Steaming Brown Rice: Oster Steamer Method

Cooking brown rice in an Oster steamer is a convenient and foolproof way to get perfectly cooked rice every time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this. First, rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer to remove any dirt or impurities. Next, add the rice to the steamer basket and pour in the water. The general rule is to use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water, but this may vary depending on the type of rice. For example, short-grain brown rice requires a 1:1.1 ratio, while long-grain brown rice uses a 1:1.3 ratio. Once the water boils, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the steamer, and let the rice cook for about 30 minutes or until tender. After cooking, let the rice rest for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork and serving.

Rinse the rice to remove impurities

Rinsing rice is an important step in the cooking process. It helps to remove any impurities, such as dirt, that may be present on the rice grains. Rinsing the rice also ensures that the cooked rice is fluffy and not sticky.

To rinse the rice, place it in a fine mesh strainer or a shallow, heat-proof container. Rinse the rice under cold running water, gently moving the rice around with your hands to clean each grain. The water will start to turn cloudy, which indicates that the rice is being cleaned. Drain the cloudy water and repeat the process at least two more times, or until the water runs clear. Make sure to drain all the water from the rice when you are finished rinsing.

Rinsing the rice is especially important when cooking brown rice, as it has a hard outer hull that can make it more difficult to cook. By rinsing the rice first, you help to remove any impurities and ensure that the rice cooks evenly and becomes tender.

Once the rice is thoroughly rinsed and drained, it is ready to be added to the Oster steamer, along with the appropriate amount of water, to continue the cooking process.

Use a ratio of 1:1 rice to water

To cook brown rice in an Oster steamer, you'll need to use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water. This means for every cup of brown rice, you'll need to add a cup of water. Here's a step-by-step guide:

First, you'll want to rinse the rice. Rinsing the rice is an essential step as it helps remove excess starch from the rice grains. If you skip this step, the rice may become gummy and clumpy as it cooks. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer or colander under running water until the water runs clear.

Next, measure out your rice and water using a 1:1 ratio. For example, if you're cooking one cup of brown rice, you'll need one cup of water. Combine the rinsed rice and water in the inner pot of your Oster steamer. You can also add a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil at this step to prevent the rice from sticking and add a subtle flavour.

Now, it's time to cook the rice. Place the inner pot inside the heating body of the Oster steamer and secure the lid. Plug the steamer into an electrical outlet and turn it on. The cooking light will indicate that the unit is on. Do not open the lid during the cooking process, as this can affect the texture and doneness of the rice. Refer to your Oster steamer's manual for the specific cooking time, as it may vary depending on the model.

Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the rice to rest for a few minutes with the lid still on. This helps to ensure that the rice is cooked through and gives it time to absorb any excess moisture. Finally, open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork or rice paddle before serving.

You can also use the steamer tray of your Oster steamer to prepare vegetables to accompany your brown rice. Steaming vegetables preserves their nutrients and maintains their bright colour. Simply cut the vegetables into small pieces, place them in the steamer tray, and follow the instructions in your Oster steamer's manual for the correct water ratio and cooking time.

Bring the water to a boil

To bring the water to a boil, you will first need to measure out the rice and water. The general rule is to use one cup of water for every cup of rice. However, different types of rice require different amounts of water. For example, soft, long-grain rice requires twice as much water as raw rice, while Basmati rice needs one and a half cups of water per cup of rice. Brown rice requires two cups plus two tablespoons of water for each cup of raw rice.

Once you have measured out the correct amount of rice and water, you can add them to your Oster steamer. Place the rice in the steamer basket and add the water. Lower the inner pot into the rice cooker, ensuring that it is firmly seated within the cooker body and touching the heating plate. Cover the inner pot with the supplied lid to prevent steam from escaping.

Now, you can begin the process of bringing the water to a boil. Plug the power cord of your Oster steamer into an AC wall outlet. Locate the "Power" switch on the front of the steamer and turn it on. The "Cook" light will illuminate in red to indicate that the unit is properly plugged in and ready to cook.

At this point, the water inside the steamer will start to heat up and will eventually reach a boiling point. The time it takes for the water to boil will depend on various factors, including the amount of water and rice, the starting temperature of the water, and the specific model of your Oster steamer.

While you wait for the water to boil, you can prepare any additional ingredients you plan to include with your brown rice. For example, you might want to chop some vegetables or gather your favourite spices. Just remember to keep an eye (or ear) on your steamer to ensure you don't miss when the water reaches a boil!

As the water heats up, you will see steam escaping from the steamer and possibly even hear some bubbling or boiling sounds. These are indications that the water is getting closer to its boiling point. Once the water is vigorously bubbling and rolling, you have successfully brought it to a boil!

Simmer the rice on low heat

Simmering the rice on low heat is an important step in the process of cooking brown rice. This step ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the water effectively. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for simmering brown rice:

• After rinsing and adding the rice to the steamer basket with the appropriate amount of water, place the lid on the steamer and turn the heat down to medium-low.
• Allow the rice to simmer gently on low heat. Do not boil the rice, as this can lead to overcooking and mushy rice.
• The cooking time for brown rice can vary depending on the specific type of rice and the cooker being used. It is generally recommended to cook brown rice for about 30 minutes or until it is tender.
• During the simmering process, resist the temptation to lift the lid or open the cooker. Doing so can cause a loss of steam and affect the cooking process.
• For softer rice, allow it to soak in the pot for 15 to 20 minutes before turning on the heat and starting the simmering process.
• If using a stove, bring the rice to a boil, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and then begin the simmering process.
• The ratio of water to rice is crucial for successful simmering. For brown rice, the general rule is to use 2 cups of water for every cup of rice. Adjust the ratio slightly if you prefer your rice stickier or fluffier.
• After the rice is done simmering, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any excess moisture and results in plump and fluffy grains.
• Use a rice paddle or fork to fluff the rice gently before serving.

Fluff the rice with a fork before serving

To fluff the rice with a fork before serving, first allow the rice to rest for several minutes before opening the cooker. Then, use a fork to fluff the rice by gently lifting and turning it. This will help to separate the grains and make the rice light and fluffy.

It is important not to skip this step, as it will help to improve the texture and appearance of the rice. Fluffing the rice with a fork will also help to distribute the moisture evenly throughout the dish. This will result in plump, chewy grains that are not too sticky.

If you are using an Oster rice cooker, the cooker will automatically switch to "Keep Warm" mode when the rice is ready. This will keep the rice at the perfect temperature until you are ready to serve it.

Once you have fluffed the rice, it is ready to be served. You can add your favourite steamed vegetables or proteins, or simply enjoy it on its own.

Frequently asked questions