Steaming Brown Rice: Epicure Steamer Secrets

If you're looking for a hands-free method to cook brown rice, using a steamer is a great option. While brown rice usually takes longer to cook, using a steamer like the Epicure Multipurpose Steamer can simplify the process and yield perfectly cooked rice. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

First, it's important to rinse the rice. Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy and clumpy. Use a fine mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs clear. Next, pre-soak the rice for at least 10 minutes. This step ensures even cooking. After soaking, drain the rice and prepare your steamer.

Fill the steamer with water, following the manufacturer's instructions for the water level. Place the steamer basket on top and put the rice in a rice bowl or heat-proof container. The rice-to-water ratio is crucial: for every cup of long-grain brown rice, use 10 fluid ounces of water. If using short-grain brown rice, you may need slightly less water. Cover the steamer and begin the steaming process.

Steaming time for brown rice is approximately 65 to 70 minutes. It's important not to open the steamer during this process, as it can affect the cooking. Once the timer goes off, let the rice sit in the steamer with the lid on for about 10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any excess moisture and results in plump grains.

Finally, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork or rice paddle. Your perfectly cooked brown rice is now ready to be served! You can also let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Rinse the rice

Rinsing the rice is an essential step in the cooking process. It ensures that your rice will be perfectly fluffy and not gummy or clumpy. The excess starch on the outside of the rice is what causes it to become sticky and clumped together, so it's important to wash this away.

To rinse the rice, place it in a fine mesh strainer or a rice bowl with a cover and hold it under cold running water. Use your hands to gently move the rice around, ensuring that all the grains are cleaned. You'll know that the rice is ready for the next step when the water starts to run clear. It's important to make sure that you drain all the water from the rice when you're finished rinsing it.

Repeat this process at least two more times. If you have the time, you can even let the rice sit in the water on your counter for at least two hours before draining it in a colander and moving on to the next step. This will give the rice an even better texture.

Once you've thoroughly rinsed and drained your rice, it's time to move on to cooking it.

Note: If you're using a rice cooker, you can skip the rinsing step as the cooker will take care of removing the excess starch.

Soak the rice

Soaking the rice is an important step in the cooking process. It helps to remove excess starch from the rice, which can cause it to become sticky and clumpy. The amount of time you should soak the rice for can vary, but it should be a minimum of 10 minutes and can be as long as 2 hours.

To soak the rice, place it in a dish with a cover and pour in enough water to cover the grains. Leave the rice to soak on the counter for the desired amount of time. For shorter soaking times, you can also rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water, gently moving the rice around with your hands until the water runs clear.

Once the rice has soaked, it is important to drain it thoroughly. You can do this by using a colander. After draining, the rice is ready to be cooked in the steamer.

If you are using a rice cooker, you can add the rice directly to the cooker after soaking and draining. However, if you are cooking the rice on the stove, you will need to transfer it to a shallow, heat-proof container that fits inside your steamer before adding water and beginning the cooking process.

Rice to water ratio

When cooking brown rice in an Epicure steamer, the rice-to-water ratio is an important factor in determining the outcome of the dish. The ratio will vary depending on the type of brown rice being used, as well as individual preferences for rice texture.

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 grains are less sticky and retain their distinct texture. If you prefer a chewier texture, you can adjust the ratio to 1 cup of rice to 2.5 cups of water.

On the other hand, short-grain brown rice is slightly stickier and requires a different ratio. For this variety, use 1 cup of rice to 10 fluid ounces of water. This will give you a nice chewy texture while maintaining the stickiness associated with short-grain rice.

It's worth noting that the rice-to-water ratio can be adjusted to suit your personal preference for rice texture. If you like softer rice, you can increase the water amount, aiming for a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. Conversely, if you prefer your rice with a firmer bite, you can reduce the water amount, aiming for a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1.1 cups of water.

When cooking brown rice in an Epicure steamer, it's important to follow the specific instructions for your steamer model, as cooking times may vary. Additionally, remember to pre-soak your rice for at least 10 minutes before steaming, and always use cold water in the steamer, rather than boiling water.

Cooking time

The cooking time for brown rice in an Epicure steamer will depend on the quantity of rice you are cooking, the type of brown rice, and the power of your microwave.

For 2 cups of long-grain brown rice, you will need 2 and a half cups of water. First, place the rice in a dish with a cover and pour in enough water to cover it. Let it sit on the counter for at least 2 hours. Then, drain the rice in a colander.

Next, fill your Epicure steamer with water to the high mark. Place the steamer basket on top and put the rice and water into the rice bowl. Cover the steamer and steam for 65 to 70 minutes. Let the rice sit for 10 minutes before serving.

If you are not eating the rice right away, you can put it back in the colander and rinse it with cold water until it is cooled. Then, place portions into zip-top freezer bags, lay them flat, squeeze out the air, and seal the bags. Put them in the freezer until serving day.

To use frozen rice, place the bag in the fridge to thaw for about 12 hours before you plan to use it. Pour the thawed rice into a microwave container with just a sprinkle of water. Cover and vent the container, then microwave for 2 to 3 minutes or until warmed through.

If you are cooking a smaller amount of rice, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For example, one source recommends cooking 1 cup of long-grain brown rice in a rice cooker for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice cooker or microwave you are using. Always refer to your machine's manual for specific instructions and recommendations.

Fluff with a fork

Once your brown rice is cooked, it's time to fluff it with a fork. This is an important step to ensure your rice is light and fluffy, and not gummy or mushy.

First, turn off the heat and let the rice sit in the covered steamer or pot for about 5-10 minutes. This allows excess moisture to be absorbed into the rice grains, giving them a nice and plump texture. Then, use a fork to gently fluff the rice. Be sure to use a gentle touch; if you're too rough, you can end up with mashed rice instead of fluffy rice.

Fluffing the rice with a fork helps to separate the grains and prevent them from clumping together. It also allows any excess steam to escape, ensuring that your rice doesn't become soggy. Once fluffed, your rice is ready to be served and enjoyed!

If you have any leftover rice, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply add the rice to a bowl with a sprinkle of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

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