Everything You Need to Know About Zojirushi Sticky Rice

So…

Even the most highly skilled chefs use rice cookers.

There’s no shame in that. If anything, it’s cooking smart. 

Using a Zojirushi rice cooker simplifies cooking rice and guarantees consistent results. Even more so if said rice is the sticky kind. 

Traditionally, sticky rice is steamed and not boiled. Because of this cooking method, it takes longer to cook. 

The gist? Cooking sticky rice is one challenging task to take on. 

But not for our Zojirushi rice cooker.

Zojirushi Rice Cookers

You must admit, cooking rice on the stovetop requires more supervision. It’s this constant struggle that actually gave birth to rice cookers. 

It was the Zojirushi brand that introduced a feature that keeps cooked rice warm for hours. 

Then, in 1983, the brand incorporated fuzzy logic into its products, which it refers to as ‘Micom.’ This artificial intelligence allows the rice cooker to make small adjustments during cooking. 

An advancement that all rice enthusiasts are thankful for!

Made Cooking Rice Easy

It helped in solving two big problems in the rice world:

• Rice varieties have different cooking times
• Rice varieties cook differently

With the Zojirushi micom product, you can rest assured that it takes into account what type of rice you’re cooking. Then, it cooks it perfectly all the time. 

It adjusts accordingly even if you add slightly off-water measurements to your rice. 

But it didn’t stop at fuzzy logic. Induction heating also came into the picture. And so, this combination gave us the easiest and almost always perfect rice cooking method. 

Price

Zojirushi has a rice cooker for every budget and every kitchen. Their prices range from 50 USD to 750 USD. 

Types

Rice cookers use different technologies to get the job done:

• Conventional: This is the most basic, with just a thermostat and a heating element.
• Micom: Or micro-computerized model, this makes adjustments to cooking time and temperature. 
• IH: This model is also micom but utilizes induction heating instead of electric. 
• Top of the line (pressure cooker): These models apply pressure in cooking.

Preparing Sticky Rice in a Zojirushi Rice Cooker

Rice Variety

Sticky rice is a short-grain rice variety, also known as sweet rice or glutinous rice. It has a higher starch content than regular rice, which is the reason for its sticky texture. 

Choosing the suitable rice will depend on the dish you’re going for. 

For example, Thai sticky rice is usually used for desserts. Japanese sticky rice, on the other hand, is suitable for both sweet and savory dishes. 

Zojirushi’s standard rice for all their rice cookers is short-grain white rice. And since this variety has a sticky texture, using Zojirushi is perfect. 

Proper Washing Techniques

Some recipes require soaking sticky rice for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. Doing so can actually make your rice stickier if you prefer it that way. 

When it comes to rinsing, place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water. Wait for the water to run almost clear. 

Water-to-Rice Ratio

Getting this right is crucial. But no worries, as mentioned before, Zojirushi can make adjustments on its own. 

Most of their rice cookers indicate a specific water level marking for sticky rice. But if yours doesn’t, use 1.25 cups of water to 1 cup of sticky rice. 

Using the Correct Settings

Zojirushi has a Sushi Rice Menu Setting that is specifically designated for short or medium-grain white rice. 

It cooks your rice to a firmer consistency and thus allows for easier handling when forming sushi. 

Make sure you refer to the instruction manual for specific guidelines on the cooking setting. There may be additional options or settings depending on the model you have. 

Cooking Time and Process

1. Measure sticky rice using the measuring cup that came with the rice cooker.
2. Rinse the rice to remove excess starch.
3. Place the washed sticky rice in the inner cooking pan of your Zojirushi rice cooker.
4. Use the water lines and fill to where it matches the type and cups of rice you’re cooking. 
5. Choose the appropriate setting for sticky rice. 
6. Press start to initiate the cooking process. 
7. Keep the lid closed during cooking. 

Resting and Fluffing the Sticky Rice

Allow the cooked sticky rice in the Zojirushi rice cooker to rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. 

This period helps the rice to fully absorb the remaining moisture. And this also makes it stickier.

Make sure to fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains lightly before serving. 

Maintenance and Care

To keep your Zojirushi rice cooker in tip-top shape, it’s essential to properly clean it. Doing so can ensure its performance and longevity. 

1. Unplug the rice cooker before cleaning it.
2. Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge when washing the inner pan. Avoid using abrasive materials to prevent scratching the non-stick coating. 
3. Remove the inner lid and wash it with warm and soapy water, as well. Pay attention to the gasket and steam vent when doing so. 
4. Use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior. Don’t immerse the body in water. 
5. Make sure all parts are dry before putting the rice cooker back together. 

Pro Tips

• Use a mild vinegar solution to remove stubborn remnants.
• Regularly clean the steam vent to prevent clogs.
• Don’t use metal utensils on the inner pan to avoid scratches.
• Store your Zojirushi rice cooker in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Unplug it when you’re not using it to avoid overheating.
• Avoid mishandling and dropping the Zojirushi rice cooker. 

Buying Guide 

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Zojirushi Rice Cooker

• Capacity: How many people do you typically cook for? Zojirushi offers different rice cooker capacities.
• Cooking features: What do you typically cook? Some models offer steaming, slow cooking, and even making porridge. 
• Technology: What cooking benefits do you need? There are different technologies like micom, induction heating, and pressure cooking. 
• Budget: How much can you spend on a rice cooker? Setting a budget can also help you narrow down your options. 

Top Zojirushi Models for Sticky Rice

• Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-LGC05: This is one of Zojirushi’s basic models. But even a model this basic is a dependable sticky rice cooker. This works well if you’re on a tight budget (USD 169 at Zojirushi).
• Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker NS-ZCC10/18: This cooker analyzes the rice type and adjusts cooking settings accordingly. This ensures consistent, delicious sticky rice (USD 243 at Zojirushi).   
• Zojirushi Induction Heating System Rice Cooker & Warmer NP-HCC10/18: If you’re going for the perfect sticky rice texture, then this model is your best bet. It’s known for its precise temperature control and even heating (USD 365 at Zojirushi).

Where to Buy Authentic Zojirushi Products

Let’s also make sure you’re buying a genuine Zojirushi rice cooker, alright?

You can check out:

• Official Website: You can find a wide array of their products on their official website. It’s the most reliable place to purchase a Zojirushi rice cooker. 
• Authorized Retailers: Or you can check out if there are authorized Zojirushi retailers in your area. This way, it’ll be quicker and easier for you to have your unit checked if problems arise. 
• Online Marketplaces: Caution is advised, but you can find reputable online platforms like Amazon selling genuine Zojirushi rice cookers. Make sure to read customer reviews first, though.