2. Soak the glutinous rice for a period of time before steaming, so that the glutinous rice can fully absorb water, so that the steamed glutinous rice tastes soft. Glutinous rice is best steamed in wooden barrels or stainless steel. Spread the glutinous rice evenly to ensure that it can be steamed evenly, and then start timing. Open the lid for about half an hour to see if it is all steamed. As long as it is evenly steamed for half an hour, it will generally be cooked.