Steaming Rice: Stainless Basket Cooking Guide

Steaming is a great way to cook rice, whether you're making a single serving or feeding a family. It's a gentle cooking method that preserves the flavour, nutrients, shape, and colour of the rice. It's also versatile: you can use any type of rice and add seasonings to suit your taste. Steaming rice is simple, and can be done on the stove or with an electric steamer. You'll need a pot or rice cooker with a steaming basket, and a fine-mesh sieve or colander for rinsing the rice. The process is straightforward: rinse the rice, add it to the steaming basket, add water or broth to the pot, and steam for around 20 minutes. The end result is delicious, fluffy rice.

Rinse the rice to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness

Rinsing rice is an important step in the cooking process, and it is necessary to do it properly to ensure you get the best results. Rinsing the rice removes any debris, and most importantly, it removes the surface starch that otherwise causes the rice to clump together or become gummy as it cooks.

To rinse the rice, place it in a fine-mesh strainer and run cool water through it. Shake the strainer lightly or gently agitate the rice with your fingertips to ensure each piece is washed. You do not need to keep rinsing until the water runs clear, as this can be difficult to see, especially as the water is aerated by its passage through the rice. Instead, capture some of the rinse water in a bowl and check whether it is starchy. Keep reserving and checking small amounts until the water is clear.

Rinsing the rice is especially important if you are cooking long-grain varieties, as it will ensure you are rewarded with a pot of fluffy rice that is far less likely to clump together. However, if you are making a dish where the grain's creaminess is essential, such as risotto, paella, or rice pudding, you may not want to remove the starch.

Soak the rice for 10-12 hours to help fasten steam-cooking

Soaking rice before cooking it is an optional step, but it is recommended if you want to improve digestibility and speed up cooking time. To soak rice, simply add it to a large bowl or pot and cover it with twice the amount of lukewarm water. For example, if you're using one cup of rice, add two to three cups of water. Leave the rice to soak at room temperature for at least two hours or overnight.

Soaking rice for 10-12 hours will help to speed up the cooking process when using a stainless steamer basket. After soaking the rice, be sure to drain and rinse it before placing it in the steamer basket.

If you want to add extra flavour to your rice, you can add whole spices to the water while it soaks.

Use a rice-to-water ratio of 1:1.3, adjusting for texture and rice type

When cooking rice, the amount of water you use is crucial to achieving the desired texture. A rice-to-water ratio of 1:1.3 is a good starting point, but you may need to adjust this slightly depending on your personal preference and the type of rice you are using.

For example, if you prefer softer rice, you can increase the amount of water to a ratio of 1:1.5. On the other hand, if you are using short-grain rice, you may want to reduce the water amount to a ratio of 1:1.1.

Additionally, the amount of water needed can vary depending on your cooking method. For instance, when cooking rice in a microwave, you will need to increase the water amount to 2 cups of water for every cup of rice.

It's also worth noting that some types of rice, such as brown rice, require different proportions and cooking times, so be sure to adjust your ratios accordingly.

By experimenting with different ratios and cooking methods, you can find the perfect texture and taste for your rice.

Steam the rice for 20 minutes, then let it sit for at least 5 minutes

Once you've prepared your rice for steaming, it's time to cook it. Place your bowl of rice in a steaming rack and then transfer the rack to your steamer. Make sure your steamer is prepared with boiling water over medium-high heat. Cover the steamer and steam the rice for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, turn off the stove and let the rice sit in the steamer for at least 5 minutes. This will help the rice grains to firm up and become fluffy.

The reason you should let the rice sit for a few minutes is to give it time to finish cooking and to allow the rice grains to firm up and become fluffy. This step is important for achieving the desired texture and ensuring that the rice is cooked evenly.

After the rice has rested, you can remove it from the steamer and serve it immediately. If you're not ready to serve it right away, you can leave it in the steamer to stay warm until you're ready to serve.

Remember, the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of rice you're using and your preferred texture. For softer, stickier rice, you may need to add a little more water and increase the cooking time. On the other hand, if you prefer firmer rice, you can decrease the amount of water and reduce the cooking time slightly.

Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains

How to Cook Rice in a Stainless Steamer Basket

After cooking your rice in a stainless steamer basket, it's important to fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and prevent them from sticking together or becoming mushy. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Wait for the Pressure to Subside: After your pressure cooker beeps, indicating that the rice is cooked, resist the urge to immediately open the lid. Instead, wait for a few minutes until the pressure subsides, and then open the cooker.
• Let the Rice Sit: Once you've opened the cooker, don't rush to fluff the rice. Allow the rice to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This gives time for the steam to dissipate, ensuring that the rice has an even texture.
• Use a Fork: Now it's time to fluff! Avoid using a spoon, as it can bruise or mush the delicate rice grains. Instead, use the prongs of a fork to carefully separate the cooked rice grains. Rake across the top of the rice, then stab the fork down and lift up sections gently. You don't want to stir or smush the rice; use shorter, shallower motions.
• Avoid Over-mixing: Remember, with starchy foods like rice, it's important not to over-mix. Mixing for too long or being too aggressive can result in a sticky mess. Just gently fluff the rice until the lumps are gone and the grains are nicely separated.
• Use a Rice Paddle for Non-stick Cookware: If you're using a non-stick rice cooker, avoid using a metal fork as it can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for a rice paddle, plastic fork, or wooden spoon to fluff the rice gently without damaging the non-stick coating.
• Serve or Store: Once your rice is nicely fluffed, you can serve it immediately or store it for later. Freshly cooked fluffy rice goes well with curries, stir-fries, or your favourite sauces. If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 6 months.

By following these steps, you'll end up with perfectly cooked, fluffy rice that's light and separate, rather than sticky or mushy. Enjoy your delicious rice!

Frequently asked questions