Cooking With A Rice Steamer: Easy, Quick, And Versatile!

Cooking rice in a steamer is a great way to achieve perfectly cooked grains while preserving the nutritional value and natural flavours. It's a versatile method that allows you to cook different types of rice and experiment with various ingredients and seasonings. Whether you're using a stove-top steamer or an electric steamer, the process is fairly simple and can result in fluffy, tasty rice. So, if you're tired of burnt, mushy, or undercooked rice, read on to discover the steps to becoming a rice-steaming pro!

Rinse the rice to remove excess starch

Rinsing rice is an important step in the cooking process, as it helps to remove excess starch and any impurities. This is especially important if you want to achieve fluffy, separate grains. The outer layer of each grain of rice is coated in starch, which can cause the rice to become sticky and clump together during cooking. By rinsing the rice before cooking, you can wash away this excess starch and ensure that the grains remain separate. This is particularly desirable if you are making dishes like pilafs, fried rice, or salads, where distinct grains are preferred.

There are a few different methods you can use to rinse your rice. One common method is to place the rice 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 while making sure the rice remains in the bowl. Repeat this process until the water is clear, which usually takes about three to four rinses. Alternatively, you can put the rice in a strainer and rinse it under a running faucet until the water runs clear. If you have a rice cooker, you can also rinse the rice directly in the bowl of the cooker, being sure to drain off any excess water so as not to affect your water-to-rice ratio.

It's important to note that the amount of rinsing required can vary depending on the type of rice you are using. White rice, for example, typically requires more rinsing than brown rice due to the additional processing steps that expose the softer starchy interior of the grain. When rinsing white rice, continue rinsing and draining until the water runs clear or almost clear. For brown rice, a quick rinse to wash off any dirt or impurities is usually sufficient.

By taking the time to properly rinse your rice, you can improve the texture and taste of your cooked rice, ensuring it turns out just the way you like it.

Rice-to-water ratio: 1:1.3 or 1:1.5 for softer rice

The rice-to-water ratio is a crucial aspect of cooking rice, as it determines the texture and consistency of the cooked grains. A ratio of 1:1.3 (rice to water) is often recommended for achieving perfectly cooked rice with distinct grains. However, if you prefer your rice on the softer side, you can adjust the ratio to 1:1.5. This slight increase in water will result in rice that is slightly chewier and fluffier.

It's important to note that the rice-to-water ratio can vary depending on personal preference and the type of rice being used. For instance, short-grain rice typically requires less water than long-grain rice, and different varieties like jasmine or basmati rice may have their own preferred ratios. Therefore, it's always a good idea to refer to the rice package instructions or experiment to find your preferred ratio.

When cooking rice with a 1:1.5 ratio, it's recommended to pre-soak the rice for at least 10 minutes before cooking. This helps to reduce the cooking time and also minimises exposure to high temperatures. After soaking, drain the rice and transfer it to a heat-proof container that fits inside your steamer. For every cup of rice, add 1.5 cups of water.

Place the container inside the steamer, ensuring that the water inside the steamer is cold and not boiling. Turn on the heat, cover the steamer, and cook the rice for about 20 minutes. Once the time is up, turn off the heat and let the rice sit in the steamer, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to firm up and become fluffy. You can then serve the rice immediately or keep it in the steamer to stay warm until you're ready to eat.

With this rice-to-water ratio and cooking method, you'll be able to achieve soft, chewy, and fluffy rice that suits your taste preferences.

Add salt, herbs, spices or stock for flavour

Adding salt, herbs, spices, or stock to your rice steamer is a great way to infuse your rice with flavour. You can add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour of the rice, or experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favourite combination.

Some popular options include adding a drizzle of olive oil, a bay leaf, or spices like cumin or turmeric. You can also replace the water with tea or coconut milk for extra fragrance and flavour, or use chicken, pork, vegetable, or mushroom stock for more umami. If you're making a stir-fry or curry dish, consider adding herbs and spices that complement those flavours.

When adding seasonings and flavours to your rice steamer, be mindful of the amount of liquid and seasonings you add to ensure the rice cooks properly. Too much liquid can make the rice soggy, while too much salt or seasoning can make it overly salty. It's important to find the right balance to create delicious and fluffy rice.

Additionally, you can steam other ingredients along with the rice in your steamer, making it a versatile cooking tool. You can cook vegetables, seafood, or dumplings simultaneously with the rice, creating a complete and flavourful meal in no time.

Steam rice for 20 minutes

Steaming rice is a great way to get perfectly cooked grains, and it's a simple process! Here's a step-by-step guide to steaming rice for 20 minutes:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

First, decide on the amount of rice you want to cook. For a single serving, half a cup of raw long-grain rice is enough, but you can cook more if needed. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent sticking. Then, drain the rice and transfer it to a shallow, heat-proof container that will fit in your steamer.

Step 2: Soak the Rice

Once you've measured and rinsed your rice, it's time to soak it. Fill the container with cold water and let the rice soak for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to over-soak, as this can lead to broken grains. After soaking, drain the water from the rice.

Step 3: Add Water and Steam

Now, it's time to add water to the rice. For every cup of rice, you'll need about 1.3 cups of water, but you can adjust this ratio slightly depending on your preferred rice texture. If you like softer rice, use a 1:1.5 ratio. Place the container with the rice and water in your steamer. Make sure the steamer is filled with cold water, not boiling water, when you put the rice in. Cover the steamer and turn the heat to high. Let the rice cook for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Let the Rice Rest

After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice rest. Keep the lid on, and allow the rice to sit in the steamer for at least another 5 minutes. This helps the rice grains firm up and become fluffy.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Finally, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork or a rice paddle to separate the grains. Your rice is now ready to be served!

Tips for Perfect Rice:

• Adjust the water-to-rice ratio based on your desired texture.
• Experiment with different types of rice, such as jasmine or basmati.
• Add seasonings like salt, herbs, or spices to the water for extra flavour.
• Invest in a rice cooker with a steaming function if you plan to cook rice regularly.

Now you know how to steam rice for 20 minutes and get perfect results every time!

Let the rice sit for 5 minutes before serving

Once the steaming time is complete, it's important to let the rice sit in the steamer for a few minutes before serving. This allows the rice grains to firm up and become fluffy, ensuring that each grain is separated. Leaving the rice to sit also helps to retain heat, so it stays warm until you are ready to serve it.

After turning off the heat, leave the rice in the steamer, covered, for at least 5 minutes. This resting period gives the rice a chance to absorb any remaining moisture and ensures that it is cooked through. It's fine to leave the rice in the steamer for longer if needed; it will stay warm and continue to absorb excess water, preventing it from becoming sticky.

During this time, the rice will continue to cook gently in the residual heat. This helps to ensure that the rice is thoroughly cooked and gives a more consistent texture throughout. It also allows the flavours to develop, enhancing the taste of the rice.

After the resting period, it's time to fluff the rice. Use a fork or a rice paddle to gently separate the grains. Be careful not to press too hard on the rice, as it may become sticky.

By letting the rice sit for a few minutes before serving, you'll achieve a more evenly cooked, fluffy, and tasty dish.

Frequently asked questions