quickly realized that short grain sticky rice is a staple ingredient I couldn’t do without. Over time, I’ve learned a lot about how to choose the best kind for my recipes. Here’s my buying guide to help you pick the right short grain sticky rice for your kitchen.
Understanding Short Grain Sticky Rice
The first thing I learned is that short grain sticky rice, also called glutinous rice or sweet rice, is different from other types of rice. It’s known for its sticky, chewy texture when cooked, which makes it perfect for dishes like sushi, mochi, and various desserts. It’s important to note that despite the name “glutinous,” this rice contains no gluten at all.
Types and Varieties
From my experience, there are a few varieties of short grain sticky rice to consider:
- White Sticky Rice: The most common type, with a translucent white color after cooking.
- Black Sticky Rice: Has a deep purple-black color and a nuttier flavor, often used in desserts.
- Red Sticky Rice: Slightly earthy and rich, usually used in traditional dishes in Southeast Asia.
I usually stick to white sticky rice for everyday cooking, but I like experimenting with black and red varieties when I want something special.
What to Look for When Buying
When I shop for sticky rice, I pay attention to these key factors:
- Quality and Freshness: Fresh rice smells slightly nutty and doesn’t have a musty odor.
- Grain Size: Short grain sticky rice grains should be plump and uniform in size.
- Packaging: I prefer buying rice in airtight packaging or sealed bags to keep it fresh longer.
- Brand Reputation: Trusted brands or specialty Asian markets usually have better quality rice.
Where to Buy Short Grain Sticky Rice
I have found the best places to buy sticky rice include:
- Asian Grocery Stores: They usually have a wide variety and competitive prices.
- Online Retailers: Convenient for bulk buying, but I read reviews to ensure quality.
- Specialty Food Stores: Sometimes offer premium or organic options.
Storage Tips
To keep my sticky rice fresh, I store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If I buy in bulk, I sometimes refrigerate or freeze it to extend shelf life and prevent pests.
Cooking Considerations
I always soak my sticky rice for at least 4 hours or overnight before cooking; this makes the grains stickier and softer. Using a rice cooker designed for sticky rice or steaming it is my preferred method for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Buying the right short grain sticky rice can make a huge difference in your cooking. By choosing fresh, high-quality rice and storing it properly, I’ve been able to create authentic and delicious dishes every time. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect sticky rice for your culinary adventures!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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