Steaming Rice: Aroma Cooker's Quick, Easy, And Perfect Method

Cooking rice can be a tricky task, but an Aroma Rice Cooker can make it a lot easier. The Aroma Rice Cooker is a popular appliance that can cook up to 20 cups of perfect, fluffy rice with minimal effort. It comes in two main types: the simple Select Stainless Rice & Grain Cooker and the more complex Digital Rice & Grain Multicooker, which can also steam vegetables and cook other grains. The exact cooking time depends on the cooker style, rice variety, and rice-to-water ratio, but generally, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to cook two cups of white rice.

Rice-to-water ratio for perfect rice

The rice-to-water ratio depends on the type of rice you are cooking and the type of dish you are preparing. The type of rice includes long-grain, medium-grain, short-grain, brown rice, Arborio rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, bomba rice, and sushi rice. The type of dish, on the other hand, could be a savory, tender pilaf or sticky white rice for sushi.

Long-Grain White Rice

For long-grain white rice, which includes Basmati and jasmine rice, use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice for tender grains of rice that easily separate. For a slightly chewier, fluffier texture, use 1 1/2 cups of water for every cup of rice.

Short-Grain White Rice

For short-grain white rice, which includes Japanese-style rice (sushi rice) and bomba rice, use 1 1/4 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice for sushi rice, and 2 1/2 cups of water for every cup of rice for bomba rice.

Brown Rice

Brown rice generally requires more water and takes longer to cook. Use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of brown rice.

Arborio Rice

To make a risotto with Arborio rice, use 3 cups of liquid for every cup of rice. The liquid is usually added gradually to the pot as it is absorbed.

Jasmine and Basmati Rice

For jasmine and basmati rice, which are aromatic and long-grained, 2 cups of rice will be ready in 15 to 25 minutes.

Aroma Rice Cooker

The Aroma Rice Cooker makes it easy to prepare perfect rice every time. Each Aroma Rice Cooker comes with a manual that includes water-to-rice ratios, recipes, and other helpful information. The inner pot of the cooker also has line markings that indicate the amount of water to add based on the number of cups of rice.

How to use an Aroma rice cooker

Step 1: Wash the rice

Place the rice in a strainer and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess dirt, debris, and starch, and prevents mushy rice.

Step 2: Measure the rice and water

Use the BPA-free plastic measuring cup that comes with your Aroma rice cooker. One rice measuring cup equals 3/4 of a standard American cup. Fill it up with dry rice and level off the top.

Step 3: Add rice and water to the cooker

Add the rice to the inner pot of the rice cooker. Then, add water until it reaches the corresponding line marking inside the pot. For example, if you're using two cups of rice, fill the water to the "2" line.

Step 4: Close the lid and turn on the cooker

Securely close the lid of the rice cooker. Press the "KEEP WARM" button to turn on the cooker, and then press the "RICE" button. The cooking indicator will illuminate.

Step 5: Cooking time

The cooking time will depend on the type of rice cooker you have and the variety of rice you are cooking. For example, in a digital rice cooker, 2 cups of white rice will be ready in 27 to 32 minutes, while in a pot-style rice cooker, it will take 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 6: Fluff the rice

Once the cooker beeps and switches to the "Keep Warm" function, open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork or spatula.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy!

Your perfectly cooked rice is now ready to be served as a side dish or used in your favourite recipes!

Troubleshooting:

• If your rice is too dry or crunchy, add more water (1/4 to 1/2 cup at a time), stir, and cook for a little longer.
• If your rice is too soggy, stir it with a spatula to distribute the moisture, and leave it in the cooker on the "KEEP WARM" function for 10-20 minutes to cook off the excess moisture.

Cleaning your Aroma Rice Cooker:

• Always wait until the rice cooker has completely cooled before cleaning.
• For the Aroma Select Stainless model, you can use soapy water to clean the inner chamber and glass lid in the sink. Ensure that it is thoroughly dried before using it again.
• For the Aroma Digital model, wash the inner rice pot, accessories, inner lid, and condensation collector with soapy water. Dry completely before using the cooker again. Avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners or scouring pads on the non-stick surface.

Rice cooker styles and their impact on cooking time

The time it takes to steam rice in an Aroma rice cooker depends on several factors, including the style of the rice cooker, the variety of rice, and the rice-to-water ratio.

Aroma rice cookers come in two main styles: digital multicookers and classic pot-style appliances. The digital variety offers more features, such as smart settings, recipe shortcuts, and delay timers, while the pot-style cooker is simpler and cooks faster.

Here's a breakdown of the cooking times for different types of rice in each style of Aroma rice cooker:

Digital Multicooker

• White rice (2 cups): 27 to 32 minutes
• Brown rice (2 cups): 30 to 40 minutes
• Jasmine and basmati rice (2 cups): 15 to 25 minutes

Classic Pot-Style

• White rice (2 cups): 20 to 25 minutes
• Brown rice (2 cups): 30 to 40 minutes
• Jasmine and basmati rice (2 cups): 15 to 25 minutes

It's important to note that the rice-to-water ratio plays a crucial role in determining the cooking time. Aroma rice cookers have line markings inside the pot to indicate the correct water level for a given amount of rice. Using the wrong ratio can significantly increase the cooking time.

Additionally, the size and capacity of the rice cooker may also impact the cooking time. Therefore, it is always recommended to refer to the product manual for specific instructions and features.

The importance of rinsing rice before cooking

Rinsing rice before cooking is an important step to ensure cleanliness and the desired texture of the rice. While it may seem like an unnecessary step, rinsing rice can help remove dirt, dust, debris, chemicals, and even bugs that may have been picked up during transportation or were not properly removed during the manufacturing process.

Additionally, rinsing rice helps to remove excess starch from the surface of the rice kernels. This excess starch can cause the rice to become gummy or overly sticky during cooking. By rinsing the rice, you can achieve a fluffy texture with separate rice kernels. This is especially important for dishes like pilafs, fried rice, and salads, where you want the rice grains to be distinct.

The process of rinsing rice is simple and can be done by placing the rice in a large bowl, covering it with water, and gently swirling it with your hand until the water becomes cloudy. The water should then be poured out, and the process repeated until the water is clear, which usually takes about three to four rinses. Alternatively, you can use a strainer and rinse the rice under a running faucet until the water runs clear.

It is worth noting that the type of rice and the dish being prepared may impact the need for rinsing. For example, when making risotto, paella, or sushi, rinsing the rice is not recommended as it can ruin the dish by removing too much starch, which is necessary for these recipes.

Overall, taking the time to rinse rice before cooking can improve the taste, texture, and cleanliness of your final dish, making it a crucial step in the rice preparation process.

How Long to Steam Rice in an Aroma Cooker

The time it takes to steam rice in an Aroma cooker depends on several factors, including the cooker style, rice variety, and rice-to-water ratio. However, on average, you can cook two cups of perfect, fluffy white rice in an Aroma cooker in about 20 to 30 minutes. For brown rice, the cooking time is slightly longer, ranging from 30 to 40 minutes, due to the extra bran layer that needs to be softened. For jasmine and basmati rice, the cooking time is shorter, taking anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes.

How to clean and maintain your Aroma rice cooker

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Aroma Rice Cooker

• Unplug and let it cool: Before you begin, always unplug your rice cooker and allow it to cool down completely. This is important for safety reasons and to avoid damaging the device by 'shocking' it with cold water.
• Disassemble: Remove the inner cooking pot, condensation collector, and accessories, such as the steam tray and spatula.
• Wash removable parts: Wash the inner pot and accessories with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch the surface. Alternatively, you can soak the parts in hot water and then wipe them clean with a damp cloth.
• Wipe down the exterior: Use a slightly damp cloth to gently wipe the inside and outside of the rice cooker. Pay attention to small crevices, steam vents, and seals to remove any built-up rice residue. Ensure that the cloth is only damp and not wet to protect the electrical components.
• Dry and reassemble: Dry all parts and accessories thoroughly before putting your rice cooker back together.

Deep Cleaning Tips for Stuck-on Food and Odors

• Vinegar solution: Boil a solution of one cup of distilled white vinegar and one cup of water in the pot. Then, let it cool and wash with soapy water.
• Baking soda and lemon juice: Try a natural reaction with baking soda and lemon juice, along with a soft-bristle brush, to scrub off stuck-on grains.
• Denture tablets: Fill the inner pot with warm water and add a few denture cleaning tablets. Let the pot soak for a few hours or overnight to loosen and remove stains.

Maintenance Tips for Your Aroma Rice Cooker

• Regular cleaning: Develop a routine and clean your rice cooker after each use to prevent food buildup and stains.
• Empty condensation collector: Regularly empty and clean the condensation collector to prevent mold or stagnant water buildup.
• Proper storage: Store your rice cooker in a clean, dry place with the lid open to allow for air circulation and prevent moisture retention.
• Avoid harsh cleaning agents: Use gentle cleaning agents, such as mild dish soap, vinegar, or baking soda, to avoid damaging the surfaces or non-stick coating.
• Handle with care: Be gentle when handling the inner pot and other components to avoid accidental damage.
• Inspect for damage: Periodically check your rice cooker for any signs of damage, such as cracks, frayed cords, or malfunctioning buttons.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions: Refer to the user manual for specific cleaning and maintenance instructions for your Aroma Rice Cooker model.

Frequently asked questions