Steam Pan Rice: A Simple, Quick, And Easy Cooking Method

Cooking rice is a deceptively simple task that can go wrong in many ways. Undercooked, overcooked, mushy, or burnt, there are many ways rice can be less than perfect. However, there are several ways to cook rice without a rice cooker, including in a pot on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave. One way to cook rice is to steam it, which can be done on the stove with a steamer. This method is perfect if you don't want to buy a rice cooker or are looking for a way to cook rice while camping or travelling.

Rice-to-water ratio: 1:1.3 for firm rice, 1:1.5 for softer rice

The rice-to-water ratio is a crucial factor in determining the texture of your rice. If you're aiming for a firmer rice variety, a ratio of 1:1.3 is recommended. This means for every cup of rice, you would use 1.3 cups of water. This ratio strikes a balance between providing enough water for the rice to absorb and avoiding excess water that could make your rice mushy or sticky.

When using the absorption method to cook rice, it's important to consider evaporation. Water will evaporate during the cooking process, so you'll need to add a bit of extra water to compensate. The amount of evaporation depends on factors such as the tightness of your lid, the heat of your stove, and the cooking time.

If you prefer your rice on the softer side, you can adjust the ratio to 1:1.5. This means for every cup of rice, you would use 1.5 cups of water. This ratio ensures that your rice will absorb enough water to become tender without becoming overly mushy.

It's worth noting that the type of rice you're using can also impact the rice-to-water ratio. For example, short-grain rice typically calls for a lower ratio, such as 1:1.1, as it naturally has a softer texture.

To achieve the perfect texture, it's recommended to pre-soak your rice for at least 10 minutes before cooking. This helps reduce the cooking time and can enhance the flavour of your rice, especially for longer-grain varieties.

• Pre-soak your rice for at least 10 minutes.
• Drain the rice and transfer it to a shallow, heat-proof container that fits in your steamer.
• Add water to the rice according to your desired ratio (1:1.3 for firmer rice or 1:1.5 for softer rice).
• Place the container in a steamer filled with cold water. The water should not be boiling when the rice is placed in the steamer.
• Turn on the heat to high, cover the steamer, and cook for 20 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let the rice sit in the steamer, covered, for at least 5 more minutes. You can also keep it covered to stay warm until you're ready to serve.

Remember, the key to successful rice cooking is understanding the impact of the rice-to-water ratio on the final texture and making adjustments based on your personal preferences.

Pre-soak rice for at least 10 minutes

Pre-soaking rice is an important step in the cooking process, and it is recommended that you do this for at least 10 minutes. This step is especially useful if you are short on time when it comes to the actual cooking. Soaking the rice will help to remove the naturally-occurring phytic acid in the grain, which will improve digestibility and speed up the cooking time.

To pre-soak your rice, simply add it to a large bowl or pot and cover it with twice the amount of lukewarm water. For example, if you are using one cup of rice, add two to three cups of water. Leave the rice to soak uncovered at room temperature for a minimum of two hours, or even overnight if you have the time. Once it has finished soaking, drain and rinse the rice once more, and it will be ready to cook.

Pre-soaking your rice will also help to remove excess starch, which will result in more distinct grains. This is a good idea if you want to keep the grains separate and firm. If you are making a dish that requires sticky rice, such as sushi, you may not want to soak the rice for as long, or at all.

Rinse rice to remove excess starch

Rinsing rice is an important step in the cooking process, and it is especially important if you want to achieve fluffy rice with distinct grains. Rinsing the rice will remove any debris and excess starch, which is the culprit behind rice that clumps together or becomes gummy as it cooks.

The process of rinsing rice is simple but can be a little time-consuming. Begin by placing the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and holding it under the faucet in your sink. Then, run cool water through the strainer, gently shaking the rice or agitating it with your fingertips to ensure that each grain is washed. You will know that the rice is ready when the water runs clear. However, it is important to note that the water may never become completely clear due to the aeration caused by its passage through the rice. Instead, you can capture some of the rinse water in a bowl and check whether it is starchy. Keep reserving and checking small amounts of water until it is clear.

While rinsing rice is an important step, it is not always necessary. If you are short on time or do not have a strainer or bowl to rinse the rice, you can still achieve fluffy rice by using the right cooking method and rice-to-water ratio. For example, a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water will result in fluffy rice without the need for rinsing.

Additionally, there are certain dishes where you may not want to remove the starch from the rice. For creamy dishes like risottos, paellas, and sweet or savoury rice puddings, you can skip the rinsing step to retain the rice's creaminess.

Use cold water in the steamer

Using cold water in the steamer is a great way to cook rice, and it's a simple method that doesn't require a rice cooker. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, it's important to note that the amount of water you use will depend on the type of rice you are cooking and your desired texture. For example, for medium or long-grain rice, a 1-to-2 ratio of rice to water is recommended. However, if you prefer softer rice, you can use a 1:1.5 ratio. For short-grain rice, a slightly lower ratio of 1:1.25 will produce stickier rice.

Now, let's get into the steps for cooking rice in a steam pan using cold water:

• Rinse the desired amount of rice in cold water. Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, resulting in more distinct grains. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, indicating that most of the excess starch has been removed. This step is especially important if you want to keep your rice grains separate and firm.
• Pre-soak the rice for at least 10 minutes. This step is optional but can help reduce cooking time and preserve the aroma and flavour of the rice, especially for longer-grain varieties.
• Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to a shallow, heat-proof container that fits in your steamer. Make sure the container has a lid.
• Add the desired amount of water to the rice in the container. Use the rice-to-water ratios mentioned earlier as a guide.
• Place the container with the rice and water in your steamer. Fill the steamer with cold water, ensuring that the water level is below the rice in the container. Do not let the water touch the rice.
• Turn on the heat to high and cover the steamer. Let the rice cook for approximately 20 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your stove and the type of rice used.
• After 20 minutes, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice sit in the steamer for at least another 5 minutes. The rice will continue to steam and stay warm during this time.
• Finally, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork or a rice paddle. Your perfectly cooked rice is now ready to be served!

Using cold water in a steamer is an effective way to cook rice, and by adjusting the rice-to-water ratio, you can achieve your desired texture, whether you prefer it firmer or softer. Enjoy your freshly cooked rice!

Cook 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. Turn on the heat to high, cover the steamer, and cook for 20 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice you're using, so be sure to follow the package instructions if you have them. After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit in the steamer. It's important to keep the lid on during this time, and you should let the rice rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows it to continue cooking gently and helps to ensure that your rice is perfectly cooked.

While your rice is resting, you can prepare the rest of your meal. If you're making a stir-fry, curry, or fried rice, now is the time to get your ingredients ready. You could also use this time to set the table or prepare any sauces or condiments you want to serve with your meal.

Once the rice has rested, it's ready to be served. Fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and add a little butter or oil if you like. Enjoy your perfectly cooked rice!

Frequently asked questions