Cooking Rice With A Rival Steamer: Easy, Quick, Delicious!

The Rival Automatic Steamer and Rice Cooker is a fast and efficient way to cook rice and other foods. The Rival brand has been redefining cooking since 1932, giving people new and innovative ways to cook meals. The steamer is easy to use and can be placed on a flat surface. It is important to note that the Rival steamer should not be placed on polished or waxed surfaces as steam or water droplets may cause damage. The amount of water required depends on the type of rice being cooked, with brown rice and Arborio requiring more water than white rice, and sushi rice requiring less. The cooking process is simple and involves placing rice and water in the rice bowl, covering it, and plugging the unit into an electrical socket. The indicator light will turn off when the rice is done, and it is recommended to let the rice stand for 15-20 minutes before serving for a fluffier texture.

Preparing the rice for cooking

After draining the rice, place it into the cooker's inner pot. Add water to the rice until it reaches the appropriate level indicated on the inner pot, which should match the amount of uncooked rice. For example, if you are cooking three cups of uncooked rice, fill the inner pot with water until it reaches the "3" mark. It is important to note that different types of rice may require different amounts of water. For instance, brown rice and Arborio (risotto) typically need more water than white rice, while sushi rice usually requires less.

Before placing the inner pot inside the rice cooker, wipe away any water that may have dripped down the outside of the pot. Then, place the inner pot inside the rice cooker, ensuring it is properly aligned with the heating element. Finally, put the lid on the rice cooker, and you're ready to begin the cooking process.

Using the rice bowl

The rice bowl is a deep container that can be used to cook rice or other dishes that have a sauce or use liquid. It has an 8-cup capacity.

To cook rice, first, measure the amount of rice you wish to cook. Most smaller-capacity Rival models (less than 10 cups) are sold with a 2/3 cup measuring cup that should be filled once to yield 2 cups of cooked rice. Next, rinse the measured rice in a small or medium mixing bowl of cold water. Drain the rice in a cooking strainer and place the rinsed rice into the rice bowl.

Now, you need to add water to the rice bowl. Add water to the rice to reach the appropriate numbered mark on the inner pot to match the amount of uncooked rice. For example, if you add 3 cups of uncooked rice, fill the rice bowl with water until it reaches the line marked "3".

Wipe away any water that might have dripped down the outside of the rice bowl. Place the rice bowl inside the steamer. For most Rival cookers, you might need to rotate the rice bowl slightly from side to side until you feel it make full contact with the heating element.

Finally, place the lid on the steamer. Plug the steamer into a 120-volt AC electrical socket and turn it on. The Rival Automatic Steamer and Rice Cooker's timing cycle will begin automatically when plugged in. Cook your rice until the water evaporates entirely and the indicator light turns off.

For fluffier rice, let the rice stand for 15 to 20 minutes before removing the lid. Remove the lid and serve the rice with the ladle provided with your steamer. The ladle will protect the nonstick surface of the rice bowl.

Cooking the rice

The Rival Automatic Steamer and Rice Cooker is a fast and efficient way to cook rice. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure your rice is cooked properly. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking rice in the Rival steamer:

Firstly, measure the amount of rice you wish to cook. The Rival steamer has an 8-cup capacity for rice. Rinse the rice in a small or medium mixing bowl of cold water, then drain it in a cooking strainer.

Next, place the rinsed rice into the rice bowl of the cooker. Add water to the rice to match the amount of uncooked rice. For example, if you are cooking 3 cups of rice, add water until it reaches the "3" mark in the rice bowl.

Now, place the rice bowl inside the steamer. Place the high-domed cover over the rice bowl. Ensure the steamer is on a flat surface, away from any cabinets.

Then, plug the steamer into an electrical socket. The timing cycle will begin automatically when plugged in. The indicator light will turn on to show that the unit is operating.

The rice is cooked when the water has evaporated entirely and the indicator light turns off. If the rice is not cooked to your liking, you can add a little more water and continue cooking.

For fluffier rice, let the rice stand for 15-20 minutes with the lid on before serving. Use the ladle provided to serve the rice, as this will protect the non-stick surface of the rice bowl.

Some additional tips to consider: if your rice has been stored for a long time, soak the grains for 30 minutes before cooking to prevent breakage. Also, do not use instant rice in the Rival steamer, and always exercise caution when lifting the lid to avoid being scalded by steam.

Cleaning the steamer

To clean your Rival automatic steamer, you should wash the rice bowl, steamer basket, and cover in hot, soapy water, rinse, and dry. Alternatively, these parts can be washed on the top rack of your dishwasher. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

The heating base should be scrubbed with white household vinegar after each use. This will prevent calcium or other mineral deposits from collecting. If mineral deposits are allowed to accumulate, the unit may turn off before the food is cooked. If a heavy mineral deposit has already collected, pour 2 tablespoons of liquid Dip-it into the heating well and allow to stand for about 15 minutes. Then, brush and rinse thoroughly. Wash both reservoirs with soapy water, rinse, and dry. A small brush may come in handy when washing the base.

If you have a bamboo steamer, you may need to take a different approach. Before using a bamboo steamer for the first time, it is recommended to thoroughly wash it. This involves soaking the steamer in water for 3-4 days. Fill a large soaking pot or bucket with warm water, adding a drop of unscented dish soap and a squeeze of lemon. Submerge the steamer basket and rotate it, allowing it to sit submerged. Change the water, adding soap and lemon, every 24 hours for 3 full days. On the last day, remove the basket, wash it in the sink, and allow it to air dry in the sun for a couple of hours.

If you have old, stuck-on rice, you can use a plastic rice paddle or Asian spoon to gently scrape the rice off. Then, simply dump out the rice and soak the basket. If the rice is difficult to remove, you can soak the basket in a large pot of water to soften it before scraping.

You will know it is time to replace your steamer basket when you see fraying pieces of bamboo.

Storing leftovers

Once the rice has cooled, it should be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It is important that the container is sealed to prevent cross-contamination from other foods, which could introduce harmful bacteria. Sealing the container will also help the rice maintain its texture by retaining moisture. It is recommended to consume refrigerated cooked rice within 3 to 4 days.

If you wish to store leftover rice for longer, it can be frozen. To do this, transfer the cooled rice to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen rice can be stored for up to 6 months, although freezing may negatively affect the texture of the rice, so it is best used in dishes where texture is less important, such as casseroles or soups.

It is important to note that rice should not be left unrefrigerated for more than one hour, and it should not be reheated more than once, as this increases the risk of harmful bacterial growth.

Frequently asked questions