Steam Ovens: Can They Cook Rice Perfectly?

Cooking rice in a steam oven is a convenient and foolproof method that yields fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. It is a simple process that only requires a few basic ingredients and a shallow stainless steel or solid convection tray. The steam oven eliminates the need for a separate rice cooker, freeing up valuable countertop space. By following the correct ingredient ratios and cooking times, you can achieve consistent results with minimal effort. This cooking method is versatile and suitable for various rice types, including long-grain, basmati, and jasmine rice, making it an excellent choice for a quick and easy meal.

Rinsing and preparing rice for a steam oven

Rinsing the Rice:

• It is generally recommended to rinse rice before cooking, especially if you want to remove any excess starch which can make the rice sticky. Rinsing also helps to clean the rice and remove any impurities.
• To rinse the rice, place it in a bowl and cover it with water. Swish the rice around with your hand, then pour off the water. Repeat this process 4-5 times until the water runs clear. Note that the water may never become completely clear, and that's okay.
• If you are short on time or using packaged rice from a trusted source, you can choose to skip the rinsing step. However, keep in mind that rinsing can improve the texture of your cooked rice.

Preparing the Rice for the Steam Oven:

• After rinsing, drain the rice and transfer it to a shallow, heat-proof container that will fit in your steam oven. Stainless steel pans are recommended for even cooking.
• For every cup of long-grain white rice (such as Jasmine), use 1.5 cups of room-temperature water. If using Basmati rice, you may need slightly less water (around 375ml for 250g of rice).
• Place the rice and water in the pan and give it a quick stir to ensure it's well combined.
• Some recipes suggest adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour. You can also experiment with using stock, tomato juice, tea, or coconut milk instead of water for extra flavour.
• Preheat your steam oven to ensure the rice starts cooking immediately and reaches the desired temperature quickly. Do not begin cooking in a cold oven.

Now that your rice is rinsed and prepared, it's ready to be cooked in your steam oven! Follow the instructions provided by your oven manufacturer for the best results. Happy cooking!

Rice-to-water ratios for steam ovens

Cooking rice in a steam oven is easy and hands-off, delivering perfect rice every time. The rice-to-water ratio will depend on the type of rice you are cooking, and personal preference.

Long-Grain Rice

For 200g of long-grain rice, use the following:

• 500ml of water for a steam oven
• 660ml of water for a microwave

For 1 cup (237ml) of long-grain rice, use 1.5 cups (355ml) of water.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice requires less water than other types of rice. For 250g of basmati rice, use 375ml of water.

Short-Grain Rice

For short-grain rice, the ratio can be reduced to 1:1.1 or 1:1.3. For example, for every 1 cup (237ml) of rice, use between 214ml and 261ml of water.

General Tips

• The rice-to-water ratio should be adjusted based on personal preference—the higher the ratio, the softer the rice.
• Rinsing the rice is not necessary, but if you do, reduce the water by 2 tablespoons per cup of rice.
• The age of the rice and the humidity of the climate can impact the required cooking time and the amount of liquid needed. Older rice may require more liquid and a longer cooking time.
• It is recommended to use stainless steel or solid oven trays that come with the steam oven. Avoid using glass or thick ceramic dishes, as they can affect cooking times and the evenness of the steam.

Steam oven temperature and time settings for rice

Steaming rice in an oven is an easy way to cook rice, with similar results to stove-top or rice cooker methods. It is also foolproof, as long as you follow the correct ingredient ratios and cooking times.

Rice to water ratio

The rice to water ratio depends on the type of rice you are cooking. For example, if you are using basmati rice, you will need less water than if you were cooking long-grain rice. A good rule of thumb is to use one cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water.

Oven settings

When cooking rice in a steam oven, it is best to use a stainless steel pan or tray. You should also avoid using a glass or thick ceramic dish, as this will take longer to cook the rice and may result in uneven steaming.

Place the rice and water in your chosen cooking vessel and put it into the oven. Set the oven to 100°C/212°F on the steam-only setting (100% humidity). If you are using a full-sized oven, you may need to increase the cooking time to allow for the larger oven cavity to heat up.

Cooking time

The cooking time for rice in a steam oven varies depending on the type of rice and the humidity of your climate. For white long-grain rice, set your timer for 20 minutes. If you are using a full-sized oven, you may need to increase the cooking time to 22-23 minutes. For brown rice, you may need to increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

Once the timer goes off, remove the pan from the oven and fluff the rice with a fork. Leave the rice to sit for 2 minutes before serving.

Types of rice that can be cooked in a steam oven

Yes, you can cook rice in a steam oven. In fact, it's a great way to cook rice, as it's easy and gives you similar results to using a stove-top absorption method or a rice cooker. Plus, you get perfectly cooked rice without having to worry about lowering the heat or scrubbing out the stuck-on layer at the bottom of your pot or rice cooker.

There are many types of rice that can be cooked in a steam oven, including:

• Long-grain white rice, such as Jasmine or regular long-grain.
• Medium-grain white rice.
• Short-grain white rice (except sushi rice, which is a type of short-grain rice).
• Basmati rice (a type of long-grain rice).
• Brown rice.
• Wild rice.
• Black rice.
• Red rice.

When cooking rice in a steam oven, it's important to use the correct rice-to-liquid ratios and adjust the cooking times as needed. The cooking times and liquid ratios can vary depending on the age of the rice and the humidity of your climate. In general, older rice may require more liquid and longer cooking times as it can become quite 'dry'.

• Use a large, shallow stainless steel pan. Most people can use the solid pans that come with their steam oven. For 1 cup of uncooked rice, use the smaller (1/3 size) pan, and for 2-3 cups, use the larger (2/3 size) pan.
• Place 1 cup of long-grain white rice and 1.5 cups of room-temperature water in the pan.
• Put the pan in your steam oven and set it to 100°C/212°F on the steam-only setting (100% humidity).
• Set the timer for 20 minutes. If you have a full-sized steam oven, set it for 22-23 minutes to allow extra time for the larger oven cavity to heat up.
• When the timer goes off, remove the pan from the oven, fluff the rice with a fork, and let it sit for 2 minutes before serving.

You can also cook rice in a pre-heated oven on a steam setting at 100 degrees Celsius for 18 minutes. Let it stand covered for 5 minutes, then remove it from the oven, stir in some salt, and serve.

So, there you have it! A steam oven is a great way to cook a variety of rice types, and with the right techniques and adjustments, you can achieve perfectly cooked rice every time.

Dishes to serve with rice cooked in a steam oven

Yes, you can cook rice in a steam oven! It's a straightforward process that yields similar results to using a stove-top absorption method or a rice cooker. Plus, you won't have to worry about stuck-on residue in your cookware. Here's a basic recipe:

Basic Rice in a Steam Oven:

• Wash 200-250 g of long-grain rice under cold running water until the water runs clear.
• Place the rice in a flat tray and add cold water.
• Cover the tray tightly with foil.
• Preheat your oven to 100°C on the steam setting.
• Place the tray in the oven and steam for 18-20 minutes.
• Remove the tray from the oven, fluff the rice with a fork, and let it sit for 2-5 minutes before serving.

Now that you've mastered cooking rice in your steam oven, here are some delicious dishes to serve with it:

• Maple, Lime, and Ginger Chicken: A flavourful dish that pairs well with the fluffy texture of steamed rice. The sweetness of the maple syrup and the tang of lime create a delicious combination.
• Asian-Style Sticky Beef Ribs: These ribs are a perfect match for steamed rice, offering a balance of tender meat and sticky sauce.
• Christmas Rice Salad: A festive and colourful option, this salad features pistachios and cranberries, adding a crunchy and tangy twist to your meal.
• Simple Old-Fashioned Christmas Butter Cookies: These cookies are a delightful dessert option to round off your meal. They're simple, buttery, and perfect for the holiday season.
• One-Pan Tomato and Herb Baked Halloumi Cheese: This vegetarian dish is a tasty and satisfying option to serve with rice. The salty halloumi pairs well with the tangy tomatoes and herbs.
• Steam Oven Meatloaf with Baked Potatoes and Buttery Beans: A hearty and comforting meal, this meatloaf dish is a great choice to serve with steamed rice. The potatoes and beans on the side add a satisfying starch and vegetable component.

Frequently asked questions