Cooking Brown Rice: Electric Steamer Method

Cooking brown rice in an electric steamer is a convenient and efficient way to achieve perfectly cooked rice every time. It's a hands-off method that delivers fluffy and moist grains, without the need for constant supervision. The process is simple: start by measuring and rinsing the rice, then add water and a pinch of salt. Set the timer, allowing for a longer cooking time than white rice, and let the steamer work its magic. Once the time is up, carefully open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork or paddle. With these steps, you can say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked rice and enjoy tasty brown rice with your meals.

Rinse the rice to remove excess starch

Rinsing rice is an important step in the cooking process, as it removes excess starch from the grains. This is especially important for brown rice, which can be tricky to cook, as it takes a long time to achieve perfectly fluffy and moist grains.

The outer layer of each grain of rice is coated in starch, which is a result of the granules rubbing against each other during transportation from the paddy to the grocery store shelf. This excess starch is responsible for rice grains clumping together and can give the rice a gummy texture. Rinsing the rice washes away this excess starch, helping the grains to remain separate and giving the rice a fluffier texture.

There are a few different methods for rinsing rice. One method is to place the rice in a large bowl and cover the grains with water. Gently swirl the rice around with your hand until the water becomes cloudy, then pour out the water while making sure the rice stays in the bowl. Repeat this process until the water is clear, which should take around three to four rinses. Alternatively, you can put the rice in a strainer and place it under a running faucet, rinsing until the water goes from cloudy to clear. This method is quicker and easier, as you can see the colour of the water more clearly when using a bowl.

If you are using a rice cooker, you can rinse the rice right in the bowl of the cooker, but make sure to drain the excess water thoroughly so as not to affect your water-to-rice ratio. Another simple method is to rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve. Hold the sieve under cold water and give it a gentle shake until the water runs almost clear. This should take around one to two minutes for white rice and about 30 seconds for brown rice.

Use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water

Cooking brown rice in an electric steamer is a great way to ensure your rice is cooked perfectly every time. Using a 1:2 ratio of rice to water, you can achieve fluffy, tender rice with minimal effort. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cook delicious brown rice:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by rinsing your brown rice in a fine mesh strainer or colander under running water. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch from the rice, preventing it from becoming sticky and gummy during cooking. Give the rice a good rinse until the water runs clear, then drain it thoroughly.

Step 2: Soaking (Optional)

Soaking the rice is optional but recommended as it improves digestibility and speeds up the cooking process. To soak the rice, simply cover it with twice the amount of lukewarm water (for example, use 2-3 cups of water for 1 cup of rice). Leave the rice to soak uncovered at room temperature for at least 2 hours or even overnight for best results. After soaking, remember to drain and rinse the rice once more before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Add Rice and Water to the Steamer

Now it's time to add the rice and water to your electric steamer. For every cup of brown rice, you will need 2 cups of water. Place the rice in a dish with a cover, and pour in the measured water. It's important to ensure the rice is in a dish that can withstand the heat and has a lid to trap the steam effectively.

Step 4: Steam the Rice

Cover the dish and place it in your electric steamer. Turn on the steamer and set the timer. The cooking time may vary depending on your steamer, but as a general guideline, aim for around 65-70 minutes of steaming. This duration should result in perfectly cooked brown rice.

Step 5: Let the Rice Rest

Once the timer goes off, resist the temptation to dig in immediately! Instead, let the rice rest in the covered dish for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to continue absorbing moisture, resulting in plump and fluffy grains.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Finally, your brown rice is ready to be served! You can enjoy it as a side dish or use it as a base for stir-fries, curries, or bowls. If you're not eating the rice right away, there are a few options for storing it:

• Short-term storage: If you plan on eating the rice within a few days, simply place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you have larger quantities or want to prepare rice in advance, freezing is a great option. Place the cooked rice in zip-top freezer bags, squeeze out the air, seal the bags, and store them in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw the rice by placing the bag in the fridge for about 12 hours before reheating.

No matter how you choose to enjoy your brown rice, using the 1:2 ratio of rice to water in your electric steamer will ensure a delicious and successful outcome every time!

Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavour

How to Cook Brown Rice in an Electric Steamer

When cooking brown rice in an electric steamer, adding a pinch of salt is a great way to enhance the flavour of the rice. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Prepare the Rice: Start by measuring out 2 cups of long-grain brown rice. Place the rice in a dish with a cover and pour in enough water to cover the rice. Let the rice soak for at least 2 hours. This step helps to remove excess starch and improve the texture of the cooked rice.
• Rinse and Drain: After soaking, drain the rice in a colander and rinse it with cold water. It's important to remove any excess starch to ensure the rice doesn't become sticky or mushy during cooking.
• Prepare the Steamer: Fill the steamer with water up to the high mark. Place the steamer basket inside the steamer, ensuring it is securely positioned.
• Add Rice and Water: Put the soaked and drained rice into a rice bowl or heat-proof container that fits inside your steamer. Add 2.5 cups of clean water to the rice. You can also add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavour of the rice.
• Steam the Rice: Cover the steamer and turn it on. Steam the rice for 65 to 70 minutes. The longer steaming time ensures that the brown rice, which typically takes longer to cook, becomes tender and fluffy.
• Let it Sit: Once the steaming is complete, let the rice sit in the covered steamer for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and results in plump, separate grains.
• Serve or Store: If you're serving the rice immediately, fluff it with a rice paddle and serve it with butter and spices, or any other seasonings of your choice. If you're not eating it right away, let the rice cool completely before storing it in the fridge or freezer for later use.

By following these steps and adding a pinch of salt, you'll end up with flavourful, perfectly cooked brown rice from your electric steamer!

Set the timer for 20-30 minutes

Now that you've measured and rinsed your rice, added water and salt, and closed the lid of your electric steamer, it's time to set the timer.

The amount of time you set the timer for will depend on the type of rice you are cooking. For white rice, 20-25 minutes is usually sufficient. However, for brown rice, you will need to increase the cooking time to 40-50 minutes. This is because brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more moisture to achieve the perfect fluffy texture.

It's important to note that these timings are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as the brand and model of your electric steamer, as well as your desired texture for the rice. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or your recipe for specific cooking times.

Once the timer is set, your electric steamer will do the rest of the work! The steaming process will ensure that your rice turns out fluffy and flavourful every time.

Fluff the rice with a fork when ready

Once your rice is ready, it's time to fluff it up and serve it! But before you do that, it's important to let the rice rest for a few minutes. This is because the starches in the rice are still soft and gelatinous when it's freshly cooked, and fluffing it too early will result in a sticky mess. After resting, the starches will re-crystallize, and the rice will be firm enough to retain its shape.

So, how do you fluff rice? Simply use a fork or a rice paddle to gently fluff the rice to separate the grains. Be careful not to press the rice too hard, as it may become sticky.

If you're using an electric steamer, carefully open the lid when the steaming time is complete. Then, fluff the rice and serve it hot. Enjoy your perfectly cooked brown rice!

If you're storing leftover rice, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it in 30-second intervals.

Frequently asked questions