Sticky rice can look ready on the outside while its centre remains firm. If you are using a basket steamer, the missing step may have happened hours before the pot reached the stove: the grains needed time to absorb water.
Start with rice labelled glutinous rice, sweet rice or sticky rice. Ordinary jasmine rice does not become the same ingredient merely because it is cooked with less water. For basket steaming, soaking prepares the grains to cook in steam rather than in a measured quantity of water that they absorb in the pot.
Set up the soak and the steamer as separate jobs
The Woks of Life’s tested sticky-rice method uses a substantial soak, followed by draining and steaming the rice in an even layer. Consult its full recipe for quantities and timing. The important distinction is that the soaking water is drained away; it is not automatically the cooking water for a basket method.
Choose a food-safe liner that keeps grains from falling through while still allowing steam to circulate. Spread the rice rather than packing it into a dense mound. Fit the steamer securely above the water and leave space between the water and the rice. An uneven load makes it harder to judge whether the middle and edges are ready together.
Check the water level according to your steamer’s instructions so the pot does not boil dry. When opening the lid, direct escaping steam away from your face and hands. Lift a small sample with a utensil and let it cool enough to taste; appearance alone can hide a hard centre.
Judge the grain before changing the recipe
A useful result is tender rice that holds together without turning into a wet paste. If the centre remains firm, note the soak, batch depth and steaming time before deciding what to change next time. Pouring water over the finished basket can create a different problem instead of correcting the original one.
Serve promptly and follow local food-safety guidance for cooling and storing any leftovers. For your next batch, keep the same rice and portion size. One controlled adjustment is easier to learn from than a completely different setup.