Steaming Rice: Tefal's Easy, Quick Way

Tefal steamers are a great way to cook rice, with a dedicated rice bowl that helps you achieve the perfect, fluffy texture. The process is simple: put the rice in the rice bowl, fill it with water, and place it in the steam basket to start cooking. The amount of water you need will depend on the type of rice and how much you're cooking, but a good rule of thumb is to use one cup of rice with one and a half cups of water for a small or large portion. It's important to distribute the rice evenly in the bowl for even cooking and to avoid overloading the basket. With a Tefal steamer, you can also steam other foods simultaneously, like vegetables, meat, and fish, adding flavour and convenience to your meal preparation.

How much water to use

When cooking rice in a Tefal steamer, it is important to use the right amount of water to ensure the rice cooks properly. As a general rule, use one cup of rice (which serves two small portions or one large portion) with one and a half cups of water.

Different types of rice will require different amounts of water, so it is always best to refer to the specific cooking instructions for the type of rice you are using. For example, some types of rice will require a little more water, as it is normal for a small amount of rice to stick to the bottom of the bowl during cooking.

If your rice is undercooked or overcooked, it is usually because there is either too much or too little water in the bowl. In this case, refer to the cooking guide for the correct ratio of rice to water. It is also important to ensure that the rice is evenly distributed across the bowl so that it cooks uniformly.

When cooking rice for a longer period, you will need to refill the water tank during the cooking process. To do this, use oven gloves to lift the lid and steamer basket, empty any water that has collected in the juice collector, and then refill the water tank with cold tap water.

Preventing under or overcooked rice

Preventing Undercooked or Overcooked Rice in a Tefal Steamer

To prevent undercooked or overcooked rice in a Tefal steamer, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to use the correct ratio of rice to water, as this can impact the cooking process. The ratio may vary depending on the type of rice being cooked, so it is advisable to consult a resource such as Kitchn's Rice-o-pedia: A Cook's Guide to Rice.

Once the correct ratio is determined, the rice should be placed in the steamer basket or bowl, and the cooking process can begin. It is important to monitor the water level during cooking and refill the tank if necessary, as a lack of water can impact the cooking process and lead to undercooked rice.

Additionally, the cooking time should be adjusted based on the type of rice being cooked. Different types of rice may have different cooking times, so it is important to be aware of this to prevent overcooking or undercooking. For example, denser ingredients may require a longer cooking time, and it is recommended to cut these into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.

Furthermore, the heat setting on the steamer should be adjusted accordingly. If the heat is too high, the water may evaporate before the rice is fully cooked, resulting in undercooked rice. Therefore, a steady simmer is recommended, and it is important to be patient and not rush the cooking process by increasing the temperature.

By following these steps and adjusting the ratios, cooking times, and heat settings as needed, you can help prevent undercooked or overcooked rice in your Tefal steamer and achieve perfect, fluffy rice.

Cooking different types of rice

The Tefal steamer is a great option for cooking different types of rice, as it comes with a rice bowl that helps you achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy rice. Here are some tips for cooking various types of rice in your Tefal steamer:

White Rice

White rice typically takes around 20-25 minutes to cook in a steamer. Rinse the rice before adding it to the steamer to remove any excess starch. The ratio of rice to water is usually 1:2, so for every cup of rice, use two cups of water. However, always refer to the specific instructions of your Tefal steamer, as water ratios may vary slightly.

Brown Rice

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time, around 40-45 minutes. It also needs more water, so adjust the ratio accordingly. Remember to rinse the rice before adding it to the steamer.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is fragrant and slightly sticky. It can be cooked in a steamer, and you can adjust the water-to-rice ratio to achieve your desired texture. Rinsing the rice before cooking will help remove excess starch.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice has delicate flavour and long, slender grains. It can be cooked in a steamer by following the standard rice-to-water ratio of 1:2. Rinsing the rice beforehand will help ensure more distinct grains.

Short-Grain Rice

For short-grain rice, such as Spanish Valencia or Calrose, you'll want to reduce the amount of water to create a stickier texture. Use a 1.25-to-1 ratio, such as 1 1/4 cups of water for every cup of rice. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Simmer for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Medium-Grain Rice

For medium-grain rice, use a 1-to-2 ratio. For example, one cup of uncooked rice will need two cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, add the rice, and then reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.

Rice Cooking Tips:

• Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from sticking together.
• Adjust the water-to-rice ratio based on your preferred texture. For firmer rice, use less water, and for softer, stickier rice, add a little more.
• You can add seasonings and flavours to the rice while cooking, such as a pinch of salt or a drizzle of olive oil.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice and the steamer you are using, so always refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Adding vegetables or shellfish

When cooking rice in your Tefal steamer, you can add vegetables or shellfish to the steaming basket to create a more flavorful and nutritious dish. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Preparing the Vegetables or Shellfish

Before adding them to the steamer, make sure to prepare your chosen vegetables or shellfish thoroughly. For vegetables, this may involve washing, peeling, and chopping them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. If using shellfish, make sure they are fresh and cleaned, with their shells removed. You can also marinate the shellfish beforehand to add extra flavor.

Cooking the Rice and Add-Ins Together

After rinsing your rice and adding it to the steaming basket of your Tefal steamer, you can place your prepared vegetables or shellfish directly into the basket alongside the rice. Just be mindful of the amount of food you're adding, as you don't want to overload the basket. Leave some space for steam to circulate. Also, consider using greaseproof paper in the steamer if you don't want the juices from raw meat or shellfish to mix with the rice.

Timing the Cooking Process

The cooking time for your rice and vegetables or shellfish will vary depending on the type of rice you're using and the specific ingredients you're adding. As a general guideline, white rice cooks in around 15-20 minutes, while brown rice may take 30-35 minutes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the instructions provided by Tefal for the specific type of rice. Keep in mind that denser ingredients with longer cooking times should be placed in the lowest basket of your steamer.

Seasoning Your Dish

You can enhance the flavor of your rice and vegetables or shellfish by adding seasonings before or after cooking. A pinch of salt, a knob of butter, or a few drops of oil can be added during the cooking process. Alternatively, you can experiment with herbs, spices, or fresh ingredients like garlic, lemon, or onions to boost the flavor of your dish. Remember that the flavor of food is enhanced in a steamer, so use seasonings sparingly and adjust to taste.

Fluffing and Serving

Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the rice and your vegetables or shellfish sit in the steaming basket for a few minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. This helps to ensure that your dish is perfectly cooked and flavorful. Then, simply serve and enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!

Steaming other foods at the same time

When steaming rice in a Tefal steamer, you can steam other foods at the same time. The Tefal steamer has a 9-litre total capacity, which means there is plenty of space for steaming vegetables, meat, and fish.

If you are steaming foods with different cooking times, start with the food that requires the longest cooking time. Place this in the lower bowl and then add the upper bowl(s) while the food is cooking. Ensure that you do not overload the steam bowls.

When cooking rice with other foods, be aware that raw meat and fish juices may end up in the rice, adding some flavour. You may want to cook meat or fish on greaseproof paper in the steamer to avoid this. Vegetables will be fine to cook alongside the rice without any additional preparation.

Remember to position the food correctly in the steamer. The largest pieces of food, or those requiring the longest cooking time, should be placed in the lowest basket.

Frequently asked questions