Cooking Brown Rice: Using A Steamer For Perfect Results

Brown rice is a healthy option, filled with fibre and other nutrients, and it's also tasty and versatile. However, it can be tricky to cook, often taking a long time to get perfectly fluffy and moist grains. Using a rice steamer is a hands-free, foolproof method for achieving great results. The basic principle is to use a ratio of 1 cup of brown rice to 10 fluid ounces of water, although some sources suggest a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 2.5 cups of water. It's important to rinse the rice first to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of rice cooker used, but it usually takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

Rinse the rice

Rinsing the rice is an essential step in the rice-cooking process. It ensures that your cooked rice is fluffy and not clumpy or gummy. Rinsing the rice removes excess starch from the outside of the rice, which is what causes rice to become sticky and clump together.

To rinse the rice, you will need a fine mesh strainer or colander and access to running water. Place the rice in the strainer and gently move it around with your hands to ensure that each grain is rinsed. Continue rinsing until the water in the bowl or sink runs clear. This may take a few minutes, and you may need to change the water once it becomes cloudy. It is important to ensure that all the water is drained from the rice when you are finished rinsing.

Some recipes recommend pre-soaking the rice for at least 10 minutes before cooking. To do this, place the rice in a dish and cover it with water. Let it sit on the counter for at least two hours, then drain the rice in a colander before adding it to your rice cooker.

Once your rice is rinsed and drained, it is ready to be added to your rice cooker or steamer.

Measure the water-to-rice ratio

The water-to-rice ratio is a crucial aspect of cooking brown rice in a rice steamer, as it determines the texture and doneness of the rice. The ratio can vary depending on the type of brown rice being used, and personal preferences for rice texture. Here are some detailed guidelines on measuring the water-to-rice ratio for perfect brown rice:

Types of Brown Rice

Firstly, it's important to distinguish between the two common types of brown rice: long-grain and short-grain. Long-grain brown rice is less sticky and yields more distinct grains after cooking. On the other hand, short-grain brown rice is slightly stickier but still has a nice chewy texture. The water-to-rice ratio will differ slightly between these two types.

Measurement Tools

To ensure accuracy in your measurements, it is recommended to use standard measuring tools. Instead of relying on the scoop that comes with your rice cooker, opt for a traditional dry scoop for measuring the rice and a liquid measuring tool for the water. Alternatively, you can use a scale for the rice to achieve consistent results.

Ratio for Long-Grain Brown Rice

For long-grain brown rice, the recommended ratio is 1 cup of rice to 10 fluid ounces of water. This ratio ensures that the rice cooks evenly and maintains its distinct grain structure.

Ratio for Short-Grain Brown Rice

As for short-grain brown rice, the ratio is slightly different. The recommended ratio is 1 cup of short-grain brown rice to 10 fluid ounces of water. This ratio takes into account the slightly higher starch content of short-grain rice, ensuring it cooks up nicely with a chewy texture.

Scaling Up

It's important to note that these ratios are specifically for cooking one cup of brown rice. If you plan to cook a larger batch, you may need to adjust the measurements and add a little more water. However, be cautious not to add too much water, as it can affect the texture and cooking time.

Pre-soaking and Rinsing

Some recipes suggest pre-soaking the rice for at least 10 minutes before cooking. This step can be beneficial in reducing the cooking time and ensuring more even cooking. Additionally, it's essential to rinse the rice thoroughly before adding it to the rice cooker. Rinsing helps remove excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy and clumpy during cooking. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer or colander until the water runs clear.

Adjustments for Texture

Everyone has their own preference when it comes to rice texture. If you prefer your rice on the softer side, you can slightly increase the amount of water. For every cup of rice, you can add up to 1.5 cups of water for a softer, more tender texture. On the other hand, if you like your rice kernels to be more distinct and al dente, you can reduce the water amount by a small margin.

Tips for Consistency

To ensure consistent results each time you cook brown rice in a rice steamer, here are some additional tips:

• Always use the brown rice setting on your rice cooker if available.
• Follow the instructions in your rice cooker's manual for the best results.
• Avoid opening the lid of the rice cooker during the cooking process, as this can affect the texture and doneness of the rice.
• Allow the rice to rest in the cooker for a few minutes after it has finished cooking. This helps absorb excess moisture and gives you plump, fluffy rice grains.
• Use standard measuring cups for both the rice and water to ensure accuracy.

Bring the water to a boil

To cook brown rice in a rice steamer, you'll need to bring the water to a boil. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Preparing the Rice:

Before you begin cooking, it's essential to prepare the rice properly. Rinsing the rice is a crucial step as it helps remove excess starch. The starch, if not washed away, can cause the rice to become gummy and clump together during cooking. Use a fine mesh strainer and rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear. This ensures that your cooked rice will be perfectly fluffy.

Water to Rice Ratio:

The amount of water you use will depend on the type of brown rice you're cooking. For long-grain brown rice, the ratio is typically 1 cup of rice to 10 fluid ounces of water. If you're using short-grain brown rice, the ratio is slightly different, with 191 grams of rice to 10 fluid ounces of water. Adjust the measurements accordingly if you're cooking a larger quantity.

Boiling the Water:

Now it's time to bring the water to a boil. Combine the measured water and rinsed rice in your rice steamer. You can also add a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil at this stage to prevent the rice from sticking and add a subtle flavour. Turn on your rice steamer and set it to the normal setting or follow the instructions in your steamer's manual for the brown rice setting.

As the water heats up, keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn't boil over. Once it reaches a rolling boil, you can proceed to the next step.

Cooking the Rice:

After the water has come to a boil, it's time to reduce the heat, cover your rice steamer, and let the rice simmer. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of rice and the amount you're cooking. For one cup of brown rice, the cooking time is typically around 45 minutes. However, it's important to follow the instructions for your specific rice steamer model for the best results.

Remember, do not open the lid during the cooking process, as this can affect the texture and doneness of the rice. Patience is key to achieving perfectly cooked brown rice!

Fluffing and Serving:

Once the rice is done cooking, let the rice steamer remain closed for an additional 5 minutes. This extra time allows the rice to rest and ensures that any excess moisture is absorbed, giving your rice a nice plump texture.

Finally, open the lid and use a rice paddle or a fork to fluff up the rice gently. Your perfectly cooked brown rice is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it as a side dish or use it as a base for stir-fries, curries, or rice bowls.

Simmer for 45 minutes

To cook brown rice in a rice steamer, follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked rice:

First, prepare your brown rice by rinsing it thoroughly with cold water. This step removes any dust or debris and also helps to hydrate the rice, ensuring even cooking. Use a fine-mesh strainer or a bowl and repeat the rinsing process a few times until the water runs clear. Once rinsed, drain the rice and leave it in the rice steamer.

For every cup of brown rice, you'll want to add a generous amount of water. The general rule of thumb is to use a 2.5:1 water-to-rice ratio. So, for each cup of rice, add 2.5 cups of water. You can also experiment with different types of liquids such as broth or stock for added flavor. Secure the lid on your rice steamer, ensuring a tight seal.

Turn on your rice steamer and set the timer. At this point, you can also add some salt to taste. It is recommended to add a pinch of salt for each cup of rice used. This will enhance the flavor of the rice. Now, let the rice cooker work its magic. The cooker will automatically heat the water to boiling and then reduce to a simmer.

After 45 minutes, your brown rice should be ready to serve! Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and ensure a light, airy texture. Now, you can enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked brown rice as a side dish or as part of your main course. It pairs well with stir-fries, curries, or grilled meats and vegetables. Enjoy!

Let the rice sit for 5-10 minutes

Once the rice is done cooking, it's important to let it sit in the rice cooker for about five to ten minutes. This allows excess moisture to be absorbed into the rice grains, giving them a nice and plump texture. Leaving the rice to rest covered for a few minutes also lets the rice steam, resulting in extra fluffy rice.

During this time, be sure to keep the lid on the rice cooker. Only open it once the cooker has indicated it's ready or after the rice has rested for about five minutes.

If you're steaming rice on the stove, you can turn off the heat and let the rice sit in the steamer with the lid on for at least five minutes. You can also keep it covered in the steamer to stay warm until you're ready to serve.

Frequently asked questions