Steaming Parboiled Rice: A Quick, Easy Guide

Parboiled rice is a great, nutritious option for a quick and easy meal. It is partially boiled in its inedible husk before the hull and bran layer are removed, resulting in a firmer, less sticky rice that cooks faster. You can cook parboiled rice on a stovetop, in a rice cooker, or even a steamer. If you're looking for a simple, foolproof method to cook parboiled rice in a steamer, this is the topic for you!

The ideal rice-to-water ratio for a steamer

The ideal rice-to-water ratio depends on the type of rice being cooked, the desired texture, and the cooking method. For parboiled rice, the ratio depends on the cooking method: use a ratio of 2 cups water to 1 cup rice in a saucepan on the stove, and 2 1/2 cups water to 1 cup rice in a cooker.

When cooking rice in a steamer, the rice-to-water ratio is generally 1:1.3. This can be adjusted to 1:1.5 if you prefer softer rice. For short-grain rice, the ratio can be reduced to 1:1.1.

It's worth noting that the rice-to-water ratio is not critical, and rice is quite forgiving, even if the water amount is not perfect.

How to prepare the rice before steaming

Parboiled rice is a great option if you're looking for something healthier than white rice but don't want the texture of brown rice. The parboiling process, where the rice is partially boiled in its inedible husk, helps to preserve vitamins and nutrients that are otherwise lost when the outer layers are removed. It also results in rice that is soft, fluffy, and non-sticky.

Before steaming parboiled rice, it's important to rinse the uncooked rice under cool water to remove any dust or extra starch that has built up during storage. You can also choose to soak the rice for 20-30 minutes to reduce cooking time and boost flavour, but this is optional.

When you're ready to steam the rice, the water-to-rice ratio is important. The ideal ratio is 2:1, or 2 cups of water to 1 cup of rice. You can adjust this ratio slightly depending on how you like your rice; if you prefer softer rice, use more water, and if you like it firmer, use less.

Now you're ready to start steaming!

How to season the rice

There are many ways to season rice and make it more flavourful. Here are some suggestions:

• Broth: Instead of using water, you can use vegetable, beef, or chicken broth to add more flavour.
• Spices: You can add spices such as garlic or cumin to the water. Just make sure the spices complement the dish you are serving the rice with.
• Salt, Pepper, and Butter: Adding a tablespoon of butter, a little salt, and pepper to your cooked rice can enhance its taste. You could alternatively use olive oil instead of butter.
• Soy Sauce: Drizzling a little soy sauce on top of your cooked rice can add an Asian flavour.
• Salt and Oil: You can add salt and a splash of oil in addition to water.
• Fried onions, tomatoes, and spices: You can add fried onions, tomatoes, or other spices according to the cuisine you are preparing.
• Tea or Coconut Milk: Using tea or coconut milk instead of water can add extra fragrance and flavour to your rice.
• Stock: Use chicken, pork, vegetable, or mushroom stock for more umami.

How to avoid overcooking the rice

To avoid overcooking parboiled rice in a steamer, it is important to keep an eye on the steaming time and make adjustments as needed. The amount of time required to steam rice varies depending on the type and quantity of rice used. For example, rice typically takes 15-20 minutes to steam, but this may change based on the specific type of rice and how much you are cooking.

To ensure your rice is not overcooked, it is recommended to use a rice cooker, as it will automatically sense when the rice is cooked and turn itself off. If you are cooking on a stovetop, be sure to follow the instructions for your specific type of rice, as different types of rice require different cooking times and water ratios. For example, the standard stovetop simmer method for medium or long-grain rice is a 1-to-2 rice-to-water ratio and a cooking time of 20 minutes. For medium or short-grain rice, a ratio of 1.25-to-1 and a cooking time of 15 minutes is recommended for a stickier result.

Additionally, it is important to avoid stirring the rice while it is steaming, as this can make it mushy and affect even cooking.

How to reheat leftover rice

Leftover rice can be reheated in several ways, including using a microwave, an oven, a stovetop, or a steamer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat leftover rice to achieve that fluffy texture and taste:

Microwave:

• Use a microwave-safe container and break up any large clumps of rice with a fork.
• Add a small splash of water (about 2 tablespoons per cup of rice) to create steam and rehydrate the grains.
• Cover the container with a damp paper towel or lid to retain moisture.
• Microwave in short intervals (30-60 seconds) and fluff the rice with a fork between intervals. Repeat this process for about 2 minutes or until the rice is heated through.

Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 300°F (148°C).
• Spread the rice evenly in an oven-safe dish, gently breaking up any clumps.
• Add a small amount of water or broth (about 2 tablespoons per cup of rice) to add moisture.
• Cover the dish tightly with aluminium foil or a lid.
• Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.

Stovetop:

• Use a shallow pot or skillet with a lid.
• Allow the rice to come to room temperature before placing it in the pot or skillet.
• Add a small amount of liquid (water or broth, about 2 tablespoons per cup of rice) and cover tightly.
• Heat over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up any remaining clumps.
• Continue heating until the rice is steamed and heated through.

Steamer:

• Break up the rice as best you can and line the steamer basket with parchment paper.
• Place the rice in the steamer and heat over steaming water until soft and heated through, about 3-5 minutes.

Note: It is important to reheat rice properly to prevent foodborne illnesses. Consume refrigerated, cooked rice within 4 days and do not reheat rice more than once.

Frequently asked questions