Chinese Sticky Rice (Lo Mai Fan in a Rice Cooker)

If you’re craving a comforting, savory dish that’s rich in flavor and easy to prepare, Chinese Sticky Rice is just the ticket. Known as Lo Mai Fan, this dish brings together chewy glutinous rice, aromatic Chinese sausage, earthy mushrooms, and a hint of garlic and soy. The beauty of this recipe? You can make it entirely in your rice cooker no steamer or stovetop juggling needed!

I’ve made this dish for quick lunches and family potlucks alike, and there’s never a bite left. Kids love the texture and gentle seasoning, while adults appreciate the depth of umami flavor. Whether you’re new to sticky rice or already a fan, this recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta

(Yes, even though it’s not technically pasta we’re keeping the heading consistent!)

This dish delivers cozy, homey flavors in every bite and is incredibly forgiving to make. It’s a great way to introduce kids to new textures and bold, yet family-friendly, flavors. Plus, it’s all done in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy with your family!

Simple Ingredients

These pantry staples come together to create one super tasty and textured dish.

• Glutinous Rice (Sticky Rice): The signature chewy texture is what makes this dish so special.
• Chinese Sausage (Lap Cheong): Slightly sweet and savory, these slices infuse the rice with incredible depth.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Bring a deep, earthy umami flavor after soaking and dicing.
• Onion & Garlic: Aromatic and foundational perfect for layering flavor.
• Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: Adds saltiness and that rich, slightly sweet umami punch.
• Sesame Oil: Just a splash elevates everything with toasty flavor.
• White Pepper: A mild kick that complements the other spices.
• Green Onions: Fresh and colorful garnish with a mild bite.
• Optional Chicken or Shrimp: Great for a protein boost if you’re serving this as a main dish.

Quick Recipe Details

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2 hours soaking time)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (not including soak)

What is Needed

• 2 cups glutinous rice (sticky rice/sweet rice)
• 2 Chinese sausages (lap cheong), thinly sliced
• 4 dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated and diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp white pepper
• 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: ¼ cup diced cooked chicken or dried shrimp (rehydrated)

Instructions

1. Rinse the glutinous rice in a bowl until the water runs clear. Soak it in cold water for at least 2 hours, then drain thoroughly.
2. If your rice cooker has a sauté function, use it to cook the sliced Chinese sausage until slightly crisp. Add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms and sauté until soft and fragrant.
3. Add the drained rice into the rice cooker along with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute flavors.
4. Add about 1½ cups of water just enough to barely cover the rice. Set your rice cooker to the regular white rice setting. Halfway through cooking, gently stir if your model allows.
5. Once the rice is fully cooked and sticky, fluff gently with a fork or spatula. Garnish with chopped green onions and optional proteins before serving.

Top Tips

• Pre-Soak is a Must: Glutinous rice needs time to soften before cooking don’t skip this or your rice may end up crunchy.
• Use a Nonstick or Oiled Bowl: Sticky rice can really cling greasing your rice cooker pot helps with cleanup.
• Mold for Fun: Pack the rice into small bowls, press down firmly, then invert onto a plate for a beautiful dome-shaped presentation.
• Double It for Potlucks: This dish scales well and is always a hit at gatherings.
• Let the Kids Help: Little ones can help rinse the rice or sprinkle on green onions easy tasks to get them involved!

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and shrimp and add edamame or diced tofu.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of chili oil or sambal oelek if your crew loves heat.
• Extra Protein: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked pork for a fuller meal.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a few diced water chestnuts for a surprise crunch.

Recommended Equipment

• Rice cooker (with sauté function, if available)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Small skillet (if your rice cooker doesn’t sauté)
• Mixing spatula or wooden spoon

Make Ahead Tips

You can cook this rice earlier in the day, press it into a bowl, let it cool, and then unmold it onto a plate when ready to serve. Reheat gently in the microwave or steamer.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to soften the rice, or steam for best texture.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Steamed Chinese greens like bok choy
• A light egg drop soup or miso soup
• Soy sauce or chili oil on the side for dipping
• Sliced oranges or melon for a fresh finish

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Chinese Sticky Rice

Glutinous rice, Chinese sausage, and shiitake mushrooms come together in this savory rice cooker classic perfect for family dinners!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Course Main Dishes

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups glutinous rice sticky rice/sweet rice
• 2 Chinese sausages lap cheong, thinly sliced
• 4 dried shiitake mushrooms rehydrated and diced
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp white pepper
• 1 green onion chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: ¼ cup diced cooked chicken or dried shrimp rehydrated

Instructions

 

• Rinse the glutinous rice in a bowl until the water runs clear. Soak it in cold water for at least 2 hours, then drain thoroughly.
• If your rice cooker has a sauté function, use it to cook the sliced Chinese sausage until slightly crisp. Add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms and sauté until soft and fragrant.
• Add the drained rice into the rice cooker along with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute flavors.
• Add about 1½ cups of water just enough to barely cover the rice. Set your rice cooker to the regular white rice setting. Halfway through cooking, gently stir if your model allows.
• Once the rice is fully cooked and sticky, fluff gently with a fork or spatula. Garnish with chopped green onions and optional proteins before serving.

Keyword Chinese Sticky Rice

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!