Vegetable Steamer: Cooking Perfect Basmati Rice

Cooking basmati rice in a vegetable steamer is a great option if you don't have a rice cooker. The process is simple and will yield fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. The key is to use the right ratio of rice to water (or other cooking liquid) and to avoid lifting the lid while it's cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook basmati rice in a vegetable steamer:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Rinsing the rice before cooking is optional but recommended, as it helps remove starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Rinse the rice with cold water several times until the water runs clear.

Step 2: Assemble the Steamer

Vegetable steamers typically have a mesh or grid-style bottom. Since the openings in the mesh are usually too large, you'll need to use a rice-cooking bowl that comes with some steamers. This bowl should be solid to hold the rice but open at the top to allow steam to cook the rice. If you don't have a rice bowl, you can use cheesecloth to line the steamer compartment and prevent the rice from falling through.

Step 3: Add Rice and Cooking Liquid to the Steamer

Measure the rice and cooking liquid (water or broth) into the steamer's rice bowl or directly into the steamer compartment lined with cheesecloth. The typical ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of liquid. You can also add a pinch of salt or other seasonings like cardamom pods or bay leaves for extra flavor.

Step 4: Fill the Steamer Reservoir and Set the Timer

Fill the steamer's reservoir to its maximum level and assemble the steamer compartments and drip tray as usual. Place the rice bowl inside the steamer compartment and cover it with the lid. Set the timer according to the type of rice: 45-50 minutes for brown or red rice, 25-30 minutes for white rice, or 15-20 minutes for basmati rice.

Step 5: Check the Rice and Adjust as Needed

Open the steamer carefully, being mindful of the escaping steam. Check if the rice is evenly cooked. If not, simply cover it again and let it steam for another 5-10 minutes. This is one advantage of using a vegetable steamer—you can check on the rice without spoiling it.

Step 6: Remove the Rice and Let it Rest

Once the rice is fully cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork and serving. Enjoy your perfectly cooked basmati rice!

Rice-to-water ratio: 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water

To cook basmati rice with a rice-to-water ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water, follow these steps:

First, place the rice in a bowl or pot and cover it with water. Use your hands to swish the rice around, then carefully pour off the cloudy water. Repeat this process 3 to 5 times, until the water is nearly clear. Drain off any remaining water.

Next, add 1.5 cups of fresh water to the rice, along with a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil or butter (optional). Bring the pot to a boil, uncovered, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and turn the heat down to a low simmer.

Cook the rice for 12 to 20 minutes, until all of the water has been absorbed. Remove the pot from the heat and let the rice steam, still covered, for at least 5 minutes or up to 10 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork or rice paddle and serve.

Note that it is essential not to lift the lid or peek into the pot while the rice is cooking, as this will cause steam to escape and result in uneven cooking. Similarly, do not fluff the rice with a fork if you are using basmati rice with long grains, as this will break the grains. Instead, use a rubber or rice paddle.

Rinse the rice before cooking

Rinsing the rice before cooking is an important step in the process of making basmati rice in a vegetable steamer. While it is not necessary if you bought the rice in a package from a grocery store, it is crucial if you purchased it in bulk from a market. Rinsing the rice will help remove any excess starch from the surface of the grains, which is what makes rice sticky and gummy when cooked. To rinse the rice, place it in a large bowl and fill it with water. Swish the rice around with your hand for about 10 seconds, then drain the water. Repeat this process 3 to 5 times until the water becomes clearer. It is important to note that the water may never become completely clear, but that is okay. After rinsing, be sure to drain the rice well in a colander before adding it to your vegetable steamer.

If you are using a rice cooking bowl within your vegetable steamer, you do not need to worry about the rice falling through the mesh or grid-style bottom since the bowl will be solid. Simply measure the rice and water into the steamer's rice bowl, using a ratio of two parts water to one part rice. Add a pinch of salt, fill the steamer's reservoir to the maximum level, and assemble the steamer compartments and drip tray as you normally would. Position the rice bowl inside the steamer compartment, cover it, and set the timer for 25 to 30 minutes for white rice or 45 to 50 minutes for brown or red rice.

If you are cooking the rice directly in a steamer compartment, you will need to line the compartment with cheesecloth to prevent the rice from falling through the mesh or grid-style bottom. Unroll and fold the cheesecloth so that it lines the compartment with three or four layers, then lift and dampen the cloth before pressing it back into the steamer. Measure and pour the rice into the steamer compartment, creating an even layer. Fill the reservoir to the maximum level, set the timer, and turn on the steamer. Steam white rice for about 25 minutes or brown/black rice for 45 minutes to an hour, or until tender.

Regardless of the method you choose, rinsing the rice before cooking will help ensure that you end up with fluffy, non-sticky rice.

Use a rice cooker or a saucepan

If you don't have a vegetable steamer, you can always use a rice cooker or a saucepan to cook your basmati rice. Here's how:

Rice Cooker Method:

First, rinse the rice with cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial as it removes the starch from the rice, preventing it from becoming sticky and gummy. Put the rinsed rice into your rice cooker and season with kosher salt. Add extra virgin olive oil and water, and stir to combine.

Cover the rice cooker securely and select the normal/regular/sushi setting. Be sure to follow the safety instructions provided with your rice cooker. Once the rice is ready, let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes before fluffing and serving.

Saucepan Method:

Place the specified amount of water into a saucepan, usually about 2-2½ cups of water per cup of rice, and bring it to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt, then cover and cook over very low heat for about 15 minutes without uncovering.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 3-5 minutes. The water should be completely absorbed. If not, cover and simmer for a few more minutes. Serve when ready.

Alternatively, you can follow this slightly different saucepan method:

Place the rice and water in a medium-size saucepan over medium-high heat, without the lid. Bring it to a simmer—you should see bubbles at the edges, ripples in the middle, and foam on the surface. Place a tight-fitting lid on the saucepan, then turn the heat down to medium-low.

Cook for 12 minutes without removing the lid. After this, tilt the saucepan and take a quick peek to ensure all the water is absorbed. Put the lid back on, remove from the heat, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Note that the rice-to-water ratio is crucial to achieving the perfect basmati rice. The correct ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. Using too much water will result in gummy and gluey rice, especially if you rinse the rice as well.

Bring to a boil, then simmer on medium-high heat

Once your basmati rice and water are in the saucepan, it's time to start cooking. Bring the mixture to a boil. This is when the water reaches its boiling point and starts bubbling. At this point, you should see the water bubbling and rippling, with foam starting to form on the surface.

Once your water is boiling, it's time to reduce the heat to medium-high. Place a lid on the saucepan and let the rice simmer. This is when the water is bubbling gently, not as vigorously as a full boil. You should still see some movement in the water, but it will be less intense than at a rolling boil. Keep the rice at this gentle bubble for 12-20 minutes. This will ensure the rice is cooked through and has absorbed all the water.

Do not be tempted to lift the lid or peek inside! This can cause a loss of steam, which can lead to uneven cooking. Keep the heat consistent and leave the rice undisturbed.

After the rice has simmered for the recommended time, turn off the heat but leave the lid on and let the rice rest for an additional 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the rice to finish cooking and absorbs any remaining liquid, resulting in fluffy, tender rice.

Finally, you can remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork or a rice paddle. Enjoy your perfectly cooked basmati rice!

Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes before serving

Allowing the rice to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving is a crucial step in the cooking process. This resting period gives the rice time to absorb any remaining liquid, ensuring that it is fully cooked and has a fluffy texture. During this time, the starches in the rice re-crystallize, providing structure and preventing the rice from becoming a sticky mess when fluffed.

For this reason, it is important to resist the temptation to remove the lid and serve the rice immediately. Instead, leave the rice covered and undisturbed for the full resting period. If you have added any whole spices, such as cardamom pods or bay leaves, this is the perfect time to remove them before fluffing the rice with a fork or rice paddle.

The resting period also allows the rice to cool slightly, which is essential for achieving the perfect fluffy texture. If you skip this step and fluff the rice while it is still too hot, you may end up with gummy or mushy rice.

Additionally, the resting period gives you the flexibility to adjust the cooking time if needed. For example, if you find that the rice is not fully cooked after the initial cooking time, you can simply replace the lid and let it rest for a few more minutes, without worrying about overcooking or spoiling the rice.

In summary, letting the rice rest for 5 to 10 minutes is a key step in achieving the desired fluffy texture and ensuring that the rice is fully cooked. It also provides an opportunity to adjust the cooking time and remove any whole spices before serving.

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