Steaming Rice Perfection With A Sunbeam Steamer

If you're looking to cook rice in your Sunbeam steamer, you're in luck! Sunbeam steamers can be used to cook rice, and there are a few different ways to do it. The first method involves using a rice-cooking bowl, which many steamers include. This bowl has a solid bottom to hold the rice, but is open at the top so that steam can cook the rice like a sealed saucepan. To use this method, simply measure your rice and water into the steamer's rice bowl with a pinch of salt, fill the steamer's reservoir to its maximum level, assemble the steamer compartments and drip tray, and position the rice bowl inside the steamer compartment. Set the timer according to the type of rice you're cooking, and you're good to go! The second method involves steaming your rice directly in a steamer compartment. For this method, you'll need to line the compartment with cheesecloth, measure and pour in your rice, fill the reservoir, and set the timer. This method is a bit more forgiving when it comes to the amount of liquid used, as the rice will absorb as much moisture as it needs from the steam.

Rice-to-water ratio: two parts water, one part rice

To cook rice in a Sunbeam steamer, you'll need to use a rice-cooking bowl, as the openings in the steamer basket's mesh are usually too large and will cause the rice to fall into the steamer's reservoir. The rice-cooking bowl is solid, but open at the top, so the hot steam cooks the rice like a sealed saucepan.

Here's a step-by-step guide for cooking rice with a rice-to-water ratio of two parts water to one part rice:

• Measure the rice and water into the steamer's rice bowl. For fluffy rice, use two parts water to one part rice. You can also add a pinch of salt. Check the rice instructions for any specific measurements or additional ingredients.
• Fill the steamer's reservoir to its maximum level and assemble the steamer compartments and drip tray as usual.
• Position the rice bowl inside the steamer compartment. Cover it with the lid or another steamer compartment containing other foods.
• Set the timer according to the type of rice you're cooking. For brown or red rice, set the timer for 45 to 50 minutes. For white rice, set the timer for 25 to 30 minutes. If your steamer has a specific push-button setting for cooking rice, use that instead.
• Once the timer goes off, carefully open the steamer, watching out for escaping hot steam. Test the rice. If it's not evenly cooked, replace the lid and leave it for another 5 to 10 minutes.
• When the rice is fully cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork and serving.

Note: If you don't have a rice-cooking bowl, you can also steam rice directly in a steamer compartment. This method doesn't require measuring water separately, as the rice will absorb moisture from the steam.

Soak rice for softer texture

Soaking rice is a great way to improve its texture and enhance your cooking experience. By allowing the rice to absorb water, you can achieve a softer and fluffier texture, making the rice less sticky and clumpy. Here are some tips to help you soak rice for a softer texture:

• Rinse the Rice: Before soaking, place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water. Swish the rice gently with your hands to remove any excess starch. This step ensures that your cooked rice is soft and fluffy, rather than sticky.
• Soaking Time: Transfer the rinsed rice to a bowl and add enough water to completely submerge the grains. The recommended soaking time is at least 30 minutes, but for a more tender and flavourful result, you can soak it for up to 12 hours. For specific types of rice, like Basmati, aim for a soaking time of 20-30 minutes.
• Drain and Cook: After soaking, drain the rice using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any excess water. Now your rice is ready to be cooked! Remember to adjust your cooking time, as soaked rice usually requires less time to cook.
• Water Ratio: Generally, use a water-to-rice ratio of 2:1 for most white rice variants. For brown rice, use a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 2.5 cups of water. If you want your rice to be sticky, like sushi rice, use a ratio of 1:3.
• Salt: For added flavour, consider adding a pinch of salt to the soaking water. This simple addition can enhance the taste of your rice.
• Rice Cooker: If you're using a rice cooker, remember to let the rice rest for a few minutes after the cooking cycle is complete. Stir the rice thoroughly before serving to ensure an even texture.

Rice cooking time: 25-30 mins for white rice, 45-50 mins for brown rice

When cooking rice in a Sunbeam steamer, the amount of time required depends on the type of rice being cooked. White rice requires less cooking time than brown rice because it has had the outer hull, germ, and bran removed. This makes it cook faster—as little as 15 minutes. Brown rice, on the other hand, can take up to 45-50 minutes to cook.

When cooking white rice in a Sunbeam steamer, set the timer for 25 to 30 minutes. If using a rice-cooking bowl, fill the steamer's reservoir to its maximum level, assemble the steamer compartments and drip tray, and position the rice bowl inside the steamer compartment. Cover it with the lid or another steamer compartment containing other foods. After the timer goes off, carefully open the steamer and test the rice. If it's not evenly cooked, replace the lid and leave it for another 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the rice from the steamer once it's fully cooked, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.

When cooking brown rice in a Sunbeam steamer, set the timer for 45 to 50 minutes. Follow the same steps as for white rice, but make sure to use slightly more water when cooking brown rice, as it requires more liquid due to its longer cooking time. Brown rice is also more susceptible to burning at the bottom of the pan, so it is important to be careful when opening the steamer after the timer goes off. If the rice is not fully cooked, follow the same steps as for white rice and let it cook for another 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the rice from the steamer once it's fully cooked and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Seasoning: add a pinch of salt

Seasoning is an important step in the rice-cooking process as it enhances the flavor of the rice. When seasoning rice, it is generally recommended to add a pinch of salt. This step is optional but can add a subtle depth of flavor to the rice.

When cooking rice in a Sunbeam steamer, you can add salt to the rice before or after cooking, depending on your preference. If you choose to add salt before cooking, simply measure the desired amount of rice and water into the steamer's rice bowl and add a pinch of salt. The amount of salt added can be adjusted to personal preference, but a good rule of thumb is to add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt for every cup of rice.

Mix the salt, rice, and water together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the seasoning. This can be done with a wooden spoon or by gently shaking the rice bowl. Allowing the rice to soak in the seasoned water for a short period, such as 10-20 minutes, can help the rice absorb the flavor of the salt and result in a more evenly seasoned dish.

If you prefer to add salt after the rice is cooked, simply sprinkle the desired amount of salt over the rice before fluffing and serving. This method allows for more control over the amount of salt added, as you can taste the rice as you season it. However, adding salt after cooking may result in a less evenly seasoned dish, as the salt will not have had a chance to incorporate fully into the rice.

It is important to note that when seasoning rice, it is best to avoid using colored seasonings, as these may stain the bowls of your Sunbeam steamer. Additionally, be sure to stir the rice thoroughly before serving to ensure that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Fluff rice with a fork before serving

Once your rice is cooked, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the rice to cool slightly, and the starches to re-crystallize, which will help the rice retain its shape when you fluff it. If you skip this step and fluff the rice while it's still too hot and fresh, you'll end up with a sticky mess!

So, after your rice is cooked, turn off the rice cooker and leave the lid on while the rice rests for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, use a wooden spatula or a fork to gently mix the rice. This will help remove any excess moisture and give the rice a fluffier texture. Be sure not to use a metal utensil, as this will damage the non-stick coating of the inner pot.

Once the rice is fluffed, it's ready to be served! Serve it while it's still warm, and enjoy the perfectly cooked, fluffy rice.

Frequently asked questions