Steaming Rice Perfection With The Aeg Oven

Cooking rice in a steam oven is an easy and foolproof method that delivers perfectly cooked rice every time. Steam ovens, such as the AEG model, offer superior preservation of flavour, vibrant colours, and nutrients. They are also gentler and more efficient than traditional cooking methods, preventing food from drying out, burning, or losing important water-soluble vitamins and minerals.

To cook rice in an AEG steam oven, simply place the desired amount of rice and liquid in a shallow stainless steel pan, ensuring the correct rice-to-liquid ratio. Set the oven to the steam-only setting at 100°C/212°F (100% humidity) and adjust the timer according to the quantity of rice. For a full-sized steam oven, allow 22-23 minutes for the larger oven cavity to heat up. Once the timer goes off, remove the pan, fluff the rice, and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

Rice-to-liquid ratios

The rice-to-liquid ratio will depend on the type of rice you are cooking. For long-grain white rice, the ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. If you are using basmati rice, the ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.125 cups of water. For long-grain brown rice, the ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.75 cups of water.

For other types of rice, such as sticky rice, red rice, black rice, or wild rice, the ratio will vary. As a general rule, brown rice requires more water than white rice, and shorter-grain rice requires more water than long-grain rice. The cooking time will also vary depending on the type of rice and the humidity of your climate. Older rice may also require more water and a longer cooking time.

When cooking rice in a steam oven, it is recommended to use a stainless steel pan and to cook the rice in a thin, even layer. Avoid using a glass or thick ceramic dish, as this will take longer to cook and may not cook the rice evenly.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the AEG steam oven offers a combination of steam and dry heat, with four steam levels to choose from. The "Full Steam" setting uses continuous steam, which is ideal for cooking rice. The oven should be cold when you start cooking, and you should use cold tap water in the water drawer, filling it to the maximum level.

By following the correct rice-to-liquid ratios and cooking times, you can achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy rice in your AEG steam oven.

Oven settings

AEG steam ovens offer a combination of steam and dry heat, allowing for endless cooking options. The oven's steam settings can be adjusted manually or, if your oven has the Steamify® function, it will set the steam level automatically based on the temperature selected.

There are four steam levels on AEG steam ovens: Full Steam, Humidity High, Humidity Medium, and Humidity Low. The type of steam level you select depends on the dish you are preparing. For example, the Full Steam setting is ideal for cooking rice, while Humidity High is suitable for delicate dishes like custards and flans.

To set the steam level manually, follow these steps:

• Fill the water drawer to the maximum level indicated.
• Push the water drawer back into position.
• Scroll through the menu to find the manual steam functions.
• Select the desired manual steam function.
• Set the temperature.
• Press START.

If your oven has the Steamify® function, simply select this function and set the desired temperature. The oven will then automatically set the appropriate steam level for you.

It is recommended to start with a cold oven when cooking with steam to get the most out of the steam cooking function. Additionally, make sure to use only cold tap water in the water drawer, and empty the drawer after each use.

Timing

For example, when cooking long-grain white rice, it is recommended to set the timer for 20 minutes if you have a compact steam oven. However, if you have a full-sized steam oven, you should allow for a slightly longer cooking time, setting the timer for 22-23 minutes. This additional time is necessary to account for the larger oven cavity, which takes longer to heat up.

The AEG steam oven offers different steam levels, including Full Steam, Humidity High, Humidity Medium, and Humidity Low, each designed for specific types of dishes. When cooking rice, the Full Steam setting is recommended, as it uses continuous steam to gently cook ingredients like rice, couscous, and seafood.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may need to be adjusted based on personal preferences for rice texture, the amount of rice being cooked, and the specific model of the AEG steam oven.

Additionally, the age of the rice can impact the cooking time. Older rice tends to be drier and may require longer cooking times, while fresher rice is typically softer and cooks faster. Similarly, the humidity of the environment can affect the cooking time, as rice tends to absorb moisture from the air, altering the cooking duration.

To ensure perfect results, it is advisable to follow the recommended cooking times for specific types of rice and make adjustments as needed based on personal preferences and environmental factors.

Temperature

Firstly, it is important to understand the available steam settings on your AEG steam oven. AEG ovens offer a combination of steam and dry heat, allowing for versatile cooking options. The four steam levels are Full Steam, Humidity High, Humidity Medium, and Humidity Low. Each level serves a specific purpose and is suitable for different types of dishes. For rice cooking, the Full Steam setting is generally the most suitable option. This setting utilizes continuous steam to cook ingredients gently, making it ideal for rice.

When cooking rice, the recommended temperature setting is between 99°C and 100°C (212°F). This temperature range ensures that the rice is cooked thoroughly without becoming mushy. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of rice and the amount you are preparing. For example, long-grain white rice, such as Jasmine or regular long-grain, typically requires a cooking time of around 20 minutes at 100°C. However, if you are using a full-sized steam oven, you may need to adjust the timing slightly, increasing it to 22-23 minutes to account for the larger oven cavity.

It is worth noting that the cooking time and temperature can be influenced by factors such as the age of the rice and the humidity of your environment. Older rice tends to be drier and may require slightly longer cooking times and a touch more liquid. Additionally, the type of cooking vessel you use can impact the cooking process. Stainless steel pans or trays that come with the oven are ideal, as they allow for even heat distribution and efficient steaming.

By following these temperature guidelines and making adjustments as needed, you can achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy rice in your AEG steam oven every time. Remember to refer to your specific oven model's user manual for detailed instructions on temperature settings and steam functions.

Cooking vessels

The type of vessel you use to cook rice in your AEG steam oven is important. It is recommended to use a thin, even layer of stainless steel. Most people will be able to use the solid pans that come with their steam oven. For 1 cup of uncooked rice, use a smaller (1/3 size) pan, and for 2-3 cups of uncooked rice, use a larger (2/3 size) pan.

Try to avoid using a glass or thick ceramic dish as it will take longer to cook and won't be as evenly steamed. It is also important to note that the cooking times and the amount of liquid needed can vary depending on the age of the rice and the humidity of the climate. Older rice may be drier and require more liquid and longer cooking times.

Frequently asked questions