Cooking Rice: Pressure Steamer Method Explored

Yes, you can cook rice in a pressure steamer. It's a quick and easy way to make rice, and you can add other ingredients to make a full meal. The process is faster than a stovetop pot as a pressure cooker seals in hot steam to build pressure and cook food faster.

How to prepare rice for cooking

Rinsing Rice

Rinsing rice before cooking is a controversial topic. Some sources claim that it is unnecessary and will not affect the fluffiness of the rice, while others state that it is an important step to ensure the rice is not gummy or sticky. Those in the latter camp suggest that rinsing the rice removes excess starch. If you do decide to rinse your rice, you can do so by placing it in a bowl and filling the bowl with water. Swirl the rice around with your hand and then pour out the water. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.

Rice-to-Water Ratio

The rice-to-water ratio will depend on the type of rice you are using and the cooking method. For example, when cooking rice on the stove, you will need a 2:1 ratio of water to rice. However, if you want slightly firmer rice, you can use a 1:2/3 ratio. For microwaved rice, the ratio changes to 2 cups of water for every cup of rice.

Cooking Rice

There are several ways to cook rice, including on the stove, in the oven, in a microwave, in a rice cooker, and in a pressure cooker. Here is a basic guide on how to cook rice on the stove:

• Add the rice and water to a large pot.
• Bring the water to a boil.
• Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and maintain a gentle simmer.
• Cook for 18 minutes without removing the lid.
• Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
• Fluff the rice with a fork.

For other cooking methods, follow the instructions provided by your rice cooker or pressure cooker, or consult online sources for guidance.

The classic method of cooking rice in a pressure cooker

Firstly, it is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the type of rice you are using. Different types of rice have different time and liquid requirements, so make sure to check the specific instructions for your chosen rice variety. The general rule is to use 1.5 cups of water for every cup of white rice. However, you can substitute all or part of the water with a flavoured liquid such as chicken broth, vegetable broth, or prepared bouillon for added flavour.

Now, let's get cooking! Start by measuring out your desired amount of rice and adding it to your pressure cooker. Then, add the corresponding amount of water (or flavoured liquid) to the cooker. You can also add a teaspoon of butter, olive oil, or any oil of your choice at this stage for some extra flavour.

Next, close and lock the lid of your pressure cooker. If you are using an electric pressure cooker, make sure it is plugged into an outlet and turned on. Place the cooker on the stove and set the burner to high heat. If you are using a stovetop pressure cooker, wait until the cooker indicates that it has reached high pressure, then lower the heat slightly to maintain this pressure. The cooking time will depend on the type of rice you are using, but generally, it should be around 3 minutes at high pressure.

Once the cooking time is up, it is important to release the pressure naturally. For stovetop pressure cookers, move the cooker off the burner and do not remove the lid. Instead, let the contents finish cooking and steaming using the residual heat for about 10 minutes. For electric pressure cookers, when the cooking time is up, wait for 10 minutes of natural open time, then release the remaining pressure using the valve.

Finally, open the lid of the pressure cooker (tilt it away from you to avoid the hot steam), fluff the rice with a fork, and serve!

The pot-in-pot method of cooking rice in a pressure cooker

Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Firstly, pour one cup of water into your pressure cooker. This is the minimum quantity required for your cooker to maintain pressure. Then, place a steaming basket, trivet, or cooking rack at the bottom of the cooker. This will serve as a base for the rice container.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

Measure out your desired amount of rice and put it into a heat-proof bowl or pot. A stainless steel bowl is ideal as it conducts heat better than glass or ceramics. For every cup of white rice, you will need 1.5 cups of water. You can also substitute water with flavoured liquid such as chicken broth, vegetable broth, or bouillon for added taste.

Additionally, you can add a teaspoon of butter, olive oil, or any oil of your choice to the rice for extra flavour. You can also add seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, basil, thyme, paprika, or oregano as per your taste.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Place the bowl containing the rice and water into the pressure cooker, ensuring it sits securely on the steaming basket or trivet. Do not cover the bowl. Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and lock it into place.

For stovetop pressure cookers, set the burner to high heat. Once the cooker indicates it has reached high pressure, lower the heat to maintain this pressure for three minutes.

For electric pressure cookers, set it to high pressure for three minutes. The cooker will take a few minutes to build up pressure before the three minutes of cooking time.

Step 4: Release Pressure and Serve

Once the cooking time is up, remove the pressure cooker from the heat source and allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. During this time, the rice will continue to cook in the residual heat and steam. After 10 minutes, open the lid by tilting the cooker away from you and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Using the pot-in-pot method ensures your rice is cooked evenly and efficiently, without the hassle of tending to a stovetop pot. It is a convenient way to prepare rice, especially when paired with another dish cooked in the pressure cooker simultaneously.

How to cook rice in an Instant Pot

Yes, you can cook rice in a pressure steamer! Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to cook rice in an Instant Pot.

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

First, you'll want to rinse your rice under cold water. Gently scrub the rice with your fingertips in a circular motion, and pour out the milky water. Continue this process until the water runs clear, then drain the rice thoroughly. This process will remove excess starch from the rice, preventing it from becoming sticky.

Step 2: Add Rice and Water to the Instant Pot

Now, add your desired amount of rice and water to the Instant Pot. The general rule for the perfect ratio of rice to water is 1:1, meaning for every cup of rice, you should add one cup of cold water. However, some recipes suggest a ratio of 1:1.5 for fluffier rice.

You can also add a teaspoon of butter, olive oil, or any oil of your choice for flavour, and a pinch of salt if desired.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring that the venting knob is turned to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 3 minutes. Then, allow for a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Fluff and Serve

After the pressure has been released, quickly open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. If the rice is a little wet, let it rest for a few minutes to allow the moisture to escape. Then, your rice is ready to be served!

Tips:

• This method works for white rice, including jasmine and basmati rice.
• For brown rice, set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 22 minutes, followed by a natural release.
• For wild rice, set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 30 minutes, followed by a natural release.
• The cooking time remains the same regardless of the quantity of rice.
• Always use the natural release method, as the rice needs the residual pressure and steam to finish cooking.
• If you are cooking a large batch of rice, double or triple the amount of rice and water, maintaining the 1:1 ratio.
• For best results, cook the rice immediately after adding water to the Instant Pot. If the rice sits in the water, it will continue to absorb the water, throwing off the ratio.

How to steam rice

Steaming rice is an easy and quick way to cook rice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation

Firstly, you will need to rinse the rice under cold water. This will get rid of any excess starch on the surface of the rice, which will help to prevent it from becoming sticky. You should also pre-soak the rice for at least 10 minutes to help it cook more evenly.

Cooking

Once your rice is rinsed and soaked, you can begin the cooking process. The ratio of rice to water is very important to ensure your rice is cooked properly. The general rule is to use one cup of water for every cup of rice you are cooking. However, you may want to use less water if you prefer your rice to be less soft.

Place the rice and water in a heat-proof container that will fit inside your steamer. Then, place the container inside the steamer, ensuring that the water inside the steamer is cold and not boiling.

Turn the heat to high and cover the steamer. The rice will need to cook for 20 minutes and then be left to sit in the steamer for a further 5 minutes with the lid on.

Serving

After the rice has been left to sit, you can remove the container from the steamer and fluff the rice with a fork. It is now ready to be served!

Frequently asked questions