Cooking Steamed Rice: Using A Rice Cooker The Right Way

Steamed rice is a classic recipe that every cook should know. It is a perfect side dish for saucy meals and is a healthier alternative to pasta or bread. In this article, we will teach you how to make steamed rice in a rice cooker, so you can enjoy fluffy and delicious rice every time.

Rinsing rice: To rinse or not to rinse?

Rinsing rice is a controversial topic. Some people swear by it, claiming that it removes dirt, dust, debris, chemicals, and bugs, while others find it unnecessary and even detrimental to the final product. So, what's the verdict?

The Case for Rinsing Rice

Proponents of rinsing rice argue that it is a necessary step to ensure cleanliness. Rice, like any other food, can be contaminated with various substances during its journey from the field to your local supermarket. Rinsing helps to remove any dirt, dust, debris, chemicals, or even bugs that may have found their way into the bag. This is especially important if you purchase your rice from street markets or similar sources, rather than packaged rice from grocery stores.

Another reason to rinse rice is to remove excess starch from the kernels' surface. Rice is coated with starch due to the granules rubbing against each other during transportation and storage. Excess starch can cause the rice to become gummy or overly sticky after cooking. Rinsing the rice helps to wash away this excess starch, resulting in fluffy, separate grains. This is particularly desirable for pilafs, fried rice, and salads, where distinct grains are preferred.

Even when steaming rice for dishes like sushi or kimbap, where a slight stickiness is desired, it is still recommended to rinse the rice to avoid it becoming unpleasantly mushy.

The Case Against Rinsing Rice

On the other hand, some people argue that rinsing rice is unnecessary and can even be detrimental to the cooking process. Those who oppose rinsing rice believe that it is an extra step that does not significantly improve the final product. They claim that modern rice production methods and packaging ensure that the rice is clean and free of contaminants, making rinsing redundant.

Additionally, some types of dishes benefit from the starch that rinsing removes. For example, creamy dishes like risotto, rice pudding, or rice porridge rely on the sticky nature of starch to create their desired texture. In these cases, a thorough rinse is not necessary, and a quick wash is sufficient to ensure cleanliness.

It is also worth noting that rinsing rice can remove some water-soluble B vitamins, especially from polished, enriched, and parboiled white rice that has been fortified with added vitamins.

The Middle Ground

While the debate on whether to rinse or not to rinse rice is ongoing, there may be a middle ground that takes into account the specific type of rice, the desired dish, and personal preferences.

For example, if your priority is fluffy, light rice with distinct grains, then rinsing is recommended. However, if you prefer your rice to be starchier and stickier, as in dishes like risotto or paella, you can skip the rinsing step. It is also important to note that even for sticky rice, a quick rinse will not affect its tacky texture, as the starch inside the grain will still create the desired stickiness during cooking.

Additionally, the type of rice and its origin may influence your decision. White rice, for instance, typically requires more rinsing due to the removal of its husk, germ, and bran, which exposes the softer starchy interior. Brown rice, on the other hand, retains its bran and germ, resulting in less starch and a reduced need for rinsing.

In conclusion, the decision to rinse or not to rinse your rice ultimately depends on your specific requirements and preferences. While rinsing can improve the texture and cleanliness of certain types of dishes, it may be unnecessary or even undesirable in other cases. As with any cooking technique, feel free to experiment and find what works best for you!

Rice cooker settings: What they mean and when to use them

Rice cookers are a convenient and consistent way to achieve perfect, fluffy, and sticky rice. They are also versatile, allowing you to cook different types of rice and even non-rice dishes. Here's a guide to help you understand the various settings on your rice cooker and when to use them.

The "Cook" Setting

The "Cook" setting is the default option for preparing medium or short-grain white rice. It is a simple setting, but it serves as a starting point for cooking other types of rice.

The "Keep Warm" Button

The "Keep Warm" button is a handy feature that keeps your rice warm long after cooking. It ensures that your rice maintains the ideal serving temperature, so you can enjoy it at your leisure.

The "Quick Cook" or "Speedy Cook" Button

The "Quick Cook" option is perfect when you need your rice in a hurry. It cooks the rice faster than the normal settings but may result in slightly harder grains. It's a convenient choice when you're short on time.

The "Reheat" Button

The "Reheat" button is a lifesaver for leftover rice. It revives chilled rice, restoring its freshness and fluffiness in a matter of minutes. No more dry and dull rice in the microwave!

The "Mixed" or "Mixed Rice" Setting

If you're feeling adventurous, the "Mixed" setting lets you combine different ingredients with your rice. It is typically used for rice varieties that include vegetables, meat, or seasonings, allowing you to create flavourful and hearty meals.

The "Porridge" Setting

The "Porridge" setting transforms your rice cooker into a breakfast companion. With this setting, you can make creamy bowls of rice porridge or explore other cereal options for a comforting morning meal.

The "Sweet" or "Cake" Setting

Your rice cooker can even satisfy your sweet tooth! The "Sweet" or "Cake" setting allows you to prepare rice-based desserts or bake a small cake. It's perfect for those unexpected dessert cravings.

The "Brown" Settings

Brown rice requires a bit more attention, and that's where the "Brown" settings come in. These settings adjust the water-to-heat ratio and cooking time specifically for brown rice, ensuring it turns out perfectly every time.

The "Pressure Cook" Setting

The "Pressure Cook" setting mimics a pressure cooker, using steam pressure to cook beans, tough meat, or slow-cooked dishes. It's a versatile option for preparing a variety of non-rice dishes in your rice cooker.

The "Slow Cook" Setting

For stews and delicacies that require slow simmering, the "Slow Cook" setting is ideal. It replicates the traditional slow-cooking method but without the constant monitoring, freeing up your time for other activities.

Understanding Rice Cooker Symbols

Rice cookers often feature a variety of symbols, buttons, and settings that may seem daunting at first. However, these symbols are like a secret language, and decoding them will empower you to explore the full potential of your rice cooker. Don't be intimidated; embrace the adventure of perfect, effortless rice and beyond!

Rice-to-water ratio: How much rice and water to use

The rice-to-water ratio depends on the type of rice being cooked. For example, long-grain white rice requires a different ratio to short-grain white rice.

The ratio also depends on the desired texture of the rice. For softer rice, a higher ratio of water to rice is required. For example, a ratio of 1:2 will produce softer rice, whereas a ratio of 1:1 may be too grainy for some.

Some rice cookers come with a plastic cup for measuring the rice. The cup fits 3/4 cup of dry rice (190g) and 6oz or 3/4 cup (180ml) of water. The inner pot of the rice cooker will have markings indicating the correct amount of water for the number of cups of rice used. If the cup is lost, traditional measuring cups can be used instead.

For those without a rice cooker, the general rule for cooking rice is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. This can be adjusted depending on the desired texture of the rice. For softer rice, a ratio of 1:2 is recommended. If the rice is being cooked in a microwave, the amount of water should be increased to 2 cups.

Rice types: Different types of rice and how to cook them

Long-Grain Rice

Long-grain rice is four times longer than it is wide and has a lighter, fluffier texture. Examples include jasmine rice and basmati rice. For long-grain rice, a good rule of thumb is to use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water. This will give you fluffy, slightly sticky grains of rice. If you prefer your rice less sticky, you can reduce the amount of water slightly.

Medium-Grain Rice

Medium-grain rice is two times longer than its width and has a more tender and chewy bite. Examples include Arborio rice, which is often used for risotto, and sushi rice. Medium-grain rice usually calls for a 1:1 ratio of rice to water, which will give you fluffy rice with a slight stickiness.

Short-Grain Rice

Short-grain rice is almost as wide as it is long and has a plumper, stickier consistency. It is often used for sushi rice or rice bowls. Short-grain rice typically requires less water than longer-grain rice. A ratio of 1:1.1 or 1:1.3 is usually recommended for this type of rice.

Rinsing and Soaking

Before cooking your rice, it is generally recommended to rinse it with cold water to remove any extra starch build-up from broken grains or other debris. You don't need to rinse until the water is completely clear, just rinse once or twice until the water starts to look less cloudy. Some recipes may also call for soaking the rice for at least 10 minutes before cooking.

Cooking Methods

Rice can be cooked on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a rice cooker. Each method will have slightly different instructions and ratios, so be sure to follow the specific instructions for your chosen cooking method.

Tips for Perfect Rice

• Don't lift the lid while your rice is cooking, as this will release steam and affect the cooking process.
• Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking before fluffing it with a rice paddle or fork.
• If your rice is too sticky, try reducing the amount of water or rinsing the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
• If your rice is too dry, add a little more water and leave it on warm for a few minutes.
• For more flavour, try replacing the water with broth or stock, or adding spices and herbs.

Cooking methods: How to cook rice in a pot, oven, or microwave

Cooking rice in a pot

The pot or stove method is the most common way to cook rice. It yields the best results for perfect, evenly cooked, fluffy rice. Here is a simple recipe for cooking rice on a stove:

• Place 1 cup of rice (no rinsing needed!) and 1.5 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat with no lid.
• Once the water is boiling, turn the heat down to low, cover with a lid, and leave for 13 minutes.
• With the lid still on, remove the saucepan from the stove and let it stand for 10 minutes.
• Fluff the rice with a rice paddle, rubber spatula, or fork, and enjoy your perfect fluffy rice!

Cooking rice in an oven

Cooking rice in the oven is a great hands-off, convenient method for cooking large batches of rice. Here is a simple recipe for cooking rice in the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C for fan-forced ovens).
• Place 1 cup of rice and 1.5 cups of boiling water in a small casserole dish with a lid (or use a pan and cover it with foil).
• Cover the dish or pan and bake in the oven for 35 minutes.
• Remove the dish or pan from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes with the lid still on.
• Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork or spatula, and serve.

Cooking rice in a microwave

Cooking rice in the microwave is a quick and easy method that produces fluffy results. Here is a simple recipe for cooking rice in the microwave:

• Place 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of boiling water in a microwave-safe bowl or container that is 3 to 4 times taller than the water level (the water will bubble up).
• Microwave the uncovered bowl on high for 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, cover the bowl with a dish towel or microwave-safe plastic wrap and microwave on medium power for an additional 15 minutes.
• Let the bowl rest in the microwave for 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the steam and become even fluffier.
• Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be very hot), fluff the rice with a fork or spatula, and serve.

Frequently asked questions