Yes, you can make a tangy vegan sticky rice jambalaya in a rice cooker, and it’s a vibrant, hearty dish with bold flavors and zero hassle. Combining the traditional spices of Creole cuisine with the texture of sticky rice, this recipe offers a new take on jambalaya that’s completely plant-based and deeply satisfying.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or vegan meal prep, this sticky rice version is full of vegetables, rich in spices, and has just the right touch of tanginess to make every bite pop.
Why Sticky Rice Works for Vegan Jambalaya
Sticky rice holds up well to the bold and zesty flavors in jambalaya. It traps the tangy sauce and spices within its texture, creating a naturally creamy, dense finish that doesn’t need any meat to taste complete.
What Makes Sticky Rice Ideal for This Recipe
Sticky rice offers these key advantages:
- Absorbs flavor deeply, allowing spices and acids to shine through.
- Perfectly soft and chewy texture that complements hearty vegetables.
- Easy to cook in a rice cooker with no risk of burning or overcooking.
Ingredients for Tangy Vegan Sticky Rice Jambalaya
This recipe uses accessible, plant-based ingredients to deliver traditional Southern flavor in a new, vegan format.
- 1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice, soaked for 30 minutes and rinsed
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or less for milder heat)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
- Fresh parsley or scallions for garnish
How to Make Vegan Sticky Rice Jambalaya in the Rice Cooker
This is a true one-pot dish—add everything to the rice cooker and let it do the work.
Step 1: Soak and Rinse the Sticky Rice
- Soak sticky rice for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Rinse thoroughly and drain before adding to the rice cooker.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Rice Cooker
- Combine rice, broth, vegetables, garlic, spices, soy sauce, vinegar, and oil in the rice cooker bowl.
- Stir lightly to combine, but do not overmix.
Step 3: Cook on Standard Rice Setting
- Set your rice cooker to the white rice or sticky rice setting.
- Once done, let it rest for 5–10 minutes with the lid closed to finish steaming.
Step 4: Fluff and Garnish
- Gently fluff the rice to mix the flavors and vegetables throughout.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, scallions, or extra hot sauce as desired.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ons
This jambalaya is easy to adapt depending on your mood or what’s in your fridge.
Customization Ideas
Consider these simple twists:
- Add vegan sausage or smoked tofu to boost protein and add depth.
- Toss in cooked kidney beans or chickpeas for a heartier version.
- Include mushrooms or eggplant for added umami.
Nutritional Benefits
This tangy vegan sticky rice dish is filling, energizing, and full of flavor—without animal products.
What Makes It a Healthy Choice
Here’s why this dish supports your health goals:
- High in fiber and antioxidants from vegetables and herbs.
- Balanced plant-based macros—carbs, fats, and protein from whole ingredients.
- Low in saturated fat, cholesterol-free, and naturally gluten-free.
How to Store and Reheat Sticky Rice Jambalaya
This dish is perfect for leftovers and holds its flavor well over time.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave with a sprinkle of water or broth to loosen texture.
- Not recommended for freezing, as sticky rice becomes dense and rubbery when thawed.
FAQs
Here are some questions and answers about tangy vegan sticky rice jambalaya made in a rice cooker.
Can I use regular white rice instead of sticky rice?
Yes, but you’ll lose the unique chewy texture. Adjust the liquid and cook time if using jasmine or basmati rice.
Is the dish very spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat level from cayenne and paprika. You can adjust the spice based on preference.
What can I use instead of vinegar?
Fresh lemon juice works well and adds a bright, citrusy tang that complements the spices.
Can I cook this without oil?
Yes, but a small amount of oil enhances the flavor and texture. Use a nonstick rice cooker if omitting oil.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just ensure your rice cooker can handle the volume. Maintain the rice-to-liquid ratio to avoid mushy results.