Steaming Perfection: Jasmine Rice In A Steam Oven

Jasmine rice is a subtly perfumed rice used across South East Asia, particularly in Thailand. It is softer than most rice and therefore requires less water to cook.

There are several ways to cook jasmine rice, including on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, in an Instant Pot, in a slow cooker, in a steamer, in a microwave, and in a strainer.

To cook jasmine rice in a steam oven, put the rice and water into a large shallow stainless steel pan. Put the pan in your steam oven and set to 100°C/212°F on the steam-only setting (100% humidity). Set your timer for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, remove the pan from the oven, fluff the rice with a fork, and leave it to sit for 2 minutes before serving.

Rinsing vs. No Rinsing

Rinsing rice is a common practice, but is it necessary for cooking jasmine rice in a steam oven? There are valid arguments for both rinsing and not rinsing, and ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and specific circumstances. Here are some insights to help you decide:

Rinsing Rice

Rinsing rice before cooking it has several benefits. Firstly, it ensures cleanliness by removing dirt, dust, debris, chemicals, and even bugs that may be present. Rice undergoes a long journey before reaching your local supermarket, and it can pick up various substances along the way. Rinsing helps eliminate these unwanted elements.

Secondly, rinsing rice removes excess starch from the surface of the grains. This excess starch can make the cooked rice gummy or overly sticky. By rinsing, you promote a fluffier texture, allowing the rice kernels to remain separate. This is especially important if you're cooking dishes like pilafs, fried rice, or salads, where you want the grains to be distinct.

To rinse rice effectively, place it 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 cloudy water and repeat the process until the water is clear. This usually takes about three to four rinses. Alternatively, you can use a strainer and rinse the rice under a running faucet until the water runs clear.

Not Rinsing Rice

On the other hand, some people choose not to rinse their rice for various reasons. One argument against rinsing is that it is an extra step that adds time and effort to the cooking process. Some people simply prefer the convenience of skipping the rinsing step, especially if they are short on time or find rinsing cumbersome.

Additionally, not rinsing rice is often associated with retail rice sold in shiny plastic packets. The assumption is that such rice is already clean and has less starch on the surface, eliminating the need for rinsing. This pre-cleaned rice is commonly found in stores, and some people believe that rinsing it further is unnecessary.

So, should you rinse or not rinse your jasmine rice before cooking it in a steam oven? The decision is ultimately yours. If you prioritize cleanliness and fluffier texture, rinsing is the way to go. However, if you value convenience and believe your rice is already clean, skipping the rinsing step is an option. Keep in mind that the impact on fluffiness is minimal, and not rinsing can save you some time in the kitchen.

Rice-to-Water Ratio

Jasmine rice is softer than most types of rice, so you need less water to cook it. The ratio is 1 cup of jasmine rice to 1 and 1/4 cups of water. This is different from typical white rice, which uses a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1 and 1/2 cups of water.

If you rinse the rice before cooking, you must reduce the water by 2 tablespoons to account for the extra water that remains in the rice. If you rinse and soak the rice for one hour, reduce the water by 3 tablespoons.

Some people say that rinsing the rice is unnecessary and barely makes a difference to the fluffiness of the rice. However, rinsing the rice can reduce the amount of arsenic and heavy metals in the rice, as well as removing excess surface starch, making the cooked rice fluffier.

How to Cook Jasmine Rice on the Stovetop

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of jasmine rice
• 1 and 1/4 cups of water
• A pinch of salt (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of butter (optional)

Method:

Place the rice, water, and optional salt and butter in a saucepan over high heat. Bring to a rapid simmer with no lid on. You want the whole surface to be rippling with bubbles and foam.

Turn the heat down to low, cover the pan, and cook for 12 minutes. Do not lift the lid!

Remove the pan from the heat and let the rice rest, still covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and absorbs any excess moisture.

Fluff the rice with a fork or a spatula before serving.

Tips:

• The key to fluffy jasmine rice is to use less water than for other types of rice because it's a softer variety.
• Rinsing the rice is optional and will only make a marginal difference to the fluffiness of the rice. If you do rinse the rice, you will need to reduce the water by 2 tablespoons to compensate for the extra water absorbed by the rice.
• If you are cooking a larger batch of rice, use a pot rather than a saucepan.

How to Cook Jasmine Rice in the Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• Jasmine rice
• Water
• Salt (optional)
• Oil or butter (optional)

Method:

• Rinse the desired amount of rice under cold water, gently scrubbing the rice with your fingertips in a circular motion. Continue to rinse until the water runs clear. Drain the rice well.
• Add the rice and water to the Instant Pot, ensuring the water level is equal to the amount of rice (a 1:1 ratio). For example, if you are cooking 2 cups of rice, add 2 cups of water.
• If desired, add a pinch of salt to the water for seasoning. You can also add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent the rice from sticking together.
• Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and select the "Pressure Cook" setting. Adjust the time to 3-5 minutes, depending on the amount of rice.
• Allow for a 10-minute natural release after cooking. Then, release any remaining pressure.
• Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Tips:

• If you are cooking a large batch of rice, you can store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer to use for other meals.
• Rinsing the rice before cooking will prevent it from foaming and sputtering out of the valve.
• If you are using the small measuring cup that comes with the Instant Pot, use the same cup to measure the water to ensure the correct ratio.
• For a chewier texture, reduce the amount of water slightly.

How to Cook Jasmine Rice in the Microwave

Cooking jasmine rice in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to prepare this fragrant, long-grain rice variety. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve fluffy and delicious results:

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Rinsing the rice is an important step to eliminate excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming gummy or sticky. Place the jasmine rice in a bowl, cover it with water, and swirl with your hand to rinse it thoroughly. Drain the water and repeat this rinsing process 2 to 3 times until the water becomes clear. This ensures that any dirt, dust, or impurities are removed.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice for Cooking

For every cup of rinsed jasmine rice, you will need 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of water. The correct ratio is crucial to achieving the desired texture. Combine the rice and water in a microwave-safe bowl, preferably one with a flat bottom to promote even cooking. Make sure the bowl has high sides to accommodate the expansion of the rice and prevent boiling over.

Step 3: Microwave the Rice

Cover the bowl with a vented lid or microwavable plastic wrap. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for 5 minutes. Then, reduce the power to medium and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes. The total cooking time should be around 15 minutes.

Step 4: Let the Rice Rest

Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the rice to rest in the closed microwave for about 10 minutes. This standing time helps the rice finish cooking and absorbs any remaining moisture.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve the Rice

After the resting period, remove the lid and use a fork to fluff up the rice gently. Season the rice to taste, and it is now ready to be served!

Tips for Perfect Microwave Jasmine Rice:

• Use a microwave-safe container made of glass or ceramic instead of plastic.
• If you rinse the rice before cooking, reduce the water amount by 2 tablespoons per cup of rice to account for the extra water absorbed during rinsing.
• For even better results, soak the rice in water overnight before cooking. This helps remove arsenic and promotes a fluffier texture.
• Avoid stirring the rice at any point during the cooking process.
• If the rice is still crunchy or there is water remaining, continue microwaving in short intervals until the desired texture is achieved.

Cooking jasmine rice in the microwave is a convenient and time-saving method that delivers fluffy and tasty results. Enjoy your freshly cooked jasmine rice with your favourite dishes!

Frequently asked questions