Steaming Rice Perfection With Neff Ovens

Cooking rice in a Neff steam oven is a simple and effective way to achieve fluffy, steamed rice. The steam oven method is comparable to using a stove-top absorption method, a rice cooker, or even a microwave, but with the benefit of not having to scrub out a stuck-on layer of rice from the bottom of the pan. The key to success is getting the rice-to-liquid ratio right and using the correct cooking time and temperature.

Rice to water ratios

The rice-to-water ratio depends on the type of rice you are cooking and the method you are using to cook it. For example, the ratio for long-grain white rice cooked in a pot on the stove is 1:1.5, whereas the ratio for the same rice cooked in an oven is 1:2.

When cooking rice in a Neff steam oven, the ratio depends on the type of rice being used. For long-grain white rice, the ratio is 1:1.5. For coconut rice, which is made with the Jasmine variety of rice, the ratio is not specified, but the recipe includes two tablespoons of shredded coconut in addition to the rice and water.

The age of the rice and the humidity of the climate can also affect the rice-to-water ratio and cooking time. Older rice tends to be drier and may require more water and longer cooking times.

It is important to note that the rice-to-water ratio is just one factor that contributes to perfectly cooked rice. Other factors include the size and type of pot or pan used, the heat level, and the resting time after cooking.

Oven settings

The oven settings for cooking rice in a Neff steam oven will depend on the type of rice you are cooking and the quantity.

For 1 cup of long-grain white rice, you will need to set your oven to 100°C/212°F on the steam-only setting (100% humidity) for 20 minutes. If you have a full-sized oven, you may need to set the timer for 22-23 minutes to allow extra time for the larger oven cavity to heat up.

For coconut rice, you can use the Intensive Steam function on your Neff oven, cooking at 120ºC. This function speeds up the cooking process while maintaining the nutrition and flavour of the rice.

If you are cooking a larger batch of rice, you may need to adjust the settings slightly. For example, when cooking 2 cups of rice in the oven, it is recommended to increase the water to 2 cups as well.

It is important to note that the cooking times and liquid ratios may vary depending on the age of your rice and the humidity of your climate. Older rice may require more liquid and longer cooking times.

Additionally, the type of cooking vessel you use can also impact the cooking process. It is recommended to use a thin, even layer of rice in a stainless steel pan or tray. For 1 cup of uncooked rice, a smaller pan or tray is sufficient, while a larger one is needed for 2-3 cups of uncooked rice.

By following these oven settings and adjustments, you can achieve perfectly cooked rice in your Neff steam oven.

Timing and temperature

The timing and temperature you use to cook rice in a Neff steam oven will depend on the type of rice you are cooking.

For example, to make coconut rice in a NEFF Full Steam oven, combine rice, water, shredded coconut, sugar, and salt in a small stainless steel tray. Place the tray in the oven and set the timer for 20 minutes. Once finished, cover the rice with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, fluff up your rice with a fork before serving.

If you are cooking long-grain white rice, preheat your oven to 100°C and cook the rice for 18 minutes. Then, let it stand covered for 5 minutes, remove it from the oven, and stir through some salt before serving.

For plain white rice, the oven temperature should be set to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan) and cooked for 35 minutes. After removing the rice from the oven, let it stand for 10 minutes, then fluff it with a fork before serving.

For a steam-only setting, set the temperature to 100°C/212°F and the timer for 20 minutes. If you have a full-sized steam oven, set the timer for 22-23 minutes to allow extra time for the larger oven cavity to heat up. When the timer goes off, remove the pan from the oven, fluff the rice, and let it sit for 2 minutes before serving.

Rice types

There are countless varieties of rice, from fragrant long-grain Basmati and Jasmine rice to short-grain, brown, sushi, red, black, and wild rice. Each type of rice has its own unique properties, taste, and texture, and works best in different applications. Here is a guide to the different types of rice:

Long-Grain Rice

Long-grain rice is characterized by its longer cylindrical shape and light, fluffy texture. It includes varieties such as Jasmine rice and Basmati rice, which are known for their fragrant aroma and dry, separate grains when cooked. Long-grain rice is commonly used in main and side dishes, as well as in recipes like curries, stir-fries, and Thai or Asian dishes.

Medium-Grain Rice

Medium-grain rice has a shorter and wider shape compared to long-grain rice. It includes varieties such as Arborio rice, which is named after the town of Arborio in Italy and is commonly used for making risotto and puddings. Medium-grain rice has a chewy, tender, and slightly sticky texture when cooked and is also suitable for paella and side dishes.

Short-Grain Rice

Short-grain rice has the shortest and widest shape among the three main types. It is often used for making sushi, poke bowls, and rice balls due to its soft, tender, and very sticky texture. Short-grain rice is typically used in main, side, and dessert dishes, and is a common ingredient in Asian cuisine.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is a whole grain that retains its bran and germ layers, giving it a characteristic tan color. It has a firmer texture and nuttier flavor compared to white rice, and it provides more fiber, vitamins, and minerals per serving. Brown rice is commonly used in main and side dishes, such as stuffing, bowls, casseroles, stir-fries, and rice pilaf.

Black Rice

Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, gets its color from anthocyanins, the same antioxidant found in blueberries and blackberries. It has a mildly nutty and earthy flavor and has been used in Chinese cuisine for its perceived health-promoting properties. Black rice is used in a variety of dishes, including bowls, rice pudding, soups, rice salads, and Chinese black rice cakes.

Wild Rice

Wild rice is not actually a variety of rice but rather the seeds of semi-aquatic grasses native to North America. It has a long grain size and a pronounced earthy and nutty flavor with a firm texture. Wild rice is commonly used in soups, casseroles, and rice pilafs, and it can be prepared similarly to white or brown rice but with a longer cooking time.

Cooking vessels

When it comes to choosing a cooking vessel for your Neff steam oven, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use a shallow pan for cooking rice, and most sources suggest using a stainless steel pan. Neff steam ovens typically come with a couple of lightweight stainless steel pans, including a solid and a perforated pan, along with an oven rack. These pans are great for cooking rice as they conduct heat very quickly and are lightweight and easy to handle. They are also easy to clean and won't rust as they are made from a single piece of metal with no rolled edges.

If your oven conforms to specific Gastronorm sizes, you can easily buy extra or replacement pans that will fit your oven. Gastronorm pans come in various depths, making them versatile for cooking different types of food. They are also widely available and inexpensive.

While enamel-coated pans are commonly included with newer steam ovens, they are not ideal for cooking rice as they take longer to heat up, which can affect the cooking time of steamed food. However, they are suitable for both steaming and combi-steam cooking and have similar heat distribution and washability qualities to lightweight stainless steel pans. Just be sure to dry enamel pans properly after washing to prevent rusting.

Other types of cookware that can be used in a steam oven include metal pans and trays (such as cake and muffin pans, roasting dishes, and cookie sheets), glass and ceramic dishes (suitable for combi-steam cooking but not for most steamed foods), and plastic or silicone containers (although there are health and safety concerns with using plastic).

In summary, when choosing a cooking vessel for your Neff steam oven, consider the type of food you will be cooking, the heat conductivity of the material, and the ease of cleaning and maintenance. Stainless steel pans, particularly Gastronorm pans, are a great option for cooking rice in your Neff steam oven.

Frequently asked questions