The Perfect Steamed Rice: A Simple Guide To Cooking

Steamed rice is a classic recipe that every cook should know. It's the perfect side dish for saucy meals and can be used in fried rice or as an ingredient in dishes like Thai Pineapple Fried Rice, kimchi fried rice, and shrimp fried rice. There are several ways to cook steamed rice, including on the stove, in a rice cooker, or in an instant pot/pressure cooker. The key to achieving fluffy, tender rice is to use the right rice-to-water ratio and avoid overcooking or stirring the rice while it cooks.

Wash the rice

Washing the rice is a key step in achieving the perfect steamed rice. It is important to remove the excess starch from the rice grains, which can make the rice sticky and clumpy. The washing process also helps to clean the rice and improve its flavour.

To wash the rice, start by rinsing it under running water. Use your hands to rub the grains together and continue rinsing until the water runs clear. This step is important and can take a couple of minutes, so don't rush it. You can also fill a bowl with water, swish the rice around, and then pour out the water. Repeat this process 4-5 times until the water becomes clear.

Note that the water may never become completely clear, especially if you are washing the rice by hand. That's okay—just make sure it becomes fairly clear.

After washing the rice, drain it well in a large fine-mesh sieve or colander. Now your rice is ready for the next steps!

Use the right rice-to-water ratio

The key to achieving fluffy steamed rice is to use the right rice-to-water ratio. The ratio varies depending on the type of rice you are using. Here are the recommended ratios for different types of rice:

• Long-grain rice: For every cup of long-grain rice, use 1.5 cups of water. If you prefer your rice less mushy, you can reduce the water amount to 1 3/4 cups.
• Medium-grain rice: Use a 1:2 ratio. For every cup of medium-grain rice, use 2 cups of water.
• Short-grain rice: Use a 1:1.25 ratio. For every cup of short-grain rice, use 1.25 cups of liquid.
• Brown rice: Use a 1:1.5 ratio. For every cup of brown short-grain rice, use 1.5 cups of liquid.

It's worth noting that the rice-to-water ratio may need slight adjustments depending on your region and the quality of your rice. The cooking method and whether you rinse your rice can also impact the ideal ratio.

If you're cooking rice on the stovetop, it's generally recommended to bring the water and rice to a boil first and then reduce the heat to a simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

Additionally, it's important to let the cooked rice rest, covered, for about 5 to 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork or spatula. This step allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and results in a softer texture.

Cook on a stovetop

Cooking Steamed Rice on a Stovetop

Firstly, it is important to note that the rice-to-water ratio depends on the type of rice you are cooking. For long-grain rice, a 1:2 ratio is recommended, whereas for medium-grain rice, a 1:1.5 ratio is better. For short-grain rice, use a 1:1.25 ratio, and for brown rice, a 1:1.5 ratio.

Now, here is a step-by-step guide to cooking steamed rice on a stovetop:

• Rinse the rice in water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
• Combine the rice and water in a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. You can also add a teaspoon of oil to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to keep it moist. Stir the rice to distribute it evenly in the bottom of the pan.
• Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Do not cover the pan during this step.
• When the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.
• Cook the rice for about 12-15 minutes (for long-grain rice). The cooking time will vary depending on the type of rice. Do not stir the rice or remove the lid during this step.
• After the cooking time has elapsed, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for about 10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and results in a softer texture.
• Finally, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork, spatula, or chopsticks to prevent it from forming one big mound.

Your perfectly cooked steamed rice is now ready to be served!

Use a rice cooker

Using a rice cooker is a straightforward way to cook steamed rice. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, it is important to wash the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness. Place the rice in a bowl and fill it with water. Swish the rice around, then pour out the water. Repeat this process 4–5 times until the water becomes fairly clear. This step is crucial and should not be rushed.

Next, add the rice and water to the rice cooker. The general ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. However, this may vary depending on the type of rice used. For example, short-grain rice typically requires a 1:1.25 ratio, while brown rice is usually cooked with a 1:1.5 ratio.

After adding the rice and water to the cooker, turn on the power and let it cook. The cooking time will depend on the type and amount of rice, but it typically takes around 15-20 minutes. The rice cooker will automatically switch to a 'keep warm' setting once the rice is ready.

Once the rice cooker indicates that the rice is cooked, let it rest for another 5 minutes. Then, use a fork or spatula to gently fluff the rice before serving.

Using a rice cooker is a convenient and efficient way to prepare steamed rice, ensuring that the rice is cooked evenly and avoiding the need for constant monitoring during the cooking process.

Use an instant pot or pressure cooker

Using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker is a great way to cook steamed rice. It's super quick and easy, and the rice comes out tender, fluffy, and flavourful every time. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch from the rice, which can make it sticky. Drain the rice thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare the Instant Pot

Combine the rice and water in your Instant Pot. The general rule for the water-to-rice ratio is 1:1, so for every cup of rice, add one cup of water. However, some sources suggest slightly more water (e.g., 1 cup of rice to 1.25 cups of water) for certain types of rice. You can also add a little salt and butter for flavour, if desired. Give the mixture a quick stir to combine.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Lock the lid of your Instant Pot in place and make sure the valve is set to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to cook at high pressure. The cooking time will depend on the type of rice you are using:

• White rice: 3-4 minutes
• Brown rice: 12 minutes
• Wild rice: 15 minutes
• Jasmine rice: 3 minutes
• Basmati rice: 3-4 minutes

The Instant Pot will take about 8-10 minutes to come up to pressure.

Step 4: Natural Release

Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for at least 10 minutes. This step is important because the rice continues to cook in the residual heat and steam during this time.

Step 5: Release Pressure and Fluff

After the natural release, release any remaining pressure from the Instant Pot. Be careful of any residual steam when unlocking and removing the lid. Use a fork to fluff the rice, separating the grains.

Step 6: Serve

Your steamed rice is now ready to be served! You can serve it right away while it's still warm, or let it cool to room temperature. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions