Cooking Rice: Using The Rival 8-Cup Steamer

The Rival Rice Cooker is a convenient appliance for cooking rice and steaming vegetables. It can accommodate up to 3 cups of uncooked rice, which yields about 6 cups of cooked rice. The process is simple: first, measure the desired amount of rice and wash it in a separate bowl. Then, place the rice in the inner pot, adding water until it reaches the corresponding mark for the amount of rice. For example, if you're cooking 3 cups of rice, fill the inner pot with water until it reaches the 3 mark. It's important to ensure that the outside of the inner pot is dry before proceeding. Next, place the inner pot into the heating base, ensuring direct contact with the heating plate. Finally, turn on the cooker and let it work its magic! Once the rice is cooked, it will automatically switch to Keep Warm mode, keeping your rice ready to be served whenever you're ready to eat.

How to prepare rice for cooking

Step 1: Measure the Rice

Use the measuring cup provided with your steamer to measure out the amount of rice you wish to cook. The Rival Rice Cooker accommodates up to 3 full measuring cups of uncooked rice, which equals 6 cups of cooked rice.

Step 2: Rinse the Rice

Place the measured rice in a small or medium-sized mixing bowl and rinse it with cold water. Continue rinsing until the water is clear. This step ensures that your rice is free of dirt or debris and helps to remove excess starch, which can make your rice sticky.

Step 3: Drain the Rice

After rinsing, drain the rice using a cooking strainer. It is important to remove the excess water so that you can accurately measure the water-to-rice ratio in the next step.

Step 4: Add Rice and Water to the Inner Pot

Place the rinsed rice into the inner pot of your Rival Rice Cooker. Then, add water to the rice until it reaches the corresponding numbered mark on the inner pot. This mark should match the amount of uncooked rice you are using. For example, if you are cooking 3 cups of uncooked rice, fill the inner pot with water until it reaches the "3" mark.

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and tends to absorb more water, so it is recommended to use slightly more water when cooking brown rice.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Inner Pot

Before placing the inner pot inside the rice cooker, wipe away any water that may have dripped down the outside of the pot. It is important to ensure that the outside of the inner pot is dry to avoid any potential damage to the cooker's internal components.

Step 6: Place the Inner Pot Inside the Rice Cooker

Set the inner pot into the heating base of the rice cooker. Make sure that the inner pot is in direct contact with the heating plate by turning it slightly from left to right until it fits properly. A proper fit ensures efficient and even cooking.

Now that your rice is prepared, you can proceed to cook it in your Rival 8-cup rice steamer by following the manufacturer's instructions for cooking and steaming. Enjoy perfectly cooked rice!

How to cook rice in the Rival Rice Steamer

The Rival Rice Steamer/Cooker is a great appliance to have in your kitchen. It can cook rice and steam vegetables simultaneously, making it a healthier way to prepare your food. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook rice in your Rival Rice Steamer:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Measure the amount of rice you wish to cook. The Rival Rice Cooker comes with a 3/4 cup (180 ml) measuring cup, which is equivalent to approximately 2 1/4 cups of cooked rice. If you are cooking for more people, the cooker can accommodate up to 3 full cups of uncooked rice, yielding 6 cups of cooked rice.

Step 2: Rinse the Rice

Place the measured rice in a separate bowl and rinse it with cold water until the water runs clear. This step ensures that your rice is free of any impurities and helps to achieve the perfect texture.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Water in the Inner Pot

After rinsing the rice, place it into the inner pot of your Rival Rice Cooker. Then, add the corresponding amount of water. For every cup of uncooked rice, use one measuring cup of water, plus an additional 1/2 cup of water. For example, if you are cooking 3 cups of rice, use 3 cups of water plus an extra 1/2 cup. If you are cooking brown rice, add an extra 3/4 cup of water as it takes longer to cook.

Step 4: Place the Inner Pot into the Heating Base

Make sure the outside of the inner pot is dry before proceeding. Set the inner pot into the heating base, ensuring that it is in direct contact with the heating plate. You may need to turn the pot slightly from left to right until you feel it properly fit onto the heating plate.

Step 5: Cover and Plug In

Cover the rice cooker with the lid provided. It is important to always operate the cooker with the lid on to contain the steam generated during cooking. Plug your rice steamer into a 120V AC electrical socket.

Step 6: Turn On and Cook

Turn on your rice steamer by pushing the button down to the "Cook" mode. An indicator light should come on to show that it is working. The cooker will automatically switch to "Keep Warm" mode once the water has evaporated.

Step 7: Let the Rice Stand

Once the cooker switches to "Keep Warm," let the rice stand covered for about 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and results in fluffier rice.

Step 8: Serve the Rice

Open the lid carefully, being cautious of the escaping steam. Use the rice paddle provided or a long utensil to gently mix the rice and release any remaining steam. Serve the rice with the ladle provided to protect the non-stick surface of the inner pot. Enjoy your perfectly cooked rice!

How to steam vegetables in the Rival Rice Steamer

The Rival Rice Steamer can be used to steam vegetables, and it comes with a steaming basket for this purpose. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam vegetables using the Rival Rice Steamer:

• Clean and chop your desired vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
• Measure the amount of water needed based on the cooking time of the vegetables. The amount of water used will determine the cooking time. For vegetables cooking between 7 to 9 minutes, use 4 ounces of water. For vegetables cooking between 15 to 17 minutes, use 8 ounces of water.
• Add the water to the inner pot according to the pot's guide marks, not the measuring cup.
• Place the inner pot into the heating unit of the rice steamer.
• Put the chopped vegetables into the steaming basket.
• Place the steaming basket on the rim of the inner pot and put the lid on.
• Turn on the rice steamer by pressing the switch down.
• Steam the vegetables for the recommended time. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of vegetable. For example, asparagus, green beans, and carrots will need 8 to 10 minutes, while broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower should cook for 11 to 13 minutes.
• Once the vegetables are cooked, turn off the rice steamer and carefully open the lid, being cautious of the escaping steam.
• Serve the steamed vegetables as desired.

Note: It is important to clean the rice steamer after each use. Do not immerse the heating unit in water, and avoid using abrasive cleaners or pads on the inner pot. Additionally, the measuring cup and paddle that come with the steamer should be washed by hand using warm soapy water, not in the dishwasher.

How to clean the Rival Rice Steamer

The Rival Rice Steamer should be cleaned after every use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

• Unplug the appliance and let it cool down: Ensure that the Rival Rice Steamer is unplugged from the power source and let it cool down. This usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour.
• Disassemble the removable parts: Remove the inner pot, lid, and any other detachable parts such as utensils, steamer tray, condensation collector, ladle, and measuring cup.
• Wash the removable parts: These parts are usually dishwasher-safe, but you can also hand wash them with mild detergent and warm, soapy water. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to scrub away any food residue. Avoid using bleach, vinegar, or other harsh chemicals, especially on the measuring cup and paddle, as this can cause damage.
• Dry the removable parts: Use a dry towel to wipe down all the washed parts and ensure they are completely dry before reassembling the rice steamer.
• Clean the inside of the cooker: Use a moist cloth to wipe down the interior of the rice steamer, including the heating plate and center sensor. Be careful not to get the electrical components wet. If there is stubborn residue on the heating plate, use fine sandpaper or steel wool to gently remove it.
• Clean the exterior of the cooker: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the cooker to remove any stains or residue. Avoid using cleaning solutions directly on the cooker, as they may contain harsh chemicals.
• Dry the cooker: Before reassembling the rice steamer, ensure that all parts are completely dry, including the interior and exterior surfaces.
• Maintain a clean rice steamer: Always clean the rice steamer after each use. Allow it to cool down, then wipe off any excess moisture before storing it. Additionally, use the rice steamer on a flat and stable surface to prevent food from burning and sticking to the bottom of the inner pot.

Tips for using the Rival Rice Steamer

The Rival Rice Steamer is a great appliance to have in your kitchen, and with the right care, it can last for years. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your steamer:

Know Your Steamer:

• The Rival Rice Steamer consists of several parts, including a high-domed cover, a rice bowl, an outer and inner water reservoir, a steamer basket, and an indicator light.
• The rice bowl has an 8-cup capacity and is used for cooking rice or dishes with sauce or liquid.
• The steamer basket is ideal for steaming vegetables, fish, or shellfish without sauce.

Preparing and Cooking Rice:

• Always use the measuring cup provided with your steamer to measure the rice and water. For every cup of rice, use one cup of water plus an additional 1/2 cup. For brown rice, Rival recommends adding an extra 3/4 cup of water.
• Rinse the rice in cold water before cooking to ensure it is clean.
• After measuring the rice and water, place them into the inner pot and put the pot into the rice cooker. Ensure the pot is in direct contact with the heating plate by turning it slightly from left to right.
• Cover the pot with the lid and plug the rice steamer into a 120V AC electrical socket.
• Turn on the steamer by pushing the button to the "Cook" position. The cook light should come on, and steaming will begin shortly.
• When the cooking is complete, the switch will pop up, and the keep warm light will turn on. Let the rice stand covered for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Vegetable Steaming Instructions:

• Clean and chop the vegetables before steaming.
• Measure the water according to the cooking times of the vegetables. For shorter cooking times (7-9 minutes), use four ounces of water. For longer cooking times (15-17 minutes), use eight ounces.
• Place the inner pot into the heating unit and put the steaming basket on the rim.
• Add the vegetables to the basket, cover with the lid, and turn on the steamer. Steam for the recommended time.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

• Always clean the rice steamer after each use. Do not immerse the heating unit in water, and avoid using abrasive cleaners or pads on the inner pot.
• The measuring cup and paddle that come with the steamer are not dishwasher-safe. Wash them by hand using warm soapy water, and avoid using bleach, vinegar, or harsh chemicals.
• To clean the rice bowl, steamer basket, and cover, wash them in hot soapy water, rinse, and dry. Alternatively, you can wash them on the top rack of your dishwasher.
• To prevent mineral buildup, scrub the heating well with white household vinegar after each use.

Frequently asked questions