Steaming Cooked Rice: Is It Possible?

Cooking rice can be a tricky task, with many people ending up with undercooked, burnt, or mushy rice. One way to avoid this is to steam the rice, which can be done on the stove, in a rice cooker, or in an instant pot. The major difference between boiling and steaming rice is the amount of water used. Boiled rice remains fully submerged in liquid for the cooking time, whereas steamed rice relies on the heat of trapped vapours to soften the grains. Steaming rice also gives you more control over how much liquid evaporates, which makes all the difference between mushy and fluffy rice.

Steaming cooked rice: a step-by-step guide

Steaming cooked rice is a great way to reheat it and achieve a fluffy, tender texture without drying it out. This method is perfect if you don't own a rice cooker or are looking for an alternative way to cook rice.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by preparing your rice according to the package instructions or your preferred method. You can use any type of rice, such as long-grain, medium-grain, or short-grain rice. Rinsing the rice before cooking is optional but recommended by some sources. Rinsing helps remove excess starch, resulting in less sticky rice. If you choose to rinse, use cold water, and rub the grains between your palms until the water runs clear.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Cook the rice according to the package instructions or your preferred method. You can use a cooking pot on the stove, a rice cooker, or an instant pot/pressure cooker. The cooking method and rice-to-water ratio will depend on the type of rice and your desired texture. For steaming cooked rice, it is crucial not to overcook the rice initially, as it will be subjected to additional heat during the steaming process.

Step 3: Prepare the Steamer

Fill the steamer with cold water. Ensure the water is not boiling when the rice is placed inside. The amount of water in the steamer will depend on the size and type of steamer you are using.

Step 4: Steam the Cooked Rice

Place the cooked rice in a shallow, heat-proof container that fits inside your steamer. Add a small amount of water to the rice, following the rice-to-water ratios mentioned in the previous section. Cover the container and place it in the steamer.

Step 5: Steam the Rice

Turn the heat to high and steam the rice for approximately 20 minutes. The steaming time may vary depending on the amount of rice and the power of your heat source, so adjust as needed.

Step 6: Rest and Fluff the Rice

After steaming, turn off the heat and let the rice rest in the steamer with the lid on for at least 5 minutes. This allows the rice to continue cooking gently and absorb any remaining moisture. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork, chopsticks, or a rice paddle before serving.

Tips and Variations

• You can adjust the rice-to-water ratio to achieve your desired rice texture. For softer rice, use a higher ratio of water to rice.
• For added flavour, you can replace water with tea, coconut milk, or stock (chicken, pork, vegetable, or mushroom).
• You can also add salt, a splash of oil, fried onions, tomatoes, spices, or other ingredients to enhance the flavour of the rice.
• If you're short on time, you can shorten the resting time after steaming, but the rice may not absorb all the moisture, resulting in a slightly wetter texture.

Happy steaming!

The benefits of washing rice before cooking

Rice is a staple food for many people around the world, and while it is a simple dish to make, there are a few steps to follow to ensure the best results. One of the most important steps is to wash the rice before cooking it. This is a customary step in food preparation, just like washing fruits and vegetables, and it has several benefits. Firstly, it ensures cleanliness by removing dirt, dust, debris, chemicals, and even bugs that may have found their way into the rice during transportation or storage.

Secondly, washing rice removes excess starch from the surface of the kernels. This is important because it gives the cooked rice a fluffy texture with distinct, separate grains. Without washing, the rice may become gummy or overly sticky due to the excess starch. The process of washing rice involves rinsing the grains under running water, gently rubbing them together, and repeating this until the water runs clear. It is important not to rush this step, as it is crucial to ensuring the desired texture and quality of the cooked rice.

Additionally, washing rice kick-starts the rehydration process, allowing the grains to start absorbing water and plump up. This is especially beneficial for bagged rice, which tends to be slightly dehydrated. Washing rice also helps remove any oxidized rice bran oil, which can add an unpleasant flavor to the cooked rice. This is particularly relevant for white rice, where the bran has been milled, and the excess starch and oil can affect the taste and texture.

Finally, washing rice can help reduce arsenic levels. Arsenic is a chemical that seeps into rice crops more than other grains, and while cooking rice removes a significant amount of arsenic, washing the rice beforehand can further reduce its presence. In conclusion, taking the time to wash rice before cooking it ensures a cleaner, fluffier, and better-tasting dish, making it a crucial step in the preparation of this staple food.

Different types of rice and their water requirements

Yes, you can steam cooked rice. Now, here is an overview of the different types of rice and their water requirements:

Long-Grain White Rice

The long-grain variety includes rice types such as basmati and jasmine. The ideal ratio of rice to water for this type is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. This will yield a fluffy and distinct grain. If you prefer softer rice, a ratio of 1:1.5 is recommended.

Medium-Grain White Rice

Medium-grain rice requires slightly less water than its long-grain counterpart. The ideal ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.25 cups of water.

Short-Grain White Rice

Short-grain rice is typically used for sushi or dishes eaten with chopsticks. It is stickier than long-grain rice due to the higher water content. The ratio for this type is 1 cup of rice to 1 cup of water.

Brown Rice

Brown rice requires more water and longer cooking times than white rice. For long-grain brown rice, the ratio is 1 cup of rice to 2.25 cups of water. For short-grain brown rice, use a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water.

Wild Rice

Wild rice has the highest water requirement of all the types. The recommended ratio is 1 cup of rice to 3 cups of water.

Rinsing and Soaking

It is important to note that the rice should be rinsed before cooking to remove excess starch, which can make the cooked rice sticky. Rinsing the rice in multiple changes of water until the water runs clear is recommended. Additionally, for a softer texture and shorter cooking time, you can soak the rice for 30 minutes before cooking.

How to steam rice without a rice cooker

Steaming rice is a great way to cook rice without a rice cooker. It is a simple process that can be done on a stovetop with a few simple steps. Here is a guide on how to steam rice without a rice cooker:

Prepare the Rice

Firstly, measure out the amount of rice you want to cook. It is important to note that the rice-to-water ratio will depend on the type of rice you are using and your desired texture. For long-grain rice, a 1-to-2 ratio is recommended. For example, use 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water. If you are using medium or short-grain rice, a 1-to-1.25 ratio will produce a stickier texture. For example, use 1 cup of rice with 1 1/4 cups of water.

Rinse and Soak the Rice

Rinsing the rice before cooking is an important step as it removes excess starch, resulting in more distinct, less sticky grains. Place the rice in a saucepan or bowl, rinse it under running water, and rub the grains between your palms. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. This step is crucial and may take a couple of minutes. After rinsing, cover the rice with water and let it soak for 10-20 minutes. Soaking ensures that the rice cooks evenly and reduces the chance of burning.

Cook the Rice

After soaking, drain the water from the rice and return the rice to the saucepan. Add the measured amount of fresh water according to the rice-to-water ratio. Place the saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to high. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer. For long-grain rice, simmer for 20 minutes. For medium or short-grain rice, simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during the cooking process.

Fluff and Serve

Once the rice has finished cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and helps it to stay warm. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork or chopsticks before serving. Enjoy your perfectly steamed rice!

Common mistakes to avoid when steaming rice

Yes, it is possible to steam cooked rice. However, there are several common mistakes people make when steaming rice, which can result in less-than-perfect outcomes. Here are some tips to help you avoid these mistakes and achieve perfectly steamed rice:

Not Washing or Rinsing the Rice

Washing rice before cooking is essential for removing excess starch, which can make the rice sticky. It also ensures cleanliness by getting rid of any stones or grit that may be present. For best results, rinse the rice in cold water, rubbing the grains together with your hands until the water runs clear. This process may take a few minutes, so don't rush it.

Incorrect Water-to-Rice Ratio

Using the wrong water-to-rice ratio can lead to either soggy and mushy rice or undercooked grains. The ideal ratio depends on the type of rice being used. For example, white rice typically calls for a 2:1 ratio, while brown rice may require slightly more water. Always check the instructions on the packaging or consult a reliable source for specific rice varieties.

Cooking on High Heat

Cooking rice on high heat will not speed up the process and can lead to uneven cooking. Instead, bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer before adding the rice. This allows the inside and outside of the rice to cook at similar rates, resulting in more evenly cooked grains.

Stirring the Rice

Stirring rice while it cooks can break the grains, resulting in a gummy texture. It is best to let the rice cook undisturbed and only fluff it with a fork once it is finished cooking. Letting the rice sit for a few minutes after removing it from the heat helps the grains set and ensures they remain light and fluffy.

Not Letting Rice Sit After Cooking

Serving rice immediately after cooking can result in less fluffy rice with an uneven texture. It is essential to let the rice stand after cooking, allowing the steam and remaining water to absorb fully into the kernels. Cover the rice and let it rest for about five minutes before serving.

Using the Wrong Rice Variety

Different rice varieties have distinct textures, flavours, and abilities to absorb other ingredients' flavours. For example, short-grain rice is ideal for sushi as it tends to be softer and sticks together, while extra-long-grain rice is better for fried rice or stir-fry as the grains stay separate and absorb flavours well. Always choose the right type of rice for your specific dish.

Frequently asked questions