Steaming Brown Rice: A Commercial Steamer's Guide

Cooking brown rice in a commercial steamer is a convenient and efficient way to prepare this nutritious grain. With the right techniques and ratios, you can achieve fluffy, aromatic, and flavorful brown rice that serves as a delightful base for various dishes. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master the art of cooking brown rice in a commercial steamer.

Rinse the rice to remove excess starch

Rinsing rice is an important step in the cooking process. It removes excess starch from the surface of the rice grain, which can cause rice to become gummy and clump together. Rinsing rice also helps to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated during the rice's journey from the paddy to the grocery store shelf.

To rinse rice, place it in a large bowl and cover it with water. Gently swirl the rice with your hand until the water becomes cloudy, then pour out the water, making sure the rice remains in the bowl. Repeat this process until the water is clear, which should take about three to four rinses. Alternatively, you can place the rice in a strainer and rinse it under running water until the water runs clear.

When rinsing brown rice, you may notice that the water does not become as cloudy as it does when rinsing white rice. This is because brown rice still has its outer bran layer, which means there is less starch to wash away. However, rinsing brown rice can help to remove any dirt or impurities and improve its flavour.

Once your rice is rinsed, you can add it to your commercial steamer. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your steamer for the best results.

By rinsing the excess starch from your rice, you will help ensure that your cooked rice has a fluffy and light texture, with individual grains that are not stuck together.

Use the right water-to-rice ratio

To cook brown rice in a commercial steamer, it is essential to use the right water-to-rice ratio. This will ensure that your rice turns out fluffy and flavourful, and not mushy or undercooked.

The water-to-rice ratio can vary depending on the type of rice you are cooking. Generally, a ratio of 1:2 (one part rice to two parts water) is a good starting point for most types of rice. However, it is a good idea to refer to the specific instructions for your commercial steamer and the type of rice you are using, as some varieties may require different ratios. For example, for long-grain brown rice, you can use a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 10 fluid ounces of water. If you are cooking short-grain brown rice, the ratio is slightly different: 1 cup of rice to 10 fluid ounces of water or 1 cup of rice to 1.1 to 1.3 cups of water.

It is also worth noting that if you prefer your rice on the softer side, you can adjust the water-to-rice ratio by adding a little extra water. For every cup of rice, you can add an additional 1/4 cup of water to achieve a softer texture.

Once you have measured out the correct amount of rice and water, place the rice in a dish and cover it with water. Let it sit on the counter for at least 2 hours. Then, drain the rice in a colander. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch from the rice, preventing it from becoming sticky or clumpy during cooking.

After rinsing and draining the rice, fill the commercial steamer with water, ensuring it falls below the steaming basket. It is important not to overfill the steamer, as the water should never touch the rice. Place the rice in a steaming basket or a shallow pan that fits inside the steamer. Cover the rice with a lid or aluminium foil to create a tight seal, which will prevent steam from escaping and ensure even cooking.

Now, you can set the steamer to medium heat and let it cook its magic! The cooking time will depend on the type of rice and the steamer you are using. For brown rice, it typically takes around 45 to 50 minutes to cook. However, it is always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your commercial steamer.

Set up the commercial steamer

Setting up a commercial steamer to cook brown rice is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to get the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you set up your commercial steamer for cooking delicious brown rice:

Step 1: Choose the Right Rice

Start by selecting an appropriate type of brown rice. There are different variants of long-grain and short-grain brown rice available. Long-grain brown rice is less sticky and has more distinct grains, while short-grain brown rice is slightly stickier but still offers a nice chewy texture.

Step 2: Rinse the Rice

Place the desired amount of brown rice in a fine-mesh strainer or colander and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. This step is crucial as it helps remove excess starch from the rice, preventing it from becoming mushy or clumpy during cooking. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, ensuring all excess starch is washed away.

Step 3: Soak the Rice

While not mandatory, soaking the rice can help improve the texture and reduce the cooking time. Place the rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Let it sit on the counter for at least two hours. After soaking, drain the rice in a colander, removing any excess water.

Step 4: Prepare the Commercial Steamer

Now, it's time to set up your commercial steamer. Fill the bottom of the steamer with water, ensuring it stays below the steaming basket. Do not overfill the steamer, as the water should never touch the rice. The water level should be just enough to generate steam without coming into contact with the rice.

Step 5: Assemble the Steaming Basket

Place the soaked and drained rice into a steaming basket or a shallow pan that fits inside your commercial steamer. Spread the rice evenly in the basket or pan, ensuring it is not overcrowded. Overcrowding can affect the cooking process and the quality of the rice.

Step 6: Cover and Seal

Cover the rice with a lid or aluminium foil, creating a tight seal. This step is essential to prevent steam from escaping. A proper seal ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavours effectively.

Your commercial steamer is now set up and ready to cook the brown rice. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of rice and the steamer you are using, but it typically takes around 45 to 50 minutes for brown rice to be cooked thoroughly.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt doesn't turn out exactly as expected. Adjust the water ratios, cooking time, and experiment with different types of rice until you find the perfect combination for your taste and equipment.

Steam the rice for 20 minutes

Now that your commercial steamer is all set up, it's time to let it work its magic. Place the lid on your steamer and set a timer for 20 minutes. This is the standard cooking time for white rice, but it may vary depending on the type of rice and the steamer you're using. For example, brown rice may take a little longer, around 45 to 50 minutes. So, if you're cooking brown rice, be prepared to give it a little extra time to reach that perfect texture.

While you're waiting, it's a good idea to resist the temptation to lift the lid and take a peek. Keeping the lid on ensures that the steam stays inside, cooking the rice evenly. Lifting the lid can cause a loss of steam, which can affect the cooking process and lead to unevenly cooked rice. So, try to be patient and let the steamer do its job without any interruptions.

If you're curious about what's happening inside the steamer, here's a quick overview. The steam is working to cook the rice evenly, and the lid is helping to trap the steam and maintain a consistent temperature. This method of cooking rice is gentle and efficient, ensuring that each grain is cooked just right.

As the timer counts down, you can start preparing the rest of your meal. Whether you're whipping up a flavorful curry, a stir-fry, or a delicious side dish to go with your rice, this is a great opportunity to multitask and get everything ready to serve together.

Remember, the 20-minute timer is just a guideline. Depending on your specific steamer and the type of rice you're using, you may need to adjust the timing slightly. If you're using a timer, you can always add a few minutes at a time until you achieve the perfect texture for your rice.

Rest and fluff the rice

Resting and fluffing the rice are essential steps in cooking brown rice in a commercial steamer, as they ensure that the rice grains are cooked evenly and have a fluffy texture. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Rest the Rice:

After the rice is done steaming, it is important to let it rest. Cover the rice and let it sit in the steamer for about 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and ensures that the grains are fully cooked through. It also helps to absorb any excess moisture, resulting in a plump and fluffy texture.

Fluff the Rice:

Once the rice has rested, it's time to fluff it. Use a rice paddle, carving fork, or a similar utensil to gently mix and separate the rice grains. You can also use chopsticks if you prefer. Avoid using a metal fork, especially if your steamer has a non-stick coating, as it can scratch the surface. Gently rake through the rice, making short and shallow motions to separate the grains without smashing or mushing them. You can also stab the fork into the rice and lift up sections to fluff it up. This process aerates the rice, removing any lumps and giving it a light and fluffy consistency.

Tips for Perfectly Fluffed Rice:

• Do not stir or mix the rice vigorously, as this can make it sticky and mushy.
• Be gentle and use short, shallow motions when fluffing the rice.
• If using a rice cooker, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct rice-to-water ratio and cooking time.
• If cooking on a stove, use a pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer the rice on the lowest heat setting for about 18 minutes. Then, remove from the heat and let it steam for another 5 minutes before fluffing.
• If cooking in an oven, use an oven-safe dish or pan, and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes for brown rice.
• If microwaving, cook uncovered for 15 minutes, and then in 2-minute intervals until the rice is tender.
• For all cooking methods, avoid opening the lid or removing the rice from the heat source prematurely, as this can affect the cooking process and texture of the rice.

By following these steps and allowing the rice to rest and fluff properly, you will achieve perfectly cooked brown rice with a fluffy and separate grain texture.

Frequently asked questions