The Traditional Method Using a Steamer: Soak the sticky rice in enough cold or lukewarm water to cover the rice for at least an hour or even overnight. Take your steamer, put water in the bottom and cover the steam section with cheesecloth or muslin cloth. Pour the sticky rice on the cheesecloth, cover with the lid and put it on the stove on medium to high heat. Ten minutes into it, move the rice around so the top is down close to the steam. The sticky rice should take about a 20 minutes of steaming to cook and will become translucent when done. Take a small bite to see if it is soft and chewy. It should not be soggy.