Cooking Rice: Crock Pot Steamer Method

Cooking rice is a simple task, but it can easily go wrong. One of the many ways to cook rice is by using a rice crock pot steamer. This method is great for when you don't have a rice cooker. It does, however, take 2-3 hours on a high setting, so it's not ideal if you're in a hurry. This method will give you soft and fluffy rice every time.

Rice-to-water ratios

The rice-to-water ratio is important to achieve the perfect rice texture. No one likes overcooked, mushy rice or hard, undercooked rice. The ratio will depend on the type of rice being cooked and the desired texture.

For jasmine rice, a rice cooker cup-to-rice ratio of 1:1.25 will yield softer rice, while a 1:1 ratio will result in firmer rice, which is better for fried rice. If you're using US standard cups, a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1.25 cups of water will give you softer rice, while a 1:1 ratio will produce firmer rice.

For long-grain white rice, it is recommended to use 2 cups of water for every cup of rice. For long-grain brown rice or jasmine rice, use 1 3/4 cups of water per cup of rice. If you're making medium-grain white rice or basmati rice, the ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1 1/2 cups of water. Short-grain white rice requires the least amount of water, with a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1 1/4 cups of water.

It's worth noting that these ratios may need to be adjusted slightly depending on personal preference and other factors, such as the specific variety of rice and the cooking method. For example, one source recommends reducing the ratio to 1:1.1 for short-grain rice if you prefer your rice on the softer side.

Additionally, the type of pot or cooker used can also affect the ratio. For instance, if you're using a rice cooker, follow the markings in the bowl for the correct water level, as these are designed for the rice cooker's specific measuring cup, which may differ from a standard US cup.

In general, it's always a good idea to rinse your rice before cooking to remove any impurities and excess starch, which can make your rice sticky.

How to steam rice in a crock pot

Preparation

First, decide how much rice you want to cook. The ratio of rice to water is usually 1:2, so for every cup of rice, you will need two cups of water. However, this may vary depending on the type of rice and your desired texture. For example, for stickier rice, reduce the amount of water to a 1:1.25 ratio.

Next, rinse the rice with cold water to remove excess starch and any dust. This step is not necessary for converted rice.

Cooking

Coat the inside of your crock pot with butter or cooking spray. Add the rice and water to the crock pot, making sure to measure exactly. Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on high heat for 2-3 hours. Remember to stir the rice every 20-30 minutes. The rice is done when it is soft and fluffy, and all the water has been absorbed.

Seasoning and Storage

Once the rice is cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add spices to complement other dishes you plan to serve with the rice, such as garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, or paprika.

Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little bit of water to the rice and cover the dish before heating for 30-60 seconds. Repeat until hot.

How to steam rice in a vegetable steamer

Preparation

First, decide how much rice you want to cook. One cup of raw rice will give you two medium-sized servings of cooked rice. Then, wash the rice under running water, draining off the cloudy water until the watersection below). Agitate the rice with your fingers as you wash it.

Cooking

If using an electric steamer, fill the reservoir with water and turn the steamer on. If using a stove-top steamer, fill asection below).

Next, add the washed rice to a heatproof bowl and cover it with water (use one cup of water for each cup of dry rice). Place the bowl in your steamer and cover. Set the timer for 30–33 minutes. Check the water level from time to time to make sure it doesn't boil dry.

Serving

Once the timer goes off, remove the bowl from the steamer and transfer the rice to a second bowl, fluffing it with a fork as you do so. This will help to release trapped steam and separate the rice grains. If you skip this step, the trapped steam will condense back into the bowl and make the rice at the bottom wet.

How to steam rice in a rice cooker

Steaming rice is a great way to get a fluffy, tender texture, and it's easy to do in a rice cooker. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get perfect steamed rice every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by rinsing your rice in cold water. This will remove any excess starch, resulting in more distinct, fluffy grains. Rinse the rice in a few changes of water until the water runs clear. You can then choose to soak the rice for around 10 minutes to an hour, which will help to reduce cooking time and preserve the aroma and flavour. However, don't soak the rice for too long, or the grains may break.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Cooker

If your rice cooker has a basket, simply add the rice and water according to the rice variety you are cooking. For medium or long-grain rice, use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water. For shorter grain, stickier rice, reduce the water to a 1:1.25 ratio. Add a pinch of salt to taste, and some butter or oil if desired.

Step 3: Steam the Rice

Place the lid on your rice cooker, select the rice variety, and set the timer. For white rice, 25-30 minutes should be enough. Brown or red rice will need 45-50 minutes.

Step 4: Check the Rice

Once the timer goes off, carefully open the lid, being careful of the steam. Check the rice to see if it is evenly cooked. If not, simply replace the lid and leave it to steam for another 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Rest and Fluff the Rice

Once the rice is cooked to your liking, remove it from the steamer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the starches to re-crystallize, giving you distinct, fluffy grains. After resting, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Tips for Perfect Rice:

• For extra-fluffy rice, rinse before cooking to remove the layer of rice flour that can make the rice sticky.
• Soaking rice for a few hours before cooking can speed up cooking time, especially for varieties like Asian sticky rice and black "forbidden" rice.
• Don't fluff the rice too early! Wait for the rice to rest, or you'll end up with a sticky mess.
• If you're making flavoured rice, you can replace the water with chicken or vegetable stock, or add spices to complement your dish.

Now you're ready to steam rice to perfection!

How to steam rice in an electric steamer

Preparing the Rice

Rinsing the rice before cooking will remove excess starch and result in more distinct grains. This is a good idea if you want to keep the grains separate and firm. Rinse the rice in cold water, changing the water two or three times until it is clear and no longer cloudy.

Soaking the rice before cooking will give it a softer texture and shorten the cooking time. It will also help to preserve the aroma and flavour of long-grain varieties, such as jasmine. Soak the rice for around 30 minutes, or for at least a few hours if you are cooking Asian sticky rice or black 'forbidden' rice.

Rice-to-Water Ratios

The amount of water you use will depend on the type of rice you are cooking and the desired texture. For medium or long-grain rice, use a 1-to-2 ratio of rice to water. For example, use two cups of water for one cup of uncooked rice.

For a stickier result with medium or short-grain rice, reduce the amount of water to a 1.25-to-1 ratio. For example, use 1 and 1/4 cups of water for every cup of rice.

Cooking the Rice

Place the rice and water in the steamer's rice bowl, with a pinch of salt if desired. Check the instructions on the rice packet, but the usual measurement is two parts water to one part rice.

Fill the steamer's reservoir to its maximum level and assemble the steamer compartments and drip tray as you normally would. Position the rice bowl inside the steamer compartment and cover with a lid or another steamer compartment if you are cooking other foods at the same time.

Set the timer according to the type of rice you are cooking. For brown or red rice, set the timer for 45-50 minutes. For white rice, set the timer for 25-30 minutes. If your steamer has a specific setting for cooking rice, use that instead.

When the timer goes off, open the steamer carefully and test the rice. If it is not evenly cooked, replace the lid and leave it for another 5-10 minutes. Unlike the sealed-pot method, this will not spoil the rice.

Once the rice is fully cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork and serving.

Frequently asked questions