Steaming Rice: Perfecting The Art Of Cooking Rice

Cooking rice in a steamer is a popular technique in Asian countries, and it's a great way to make perfect rice. It's especially good for glutinous or sticky rice as it reduces some of the natural stickiness. There are several ways to do it, including using a bamboo steamer or an electric rice steamer. The latter is a foolproof method for producing evenly cooked rice and will keep it warm for several hours without it becoming sticky. If you're using an electric steamer, be sure to wash the rice before cooking and use boiling water in the rice bowl. For bamboo steamers, rinse the rice and soak it in cold water for several hours before placing it in the basket with a damp cloth and steaming for around 30 minutes.

Wash rice before cooking

Washing rice before cooking is an important step to ensure your rice is clean and will result in the desired texture. Rice, like other dried goods, may contain dirt or debris, so washing it first will ensure that you remove any unwanted substances.

Washing rice will also remove some of the starch, which can cause rice to clump together and become gummy or sticky. This is particularly important if you want a light and fluffy texture. However, if you are making sticky rice, such as for sushi or rice pudding, you may want to keep some of the starch in. In this case, a quick rinse will be sufficient to remove any dirt or debris.

To wash rice, simply place the rice in a strainer or mesh sieve and rinse under cold water, shaking it until the water runs clear. This should take around one to two minutes for white rice, and less time for brown rice.

Use the right water-to-rice ratio

The water-to-rice ratio is crucial for cooking rice in a steam cooker. Using the correct ratio ensures your rice is cooked to your desired texture, whether you prefer it softer or with a firmer bite.

The standard ratio for cooking rice in a steam cooker is 1:1.3 to 1:1.5 rice to water. This means that for every cup of rice, you will need between 1.3 and 1.5 cups of water. For example, if you are cooking 2 cups of rice, you will need between 2.6 and 3 cups of water.

This ratio can be adjusted slightly depending on your personal preference and the type of rice you are using. For short-grain rice, a ratio of 1:1.1 can be used, while those who prefer softer rice can increase the ratio to 1:1.5.

It's important to note that the water-to-rice ratio may also vary depending on the specific model of your steam cooker. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended ratio for your appliance.

Additionally, if you choose to rinse your rice before cooking, you may need to adjust the water ratio. Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and can result in a small amount of water clinging to the grains. As a general rule, reduce the water by 2 tablespoons for each cup of rice that has been rinsed.

By using the correct water-to-rice ratio and making adjustments as needed, you can ensure that your steamed rice turns out perfectly every time.

Soak the rice before steaming

Soaking rice is an important step in the cooking process, and it comes with several benefits. Firstly, it helps to remove the unwanted layers from the rice grains, making them softer and fluffier. Soaking also speeds up the cooking process, as the grains absorb water and become plumped, allowing them to cook more evenly and reducing the cooking time.

According to celebrity nutritionist and author Rujuta Diwekar, soaking rice before cooking has several health benefits. It helps in boosting the gastrointestinal tract and improves the body's ability to absorb vitamins and minerals from the rice. Soaking also removes phytic acid, a substance found in plant seeds that impairs the absorption of important minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium. Therefore, those suffering from zinc and iron deficiency may particularly benefit from soaking rice before cooking.

The ideal soaking time depends on the type of rice being used. For brown, black, red, and unpolished rice, it is recommended to soak for 6-12 hours. Polished brown rice should be soaked for 4-6 hours, while sticky rice is best soaked overnight. Basmati, jasmine, and sushi rice only require 15-20 minutes of soaking.

When soaking rice, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure optimal results. First, pick through the grains and remove any visible grit or foreign particles. Then, place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. Avoid rubbing the rice excessively with your hands, as this creates more friction between the grains and will prolong the rinsing process. After rinsing, soak the rice in enough room temperature water to cover it by about an inch. If you decide to soak the rice overnight, keep in mind that the cooking time will be significantly reduced, so monitor the rice closely during cooking.

Add flavourings to the water

How to Cook Rice in a Steamer

There are many ways to add flavour to your rice while cooking it in a steamer. One way is to replace the water with tea or coconut milk, which will give your rice extra fragrance and flavour. You can also use chicken, pork, vegetable, or mushroom stock to add more umami to your rice.

Additionally, you can add salt and a splash of oil to the water. If you're looking for more specific flavour profiles, you can add fried onions, tomatoes, spices, or other ingredients that fit the cuisine you're preparing. For example, if you're making Mexican rice, you could add tomatoes, onions, and spices like cumin and chili powder to the water. Or, if you're making Asian-style rice, you could add ingredients like ginger, garlic, and green onions.

Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find your favourite flavoured rice! Just remember, if you're adding salt or other ingredients that may leave a residue, be sure to wash your rice before cooking to remove any excess starch so that it doesn't become sticky.

Don't stir the rice under the water level

When cooking rice in a steam cooker, it is important not to stir the rice while it is under the water level. This is because stirring the rice can release excess starch, which can result in clumpy or sticky rice.

While it is not necessary to stir the rice under the water level, it is important to push the rice grains off the sides and ensure they are all under the water level before cooking. Rice left above the water surface may burn during the cooking process.

Stirring rice while cooking can also affect the cooking process, which depends on the development of steam inside the pot. Opening the lid to stir the rice will cause steam to escape, which may result in improperly cooked rice.

Therefore, it is best to leave the rice undisturbed during the cooking process and only stir it after it has finished cooking to break up any clumps and release steam.

Frequently asked questions