Steaming Jasmine Rice: How Long Does It Take?

Jasmine rice is a long-grain rice native to Thailand with a delicate floral and buttery scent. It is considered slightly sticky after being cooked. The secret to cooking it perfectly is using the right water-to-rice ratio. The general rule of thumb is to use 1:1 ratio of water to rice, but this may vary depending on the type and brand of rice. When cooking jasmine rice in a steamer, it is important to first rinse the rice in several changes of water until the water runs clear. Then, bring ample water to a full boil in a wok/pot, add the rice, and leave to parboil over medium heat for 4 minutes. Drain the rice and put it into a steamer basket lined with a wet muslin cloth. Spread the rice to an even thickness and poke some holes. Bring fresh water to a full boil in the wok/pot, place the basket over, cover with a lid, and leave to steam over medium heat for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for another 5 minutes before serving.

How to cook jasmine rice in a rice cooker

Preparation

Rinsing the rice is optional but recommended. Rinse the rice in several changes of water until the water runs clear. This will remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky. If you do rinse the rice, make sure you drain off the water right away and do not let the rice soak as this will affect the water to rice ratio. Use a large stainless steel strainer to drain off the water completely.

Cooking

Once you've prepared the rice, follow these steps:

• Place the rice in the inner pot of the rice cooker.
• Add water. The water to rice ratio for a rice cooker is 1:1. For example, 1 cup of rice will need 1 cup of water. It's important to use the same cup to measure the rice and the water.
• Add a pinch of salt (optional).
• Set the rice cooker to "white rice". This usually takes about 20 minutes to cook.
• Once the rice cooker is done, wait for 10 minutes before opening the lid. The rice will continue to absorb the water during this time.
• Fluff the rice with a rice paddle or a fork. Be careful not to scratch the inner pot. Fluffy jasmine rice is now ready to be served.

Tips

• If you rinsed the rice, you may need to add a little extra water to compensate for the waterlogged rice.
• If you want to add flavour to the rice, you can add stock, spices, aromatics, or meat during the cooking process.

How to cook jasmine rice in an Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• Jasmine rice
• Water
• Salt (optional)
• Oil (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Before you start, it's important to note that the ratio of rice to water is 1:1. For example, if you're cooking 1 cup of rice, you'll need 1 cup of water.

First, rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove any excess starch from the rice, ensuring it doesn't become sticky or mushy.

Next, add the rice, water, and optional salt and oil to the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Give the mixture a gentle stir.

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the pressure release valve to 'Sealing'. Set the Instant Pot to cook on 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook', 'High Pressure' for 3 minutes.

Once the timer goes off, allow for a 10-minute Natural Pressure Release (NPR). After 10 minutes, release any remaining pressure and open the lid.

Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Tips:

• It's important to cook the rice immediately after rinsing to ensure the rice doesn't absorb too much water, which will affect the ratio.
• If you're doubling or tripling the recipe, keep the same cooking time.
• If your rice is a little wet, let it rest for a few minutes to allow the moisture to escape.
• If you're using broth instead of water, consider leaving out the salt, as most broths contain sodium.

How much water to use when cooking jasmine rice

The key to cooking jasmine rice is to use less water than usual because it's a softer rice. The ratio of water to rice that you need depends on the cooking method you are using.

Rice cooker or Instant Pot

For a rice cooker or Instant Pot, a 1:1 ratio of water to rice is recommended. For example, 1 cup of rice will need 1 cup of water, 2 cups of rice will need 2 cups of water, and so on.

Stove-top

For cooking jasmine rice on a stove-top, a 1.5:1 ratio of water to rice is recommended. This means that 1 cup of rice will need 1 and a half cups of water.

It's important to note that the type and brand of rice can affect the amount of water needed, as different types and brands absorb water differently. For example, jasmine brown rice, basmati rice, short-grain rice, black rice, and wild rice may need a little more water than jasmine white rice.

Additionally, if you choose to rinse the rice before cooking, you will need to reduce the amount of water slightly to account for the extra water that will be absorbed by the rice during rinsing.

Rinsing rice

Rinsing the rice is considered an optional step by some sources, who claim that it makes little difference to the fluffiness of the rice. However, other sources recommend rinsing the rice multiple times until the water runs clear, as this will remove any debris and excess starch, resulting in less sticky rice.

Cooking instructions

After adding the appropriate amount of water for your chosen cooking method, follow these general steps:

• Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
• Stir in the rice and, if desired, a pinch of salt.
• Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until all of the water is absorbed.
• Taste the rice to test for doneness. If it is still too firm, add a few more tablespoons of water, cover the pan, and let the rice absorb the water off the heat for a few more minutes.
• Once the rice is cooked to your desired level of doneness, turn off the heat and let it stand for 10 minutes with the lid on.
• Fluff the rice with a fork or a rice paddle to separate the grains and prevent them from clumping together.

Storing and reheating

Cooked jasmine rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, simply add about 1 tablespoon of water per cup of rice, cover, and microwave for about 1 minute, or until heated through.

How to adjust the texture of jasmine rice

Jasmine rice is a versatile grain used in a variety of dishes, from savory curries to sweet desserts. Its soft, slightly sticky texture and delicate aroma make it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Here are some tips on how to adjust the texture of jasmine rice to achieve the perfect result:

Water-to-Rice Ratio

The amount of water used during cooking has a significant impact on the texture of jasmine rice. As a general rule, use 1 1/4 cups of water for every 1 cup of dry jasmine rice when cooking on a stovetop. For a pressure cooker like an Instant Pot, a 1:1 ratio works well. Using too much water will result in gluey and overcooked rice, so it's crucial to follow the recommended ratios.

Cooking Time

The duration of cooking affects the texture of jasmine rice. For a softer, more tender rice, cook it for a longer period, allowing the grains to absorb more moisture. Conversely, a shorter cooking time will result in a firmer, slightly chewy texture. It's important not to lift the lid during the cooking process, as this can impact the final texture.

Resting Period

Allowing the rice to rest for a few minutes after cooking is essential for achieving a uniform texture. During this time, the grains evenly distribute moisture, resulting in a more consistent texture. The resting period also allows the rice to firm up slightly, contributing to a more distinct individual grain texture.

Stirring Technique

The stirring technique used during cooking can also impact the final texture. Gentle stirring helps achieve a more uniform texture, while excessive stirring may lead to a stickier, clumpier consistency.

Water Quality

The quality of water used for cooking, including its mineral content and pH level, can affect the texture of jasmine rice. Water with high mineral content, such as hard water, can result in firmer rice, while soft water may lead to a softer, stickier texture. Additionally, water with a higher pH level tends to yield fluffier and more separate grains.

Aging of Grains

The age of rice grains also plays a role in determining the texture. Freshly harvested rice tends to be softer, while older rice becomes drier and firmer when cooked. This is due to changes in starch composition as rice ages. Older grains typically require more water to achieve the desired texture.

Cooking Methods

Different cooking methods can be employed to manipulate the texture of jasmine rice:

• Absorption method: Cooking rice with a specific ratio of water to rice results in fluffy and separate grains.
• Steaming method: Partially cooking the rice and then allowing it to steam in its residual heat produces a slightly sticky texture.
• Rice cooker method: Using a rice cooker combines heat and steam to cook the rice, resulting in evenly cooked grains with a desirable texture.
• Pilaf method: Sautéing the rice in oil or butter before adding liquid enhances the nutty flavor and creates a slightly firmer texture.
• Risotto method: Gradually adding small amounts of hot liquid to the rice while stirring constantly results in a creamy and chewy texture.

How to store leftover jasmine rice

When it comes to storing leftover jasmine rice, it's important to follow proper food safety practices to ensure the rice remains safe and tasty for future meals. Here's a simple guide on how to store and prolong the shelf life of your leftover jasmine rice:

After cooking, allow the rice to cool down to room temperature. Storing hot rice can create a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive, so it's important to give it ample time to cool. Fluff the rice with a fork to ensure even cooling and to prevent clumping.

Once the rice has reached room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well. If using a plastic container, choose a food-safe option that is free from BPA or other potentially harmful chemicals.

Store the container of rice in the refrigerator. Leftover jasmine rice can be safely stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Be sure to label the container with the date it was stored to easily keep track of its shelf life.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze leftover jasmine rice. Transfer the cooled rice to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Seal the containers well and label them with the storage date. Frozen jasmine rice can be stored for up to 6 months and is a great way to reduce food waste.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover rice, simply take it out of the fridge or freezer and decide on your reheating method. You can reheat the rice in a steamer, microwave, or even on the stovetop, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius to kill any potential bacteria.

By following these simple steps, you can safely store and enjoy leftover jasmine rice, reducing food waste and making the most of this versatile and delicious staple.

Frequently asked questions