Skip to content
Forkin
DessertSnack

Khao Larm (Sweet Sticky Rice in Bamboo)

Khao Larm is a traditional Thai dessert made from sweet sticky rice, coconut milk, and sugar, slow-cooked inside bamboo sections. The bamboo imparts a unique aroma and flavor to the rice. This vegan version offers a delightful and naturally sweet treat.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
1 hr 15 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
508 kcal
Khao Larm (Sweet Sticky Rice in Bamboo)

Mise en place

Ingredients

  • 250 gglutinous rice, soaked overnight
  • 400 mlcoconut milk
  • 50 gsugar
  • 0.25 tspsalt
  • 4 pcsbamboo section, cleaned, approximately 30cm long, 5cm diameter
  • 4 pcsbanana leaf, cut into circles to fit bamboo opening

Equipment

saucepan · steamer · large pot · knife

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Drain the soaked glutinous rice thoroughly and set aside.

  2. 2

    In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar and salt are dissolved.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Do not boil the coconut milk, just warm it enough to dissolve the sugar.

  3. 3

    Remove the coconut milk mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.

    About 5 min

  4. 4

    Divide the drained glutinous rice evenly among the bamboo sections.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Fill each bamboo section about two-thirds full with rice.

  5. 5

    Pour the cooled coconut milk mixture into each bamboo section, ensuring the rice is fully submerged and filling the bamboo to about 1 inch from the top.

    About 3 min

  6. 6

    Cover the opening of each bamboo section with a piece of banana leaf, pushing it down gently to seal.

    About 2 min

  7. 7

    Arrange the filled bamboo sections in a large steamer basket or on a rack in a large pot with boiling water.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure the water level is below the bamboo openings.

  8. 8

    Steam the Khao Larm for 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.

    About 1 hr

    Cook’s note: You can check for doneness by carefully removing one and tasting a small amount.

  9. 9

    Carefully remove the bamboo sections from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving.

    Cook’s note: The bamboo will be very hot.

  10. 10

    To serve, use a sharp knife to carefully split the bamboo lengthwise and scoop out the sticky rice.

    Cook’s note: Be cautious when splitting the bamboo.

Per serving

Nutrition

54%Score
Calories
508.1kcal
Protein
7g
Carbs
69.1g
Fat
27.4g
Fibre
2.5g
Sugar
15.2g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover Khao Larm in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a microwave or steamer until warm.