If you’re craving a comforting yet elegant dinner that beautifully balances delicate flavors and satisfying textures, this Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. The tender flakiness of the haddock combines perfectly with the irresistible chew of sticky rice, all brought together by a sweet and savory glaze that will have you reaching for seconds. This dish offers a simple, fresh, and wholesome way to enjoy seafood that feels both familiar and exciting, making it a standout recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe lies in a handful of simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the subtle sweetness of honey to the pungent zing of fresh ginger, every component adds layers of flavor, texture, or color that elevate the dish without overwhelming it.
- 2 haddock fillets (about 6 ounces each): Mild white fish that flakes beautifully and soaks up the glaze perfectly.
- 1 cup sticky (glutinous) rice: Provides that luscious, chewy texture essential to the dish’s soul.
- 1 1/4 cups water: Ideal ratio for cooking sticky rice to tender perfection.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a slight saltiness that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts a toasty aroma that’s signature to Asian-inspired dishes.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brightens the flavor profile with mild acidity.
- 2 teaspoons honey: Offers a natural sweetness that helps create a glossy glaze on the fish.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic adds boldness and warmth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated): Provides a zesty, slightly peppery kick to round out the glaze.
- 1 green onion (sliced): Adds both freshness and a splash of vibrant color for garnish.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For perfectly crisping the fish without overpowering the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient.
- Optional: sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish to add crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sticky Rice
Start by rinsing the sticky rice under cold water until it runs clear — this removes excess starch and prevents clumping. Then, soak the rice for 30 minutes; this step is key for getting that perfect sticky yet tender texture. After soaking, drain the rice and cook it with 1 1/4 cups of water in a rice cooker or saucepan. Bringing it to a boil and then simmering on low under a tight lid creates fluffy, moist rice that’s ready to soak up the rich flavors of the fish.
Step 2: Season and Glaze the Haddock
While the rice is cooking, pat your haddock fillets dry and generously season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a vibrant glaze. This sauce will infuse the fish with savory sweetness and aromatic warmth, transforming it into the star of the plate.
Step 3: Cook the Haddock
Heat the vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat — you want the pan hot enough to sear the fish and lock in moisture without burning the glaze. Cook each fillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side until flaky and opaque. As the fish nears completion, pour the sauce over it and let it simmer for a minute or two, thickening slightly and caramelizing into a beautiful glaze that clings to every flap of the haddock.
Step 4: Plate and Garnish
Fluff the sticky rice gently with a fork and divide it between two plates. Nestle the glazed haddock fillets on top and spoon any extra sauce over both the fish and rice. Finish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you want a touch of crunch and a pop of color. This final step not only adds texture but makes your dish feel truly restaurant-worthy.
How to Serve Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds brings freshness and a slight crunch that contrast beautifully with the tender fish and sticky rice. These garnishes also enhance the dish’s visual appeal, making it irresistible before the first bite even reaches your lips.
Side Dishes
Steamed vegetables like bok choy or a handful of edamame work wonderfully alongside this dish, providing a crisp, vibrant counterpoint to the rich glaze and sticky rice. You could also try a simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette to add brightness and balance the comfort of the main course.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the haddock on a bed of sticky rice molded into neat cake shapes or use small bowls for a more casual, shareable presentation. Wrapping the fish and rice with a large lettuce leaf for a hand-held bite is another playful idea that adds a fresh pop and some crunch, perfect for a warm afternoon meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover haddock with sticky rice should be cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Keeping the rice and fish separate helps maintain the best texture when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the haddock fillets and sticky rice separately for up to a month. Wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store rice in a freezer-safe container. Although this dish is best enjoyed fresh, freezing is a convenient option when you want to save time later.
Reheating
Reheat the sticky rice in the microwave with a damp paper towel to bring back moisture. Warm the haddock gently in a nonstick pan over low heat to preserve its flaky texture and avoid drying it out. Avoid high heat as it can break apart the delicate glaze and fish.
FAQs
Can I use another type of fish instead of haddock?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with cod, pollock, or any mild white fish that flakes easily when cooked. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Is sticky rice the same as regular rice?
Not quite. Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice, has a unique texture and stickiness when cooked, which regular long-grain rice does not. It’s essential for achieving that signature chewiness in this recipe.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the recipe safe for gluten sensitivities while maintaining all the lovely flavors.
What if I don’t have a rice cooker? Can I cook sticky rice on the stove?
Definitely! Sticky rice can be cooked perfectly on the stove by bringing it to a boil, then simmering on low with a tight lid for about 15-20 minutes until tender and all the water is absorbed.
How do I know when the fish glaze is ready?
When the glaze thickens slightly and turns glossy as it simmers over the fish, it’s ready. It should coat the back of a spoon without being too runny.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the simplicity and depth of the Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe that makes it a go-to whenever you want a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a favorite in your own kitchen!
Print
Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes soaking time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes active (1 hour total with soaking)
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender haddock fillets glazed with a savory soy and honey sauce, served atop fragrant sticky (glutinous) rice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying gluten-free main course.
Ingredients
Fish
- 2 haddock fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions
Sticky Rice
- 1 cup sticky (glutinous) rice
- 1 1/4 cups water (for cooking rice)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the sticky rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain. In a rice cooker or saucepan, add the soaked rice and 1 1/4 cups water. Cook according to rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Season the Fish: While the rice cooks, pat the haddock fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green onion to create a flavorful glaze.
- Cook the Haddock: Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the haddock fillets and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through, opaque, and flakes easily with a fork.
- Glaze the Fish: In the last minute of cooking, pour the prepared sauce over the fish in the skillet. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly and the fish becomes beautifully glazed.
- Serve: Fluff the cooked sticky rice with a fork and divide between serving plates. Place the glazed haddock fillets on top of the rice and spoon any extra sauce over the fish. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, cook the sticky rice with a piece of kombu or add a dash of rice vinegar to the cooking water.
- Haddock can be substituted with cod or another mild white fish if preferred.
- Steamed bok choy, edamame, or sautéed greens make excellent side dishes to complement this meal.
