Steaming Rice: Black+Decker Steamer Cooking Times Explained

Cooking rice in a Black & Decker steamer is a straightforward process. The first step is to gather your ingredients and fill the water reservoir to the designated line, ensuring that you only use water and not other liquids like broth. Next, add the rice and water to the rice bowl, place it into the steaming bowl, and secure the lid tightly. The timer on the steamer can be set from one to 75 minutes, depending on the type and amount of rice being cooked. For example, one cup of white rice will take 35-36 minutes, while brown rice will take 50-52 minutes. After the timer goes off, carefully open the steamer and check the rice for doneness. If it requires more time, set the timer again based on the doneness and cooking guidelines.

Filling the steamer with water and rice

Next, add the rice and additional water to the rice bowl. The amount of rice and water added will depend on the type of rice being cooked and your personal preference. For example, for brown long-grain rice, you might use 1 cup of rice with 1 and a half cups of water. Alternatively, for white or jasmine rice, a maximum recipe could be 1.5 cups of rice and 1.75 cups of water.

Once the rice and water have been added to the rice bowl, carefully place the bowl into the steaming bowl and ensure the lid is securely latched to create a seal for proper steaming.

Setting the timer

Firstly, refer to your owner's manual for the recommended water-to-rice ratio and cooking time for the specific type of rice you're preparing. This is important because different types of rice have different cooking requirements. For example, if you're cooking 1 cup of brown rice in the Black & Decker HS90 Handy Steamer Plus, the manual suggests using 1 1/4 cups of water. However, if you're cooking white rice or jasmine rice, the water-to-rice ratio and cooking time will be different.

Once you've added the required amount of water and rice to the steamer, it's time to set the timer. For brown long-grain rice, start by setting the timer for 40 minutes. This is a good starting point, and you can adjust the timing up or down depending on your personal preference for rice texture. If you're cooking white or jasmine rice, a user of the Black & Decker steamer recommends setting the timer for 47 minutes.

It's worth noting that the cooking time may vary slightly between different models of Black & Decker steamers, so it's always a good idea to refer to your specific model's instruction manual for the most accurate information. Additionally, when the minimum time is up, carefully open the steamer and check the rice for doneness. If it needs more time, simply set the timer again for an additional duration based on your desired level of doneness and the cooking guidelines provided in the manual.

In summary, setting the timer for your Black & Decker steamer involves referring to the owner's manual for specific cooking instructions, adding the required amount of water and rice, and then setting the timer accordingly. Remember to consider the type and amount of rice you're cooking, as this will impact the overall cooking time. With these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to perfectly cooked rice every time.

Opening the steamer and stirring the rice

When the timer goes off, it's time to open the steamer and stir the rice. First, carefully open the steamer lid—remember to keep your hands and face clear of the bowl to avoid steam burns. Then, use a spoon to gently stir the rice, checking to see if it's cooked to your liking.

If the rice is not done to your preference, there are a few simple steps to follow. Begin by shaking the cover over the sink to remove any excess water that has accumulated. Then, place the cover back onto the steamer, securing it tightly to ensure a proper seal for steaming. Next, you'll need to set the timer for additional cooking time, using the doneness and cooking guidelines as a reference.

The amount of additional time needed will depend on various factors, including the type of rice and your personal preference for its texture. For example, if you're cooking brown rice and prefer a firmer texture, you might add less time than if you were cooking white rice and wanted a softer, fluffier result.

You can also flavour your rice at this stage by adding broth or juice to the rice bowl instead of water. This will enhance the taste of your rice and give it a unique twist.

Adding seasonings

There are many ways to add flavour to your rice while cooking it in a Black & Decker steamer. One simple way is to add a pinch of salt to the water or broth before steaming. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil, or spices like cumin or turmeric. Just be mindful of the amount of liquid and seasonings you add to ensure the rice cooks properly.

For a more complex flavour profile, you can sauté some onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan with oil, then add this mixture to the rice and water in the steamer. This will infuse your rice with the flavours of the aromatics. You can also add other ingredients like chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, or Chinese rice wine. These ingredients will build layers of complexity and flavour in the rice.

If you're looking for a more Mediterranean flavour profile, you can try adding lemon, garlic, and herbs to your rice. Alternatively, for a Mexican twist, add tomatoes and peppers. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try coconut and pandan leaves for a Southeast Asian flavour.

Removing the steaming bowl

To remove the steaming bowl from your Black and Decker steamer, first ensure that the appliance is switched off and unplugged from the electrical outlet. Allow the steamer to cool down completely. It is important to never attempt to remove the steaming bowl or any other components while the steamer is still hot, as this could lead to burns or other injuries.

Once the steamer has cooled down, locate the steaming bowl. It is usually placed inside the steamer, above the water reservoir. Some models may have a handle or a knob on the steaming bowl for easy removal. If your model does not have a handle or knob, carefully lift the steaming bowl out of the steamer using oven mitts or pot holders to protect your hands from any residual heat.

If rice or any other food particles are stuck to the steaming bowl, fill the sink with warm water and a mild detergent, and let the bowl soak for a few minutes. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently wipe away any remaining food residue. Rinse the steaming bowl thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely before placing it back into the steamer.

When replacing the steaming bowl, ensure that it is securely fitted into its designated position. Check that the steamer is empty and dry before plugging it back in and using it again. Always refer to the instruction manual provided with your Black and Decker steamer for model-specific instructions and safety guidelines.

Frequently asked questions