Cooking Rice: Electric Steamer Method For Perfect Results

Electric food steamers are a convenient and efficient way to cook rice, ensuring perfectly cooked grains every time. They are user-friendly, often coming with timers and automatic shut-off features, and provide a consistent heat source, eliminating the common issues of undercooked or overcooked rice that can occur with stovetop methods. This guide will walk you through the steps to master the art of cooking rice in an electric steamer.

Rinse the rice to remove excess starch and impurities

Rinsing rice before cooking is an important step that can elevate the quality of your rice. It is a simple process that can make a big difference in the texture and taste of your cooked rice. Rinsing the rice helps to remove excess starch and impurities, ensuring that your rice is fluffy, light, and not sticky or clumpy.

To rinse the rice, start by placing the desired amount of rice in a fine-mesh strainer. You can use a measuring cup to measure out the rice, with 1 cup being a standard serving. Place the strainer under the faucet in your sink and run cool water through it. Shake the strainer lightly or agitate the rice gently with your fingertips to ensure that each grain is washed. The water may appear cloudy at first due to the starch being washed off, but continue rinsing until the water runs clear.

The process of rinsing the rice removes any debris and surface starch. Surface starch is the main culprit behind rice becoming gummy or clumping together during cooking. By removing this starch, you ensure that your cooked rice grains remain separate and fluffy.

While rinsing, it can be challenging to determine when the water has become clear. This is because the water becomes aerated as it passes through the rice, giving it a cloudy appearance. To address this, capture a small amount of the rinse water in a bowl and check if it is starchy. Keep reserving and checking small amounts of water until it appears clear. This indicates that your rice is thoroughly rinsed and ready for cooking.

Use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water

Using an electric food steamer is a simple and foolproof method to achieve perfectly cooked grains of rice every time. It helps maintain the delicate texture and natural flavour of the rice, ensuring a fluffy outcome without the hassle of monitoring a pot on the stove.

To cook rice in an electric food steamer, follow these steps:

Step 1: Measure and Wash the Rice

Measure the desired amount of rice using a measuring cup. For a standard serving, 1 cup of rice is typically enough. Rinse the rice with water to remove any excess starch and impurities. Use a strainer to drain the water effectively.

Step 2: Soak the Rice (Optional but Recommended)

Soaking the rice in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour is optional but recommended, especially for long-grain varieties like basmati rice. This step helps to soften the grains and ensures more even cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Steamer

Fill the steamer's water reservoir with water, following the manufacturer's instructions for the correct amount. For every cup of rice, you will need two cups of water. Drain the rice from its soaking water and place it into the steaming basket. Use the bottom basket as it's closest to the heat source for better cooking.

Step 4: Start the Steaming Process

Place the basket with the rice in the steamer and ensure the lid is tightly closed to prevent steam from escaping. Set the timer on your steamer according to the type of rice. Typically, white rice takes about 18-30 minutes, while brown rice can take up to 40-50 minutes.

Step 5: Check the Rice

Check the rice towards the end of the cooking time. If the grains are still too firm, add a few more minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Let the rice rest for a few minutes after turning off the steamer. This allows the grains to settle and absorb any remaining moisture. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and release any excess steam before serving.

Tips for Using a 1:2 Ratio of Rice to Water:

• This ratio is achieved by using 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for every serving.
• The 1:2 ratio is generally recommended for white rice to achieve a fluffy and less sticky texture.
• For brown rice, a 1:2 ratio or even a little extra water may be used due to its longer cooking time and need for more moisture.
• Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or a reliable recipe for specific guidelines on water ratios and cooking times.

Set the timer for 20-30 minutes

Now that your rice is in the steamer, it's time to set the timer. Typically, steaming rice takes around 20-30 minutes. However, the exact time depends on the type of rice you are cooking. White rice usually takes around 20-30 minutes to cook, while brown rice may take around 40-50 minutes. Red and black rice will take even longer, up to 65-70 minutes.

If you are using a rice-cooking bowl inside your steamer, set the timer for 25 to 30 minutes for white rice, and 45 to 50 minutes for brown or red rice. If your steamer has a specific rice setting, use that instead.

If you are steaming the rice directly in the steamer basket, set the timer for around 25 minutes for white rice, and 45 minutes to an hour for brown or black rice.

Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to refer to the instructions manual for your electric steamer, as cooking times can vary depending on the model.

Once the timer goes off, carefully open the steamer and check if the rice is cooked. If it's not ready yet, simply close the lid and let it steam for another 5 to 10 minutes. The great thing about electric steamers is that you can do this without spoiling the rice, unlike with the sealed-pot method.

When the rice is fully cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the rice to cool slightly and makes it less sticky, so you can fluff it with a fork without making a mess.

Fluff the rice with a fork after cooking

Once the rice is cooked, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the grains to settle and absorb any remaining moisture. Fluffing the rice with a fork is the next step. This will separate the grains and release any excess steam before serving. Be cautious not to press the rice too hard, as it may become sticky.

When fluffing the rice with a fork, it is important to be gentle. Gently lift and separate the grains, being careful not to mash or crush them. This will help to ensure the rice stays fluffy and light. If the rice is left in the bowl it was cooked in, the trapped steam will condense back into the bowl and make the rice at the bottom wet. Therefore, it is recommended to transfer the rice to a second bowl while fluffing it with a fork.

If you are using an electric steamer, it is also important to fluff the rice with a fork immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking. The residual heat from the rice cooker can continue to cook the rice, making it mushy. By fluffing the rice and releasing the steam, you can help maintain the desired texture.

Additionally, fluffing the rice with a fork can help improve the flavour of the dish. Releasing the excess steam allows the rice to absorb more of the flavours from any seasonings or spices added during cooking. This technique ensures that the rice is not only cooked properly but also tastes delicious.

Season the rice with salt, herbs or spices

Seasoning your rice is a great way to add flavour and make it more interesting. You can season your rice with salt, herbs, spices, broths, milks, sauces, or even drippings from meat.

If you want to add salt to your rice, it is recommended to do so while the rice is cooking. This will help the salt to be evenly distributed throughout the rice. You can add the salt to the water or broth that you are using to cook the rice. The amount of salt you add will depend on your personal preference and the type of rice you are using. For example, one source suggests adding a teaspoon of salt per cup of rice, while another source recommends making the water as salty as the ocean. It is important to taste the water or broth before adding the rice to ensure that it is seasoned properly.

When it comes to herbs and spices, you can add them to the rice before or after cooking, depending on the desired result. If you add them before cooking, they will infuse their flavour into the rice. If you add them after cooking, the flavours will simply layer on top of the rice. Some herbs that pair well with rice include dill, parsley, oregano, and cilantro. As for spices, you can try cumin, curry powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes.

Additionally, you can experiment with different types of broth, such as chicken or vegetable broth, to add flavour to your rice. You can also try using milk, like coconut milk, heavy cream, or whole milk. If you want a creamier and richer dish, you can sauté the dry rice in butter before cooking it. For a nutty flavour, try toasting the rice in the oven or on the stovetop before cooking it.

Frequently asked questions