The Perfect Rice: Sistema Steamer Method

The Sistema Microwave Rice Cooker is a convenient way to cook rice, polenta, and couscous in the microwave. It features a pressure chamber plate that collects any overflow and drains it back into the cooking pot. The cooker also has easy-lift tabs for safe transportation and comes with a non-stick rice spoon. To cook rice in the Sistema Rice Steamer, you should first rinse the rice in a sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear. Then, add the rice and cold water to the base container, using a rice-to-water ratio of 1:2. Next, add the pressure chamber plate and close the easy-locking clips before microwaving. After cooking, allow the rice to stand for a minimum of 5 minutes, then fluff it with the provided spoon before serving.

Rice-to-water ratio: 1:2

Cooking rice in a Sistema rice steamer is a straightforward process. The first step is to rinse the rice in a sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear, unless the rice packaging instructs otherwise. Next, add the rice and cold water to the base container. The rice-to-water ratio should be 1:2, so for every cup of rice, add two cups of water. For example, 1 cup of uncooked rice, which serves 2 to 3 people, will need 2 cups of water.

Once the rice and water have been added to the steamer, place the pressure chamber plate on top and close the Sistema easy-locking clips. The pressure chamber plate is an important feature of the Sistema rice steamer as it allows any overflow to be collected and drained back into the cooking pot base container. Ensure that the holes in the top lid and pressure chamber plate are offset. Then, simply microwave according to the instructions provided.

After cooking, use the easy-lift tabs on the lid to safely remove the rice steamer from the microwave. Allow the cooked rice to stand for a minimum of 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with the provided rice spoon before serving.

Rinse rice until water runs clear

Rinsing rice before cooking it is an important step that should not be skipped. It ensures the rice is free of dirt or debris and removes excess starch, resulting in more distinct, separate grains of rice.

To rinse the rice, place it in a sieve and hold it under cold running water. Use your hands to gently agitate the rice, ensuring that all of it gets rinsed. The water will likely become cloudy as the starch is released. Drain the cloudy water, and repeat the process of rinsing and draining until the water runs clear. Depending on the type and amount of rice, this may take two or three changes of water.

Once the rice has been rinsed and the water runs clear, it is ready to be cooked. For the Sistema rice steamer, you will need to add the rice and water to the base container, ensuring you use the correct rice-to-water ratio. The ratio will depend on the type of rice you are using and your desired texture. For example, for stickier rice, a ratio of 1:1.25 to 1:1.5 is recommended, while for firmer rice, a ratio of 1:2 is more suitable.

After adding the rice and water to the steamer, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cooking. Remember to use cold water, and ensure that the holes in the lid and pressure chamber plate are offset to prevent overflow.

Don't use oil or fat

When cooking rice in a Sistema rice steamer, it is important not to use oil or fat. This is because the Sistema rice steamer is a microwave rice cooker with a pressure chamber plate, and adding oil or fat to the water can cause boil-over and make a mess in your microwave.

The Sistema rice steamer is designed to be fuss-free and easy to use. Simply add the rice and the right amount of water according to the type of rice and the microwave power setting. Rinse the rice first in a sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear, unless the packaging states otherwise. Use cold water when cooking, and make sure the holes in the top lid and pressure chamber plate are offset.

Do not add any fat or oil to the water, and avoid using liquid with fat content such as milk. This is because oil and fat can cause boil-over, which is when the rice cooker boils over and creates a mess. The pressure chamber plate in the Sistema rice steamer is designed to collect any overflow and drain it back into the cooking pot base container, but adding oil or fat can still make a mess in your microwave.

After cooking, use the easy lift tabs on the lid to safely remove the product from the microwave. Allow the cooked rice to stand for a minimum of 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with the provided spoon before serving.

Avoid boil-over by not overfilling

To avoid boil-over, do not overfill your Sistema rice steamer. This is one of the most common causes of rice cookers boiling over. When rice cooks, it expands and absorbs water, which can cause it to overflow if there is not enough space in the rice cooker. Therefore, it is important to measure the rice and water quantities carefully.

The general rule is to use a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio, but this can vary depending on the type of rice and the desired level of doneness. For example, if you like softer rice, you can use a 1:1.5 ratio, but for short-grain rice, you can reduce the ratio to 1:1.1. The instruction manual that came with your rice cooker should provide details on the water-to-rice ratio for different types of rice.

When measuring the rice, use the measuring cup that comes with the rice cooker to ensure accuracy. Do not pack the rice down or add extra rice to the cup. Simply fill the cup with rice and level it off with a straight edge. Next, measure the water using the same cup and pour it into the rice cooker. If you are unsure of the water level, use your finger to measure the depth of the water. The water should be about one knuckle deep above the rice.

If you have already filled the rice cooker with too much rice and water, it is best to transfer some to a separate container before continuing the cooking process. This will help prevent overflow and ensure that the rice is cooked properly.

By following these tips, you can avoid overfilling your Sistema rice steamer and prevent boiling over problems.

Fluff rice with spoon before serving

Fluffing rice is a great way to avoid the grains from sticking together and becoming gluggy. It is recommended to let the rice rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking before fluffing. This allows the rice to cool slightly and gives it an even texture. The steam will also dissipate during this time.

When fluffing rice, use a utensil such as a rice paddle, carving fork, or the rice spoon provided with the Sistema rice steamer to gently mix the rice. Avoid using a metal spoon or fork if you are using a non-stick pot or rice cooker, as this can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for a plastic or wooden utensil.

Gently stir the rice for no longer than a minute, using short, shallow motions to avoid squishing the grains. This process helps to aerate the rice, removing any lumps and leaving you with light and fluffy rice.

If you are not serving the rice immediately, place a folded tea towel over the pot to prevent flies or other contaminants from getting into the rice.

Frequently asked questions