Steaming Rice: How Much Water Is Needed?

Steaming rice is a great way to cook it gently and avoid the stickiness that comes with boiling. The amount of water you use will depend on the type of rice and your desired texture, but the standard ratio for medium or long-grain rice is 1:2 (rice to water). For shorter-grain rice, you'll need less water, with a ratio of 1:1.25 giving a stickier result. If you're making rice in a steamer, you'll need to allow for a longer cooking time than with a pot, but you'll be rewarded with fluffier rice.

The ideal rice-to-water ratio for fluffy rice

The ideal rice-to-water ratio depends on the type of rice being cooked, the desired texture, and individual preferences. Here are some general guidelines for achieving fluffy rice when cooking with a steamer:

Medium or Long-Grain Rice:

For medium or long-grain rice, a standard stovetop simmer method calls for a 1-to-2 ratio of rice to water. For example, use 1 cup of water for every cup of uncooked rice. This will yield enough rice for 2 to 3 servings.

If you prefer a softer texture, you can increase the amount of water. A ratio of 1:1.3 will give you slightly softer rice, while a 1:1.5 ratio will result in very soft rice.

Short-Grain Rice:

For shorter grain varieties, a lower rice-to-water ratio is recommended to achieve a stickier texture. A 1.25-to-1 ratio, or 1 1/4 cups of water for every cup of rice, will produce sticky rice suitable for sushi or dishes eaten with chopsticks.

Brown Rice:

Brown rice requires more water and a longer cooking time than white rice. While there is no standard ratio for brown rice, it typically requires around 50% more water than white rice.

Pre-soaking and Rinsing:

To achieve the perfect texture, it is recommended to pre-soak your rice for at least 10 minutes before cooking. This helps to reduce the cooking time and preserve the aroma and flavour of the rice.

Additionally, rinsing the rice in cold water several times before cooking can remove excess starch and result in more distinct, separate grains. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, indicating that most of the excess starch has been removed.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for rice in a steamer will vary depending on the type of rice. Regular white rice will typically take around 15 to 30 minutes to cook, while brown, red, and wild rice may need between 45 minutes to an hour.

Final Steps:

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and ensures that it is perfectly cooked. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Tips for Success:

• Always use a heat-proof bowl for cooking rice in a steamer.
• Ensure that the water is simmering before adding the rice to the steamer.
• Avoid over-soaking the rice, as this can lead to broken grains.
• Adjust the rice-to-water ratio according to your personal preferences and the desired texture.
• If using a rice cooker, follow the instructions provided with your appliance, as they may vary depending on the model.

How to steam rice on a stovetop

There are several ways to steam rice on a stovetop, and the method you choose will depend on the type of rice you are cooking and the equipment you have available.

Rice-to-Water Ratios

Firstly, it is important to understand the rice-to-water ratio. For medium or long-grain rice, the standard stovetop simmer method uses a 1-to-2 ratio. For example, 1 cup of uncooked rice, which serves 2 to 3 people, needs 2 cups of water.

For stickier medium or short-grain rice, reduce the amount of water to a 1.25-to-1 ratio. For example, use 1 and 1/4 cups of water for 1 cup of rice.

If you are cooking brown rice, you will need roughly 50% more water and at least double the cooking time.

Rinsing and Soaking

Some cooks recommend rinsing the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve more distinct grains. If you want to keep the grains separate and firm, rinse the rice in cold water two or three times, until the water is no longer cloudy and runs clear.

For a softer texture or shorter cooking time, you can soak the rice for 30 minutes before cooking. This method can help preserve the aroma and flavour of longer-grain varieties such as jasmine.

Cooking the Rice

Place the rice and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Do not cover the pan with a lid at this stage.

Turn the heat down to low, cover with a lid, and leave to cook for 13-20 minutes, depending on the type of rice. Do not lift the lid or stir the rice while it is cooking, as this can ruin the texture.

Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for at least 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Alternative Method: The Pasta Method

First, rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cool running water.

Next, add the rice to a pot filled halfway with cool water. Bring the water to a boil and set a timer for 15 minutes.

When the timer goes off, drain the pot and rinse the rice again under cold water. This step helps to wash away starch and prevent the rice from clumping together. Set the rinsed rice aside to dry for a few minutes in the strainer. Then, enjoy!

How to steam rice in an electric steamer

Ingredients and Equipment

• Electric steamer
• Steaming pan or rack
• Heatproof bowl
• Water
• White long-grain rice (Jasmine rice is best)

Step 1: Wash the Rice

Rice is predominantly starch, and any successful method for cooking white rice involves thoroughly washing it first. Rinse the rice in several changes of cold water until the water is clear, then drain well. This process removes any dust and dirt, as well as the excess starch left on the milled grains.

Step 2: Measure the Rice and Water

Measure out the quantity of dry raw rice you want to cook. As a guide, one cup of raw rice will give two medium-sized servings of cooked rice.

Once your rice is washed and drained, add one cup of water for each cup of dry rice you measured before washing.

Step 3: Prepare the Steamer

In your electric steamer, add enough water to boil for at least half an hour. The water level should sit about an inch or more below the bottom of your bowl.

Step 4: Steam the Rice

Place the bowl of rice and water on a steaming rack or tray above the water in the steamer. Cover and set your timer for 33 minutes to cook (30 minutes cook time and 3 minutes to get to temperature).

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Once the time is up, remove the bowl of cooked rice and transfer it immediately into a second bowl, fluffing it with a fork as you do so to release any trapped steam.

If you leave the cooked rice in the bowl, the trapped steam will condense back into the bowl and make the rice at the bottom wet.

Tips

• If you are using a saucepan or pot specifically made for steaming, you won't need a heatproof bowl or a steaming rack. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• If your rice is still a little wet, reduce the amount of water by a few tablespoons next time.
• If your rice is too dry, increase the amount of water by a few tablespoons.
• For a softer texture or shorter cooking time, you can soak the rice for 30 minutes before cooking it.
• For sticky rice, you will need a different type of rice and a different method.

How to steam rice in a microwave steamer

Steaming rice in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to prepare rice, especially when your stovetop is busy or you are cooking for one or two people. It is also a great option if you do not want to invest in a rice cooker.

Step 1: Prepare your rice

The first step is to rinse your rice. Rinsing the rice gets rid of any impurities and excess starch, which will give you better, fluffier results. Use a fine mesh strainer and run water through the rice, agitating the grains with your hands until the water runs clear.

Step 2: Add water and cook

Place your rinsed rice into a microwave-safe bowl or dish. The bowl should be at least four times the height of the water level, as the water will bubble up. For every cup of rice, add 1.5 cups of cold water. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, make sure to pierce it a few times to create vent holes for the steam.

Microwave on high for 10 minutes, then microwave for a further 10 minutes at 50% power. For a 700-900 watt microwave, cook on high for 20 minutes at 50% power, then microwave uncovered for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Rest and serve

Remove the bowl from the microwave and let the rice rest, still covered, for about 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and become lighter in texture. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve immediately.

Tips

• The microwave method works best for short-, medium-, or long-grain white rice, such as jasmine, basmati, or plain long-grain white rice.
• You can also use sushi rice, which is a type of medium-grain rice.
• Do not use brown rice, as it takes more time and liquid to cook and is not well-suited to microwave cooking.
• Make sure your bowl is microwave-safe and large enough to prevent the water from boiling over.
• If you want to add flavor to your rice, you can use chicken or vegetable stock instead of water, or add a pat of butter or fresh herbs after cooking.
• The general water to rice ratio is 2:1, but you can also use the rice finger trick: add enough water to cover your first knuckle when your index finger is touching the surface of the rice.
• Microwaving rice can be faster than cooking it on the stove because heat is distributed more evenly, and you don't have to keep an eye on it.
• If you are cooking for more than one person, you can double the recipe, but make sure to use a larger bowl to prevent boil-over.

The benefits of steaming rice

Steaming rice is a great way to cook this staple food, and it comes with several benefits. Firstly, it is a healthier way to prepare rice compared to frying. Steaming prevents the loss of water-soluble nutrients, and doesn't require any added fat. Steamed rice is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and fibre, and choosing brown rice over white provides more fibre and certain vitamins and minerals.

Secondly, steaming rice is a gentle cooking method that doesn't involve boiling the grains directly in water, which can make them sticky. Instead, the steam cooks the rice more evenly and helps to prevent burning. This method also gives you more control over the cooking process, allowing you to adjust the amount of liquid used to achieve your desired rice texture.

Thirdly, steaming rice is a versatile and convenient cooking method. It can be done using a variety of cookware, such as a saucepan, deep frying pan, steamer, or rice cooker. This makes it accessible to those without a rice cooker and those who want to reduce the number of dishes they have to wash. Additionally, steaming rice is suitable for cooking small batches, making it ideal when you're cooking for one or two people.

Finally, steaming rice is a simple and foolproof method that delivers perfect results every time. By following the right technique and adjusting the water ratio to your preference, you can achieve fluffy, individual rice kernels without the risk of burning or undercooking.

• Rinse the rice in cold water until the water is clear, then drain well.
• Pre-soak the rice for at least 10 minutes, then drain again.
• Place the rice in a shallow, heat-proof container that fits in your steamer.
• Add water to the rice using a ratio of 1:1.3 for firmer rice, or 1:1.5 for softer rice.
• Place the container in the steamer, ensuring the water in the steamer is cold and not boiling.
• Turn the heat to high, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let the rice sit in the steamer, covered, for at least another 5 minutes.

Enjoy your perfectly steamed rice!

Frequently asked questions