Start by rinsing 1 to 1½ cups of your regular rice under cold water. This not only washes away excess starch but also enhances the texture later on.

Allow it to soak in clean water for about 30 minutes. Soaking is essential. It allows the grains to absorb the water and soften, making your sticky rice dreams come true.

Afterward, drain the rice in a fine-mesh colander. You want every drop of that soaked water gone. This step helps in achieving a clumping effect when you cook it.

In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, toss in the drained rice along with the salt. Stir it only a couple of times—over-stirring can make your rice gummy.

Here comes the trick. After adding the rice, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let the mixture cook for about 15-20 minutes.

If the water evaporates too quickly, don’t hesitate to add a few more tablespoons of water. You’re looking for that soft yet firm texture.

Once the time is up, remove the pot from heat. Cover it for an additional 10 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to finish cooking in its steam.

After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork and mix in 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. This is where the magic happens—the vinegar enhances the flavor subtly and adds to the stickiness.

Your sticky rice is ready! Enjoy it with your favorite dish or as a dessert. You can form it into balls or serve it in bowls.