Steamed Rice: Slow Cooker Method For Perfect Results

Steamed rice is a great side dish for many meals, but it can be challenging to cook on a stovetop without burning it. However, a slow cooker can make the process much easier and more convenient. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make steamed rice in a slow cooker:

Ingredients:

- Dry white rice (medium-grain or any other variety)

- Butter or oil (optional)

- Salt to taste

- Water or chicken broth

Method:

1. Prepare the slow cooker by greasing the inside with butter or oil to prevent the rice from sticking.

2. Rinse the desired amount of rice with water to remove excess starch. This step is optional but helps prevent clumping.

3. Place the rinsed rice, water or broth, and salt in the slow cooker. The general ratio is 2-3 cups of liquid for every cup of rice.

4. Cover the slow cooker and set it to high heat. Cooking times may vary depending on the type of rice and the amount you are preparing. For white rice, cook for 1.5-2.5 hours on high. For brown rice, cook for about 3 hours on high.

5. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Tips:

- You can add various seasonings, herbs, or spices to the rice for extra flavor.

- If you want to cook a large batch, slow cookers are perfect for making enough rice to store in the fridge for up to six days or in the freezer for up to three months.

Rinse the rice to remove excess starch

Rinsing rice before cooking is an important step in preparing rice in a slow cooker. It helps to remove excess starch from the rice grains, which can cause the rice to stick together and become clumpy. To rinse the rice, place it in a fine mesh sieve and run it under cool water, slowly moving the sieve to ensure that all the grains are coated. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, then shake off any excess water. Alternatively, you can swish the rice around in a bowl of water, draining and replacing the water until it is no longer cloudy. This process will ensure that your cooked rice has a light and fluffy texture, rather than a sticky and clumpy one.

Grease the slow cooker

Greasing your slow cooker is an important step in the rice-making process. It ensures that your rice doesn't stick to the cooker, making it easier to clean and helping to create a better end product.

To grease your slow cooker, you can use a non-stick cooking spray, or a natural oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil. You can also use butter, but make sure it is softened first. Simply take a folded paper towel, coat it with your chosen oil or butter, and rub it onto the inside of the slow cooker.

If you are using a slow cooker with a non-stick cooking surface, you may not need to grease it at all. However, if you are cooking starchy foods such as pasta or mashed potatoes, it is a good idea to grease the cooker to prevent sticking.

Add rice to the slow cooker

Now that you've measured out the amount of rice you want to cook, it's time to add it to the slow cooker. But first, give your rice a thorough rinse to remove any excess starch. Place your rice into a fine mesh sieve and run it under cool water, moving the sieve to ensure all the grains are covered. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, then shake off any excess water. This step will help prevent your rice from turning into a clumpy mess.

Next, grease the inside of your slow cooker with oil or butter. This will prevent the rice from sticking to the sides of the cooker. You can skip this step if your slow cooker has a non-stick cooking surface.

Now it's time to add the rice to the slow cooker. Spread the rice evenly across the bottom of the cooker, ensuring there are no mounds or thin spots. If you're using a steamer basket, place the rice in the basket and set it inside the cooker.

At this point, you can also add in any seasonings or mix-ins you'd like. A pinch of salt is always a good idea, and you can also add in fresh herbs, spices, or a tablespoon of butter for a richer flavor.

Finally, pour in the water. As a general rule, use 2-3 cups of water for every cup of rice. Give the mixture a quick stir to fully incorporate the water, then place the lid on the slow cooker.

Your rice is now ready to be cooked! Set your slow cooker to high heat and let it work its magic for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. You can also cook it on low heat if you're going to be out of the house, but this will add a few hours to the cooking time.

Once the time is up, remove the lid and give the rice a good stir to fluff it up. Your slow cooker rice is now ready to be served or stored for later!

Add water to the slow cooker

Adding water to the slow cooker is a crucial step in making steamed rice. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Measure the Rice

Before adding water, measure out the desired amount of rice you want to cook. Use dry cups and whole cup increments for accuracy. Typically, 1 cup (190 g) of rice is a standard serving for one person. Remember, rice can double in size when cooked, so plan accordingly. You can cook any type of rice in a slow cooker, including white, brown, wild, jasmine, or basmati.

Step 2: Rinse the Rice

Thoroughly rinse the rice to remove excess starch and prevent sticking. Place the rice in a fine mesh sieve and run cool water over it, ensuring all grains are reached. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, then shake off excess water. Alternatively, swish the rice in a bowl of water, draining and replacing the water as needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Grease the inside of your slow cooker with oil or butter. This step helps prevent the rice from sticking to the cooker. Use about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of oil or softened butter, coating the bottom and sides evenly. If your slow cooker has a nonstick cooking surface, you may skip this step.

Step 4: Add the Rice to the Slow Cooker

After rinsing, add the rice directly to the slow cooker. Spread it evenly along the bottom, ensuring no mounds or thin spots are visible. Any size slow cooker will work, but a larger, oblong variety that holds at least 6 quarts (5.7 L) will provide the most even heating.

Step 5: Add Boiling Water (Optional)

Some people prefer to bring the water to a boil before adding it to the rice. This method starts cooking the rice immediately and may reduce the chances of it becoming overly soft or gummy. Heat the desired amount of water in a kettle, then carefully pour it into a glass measuring cup.

Step 6: Add Water to the Rice

For every 1 cup (190 g) of rice, add 2–3 cups (0.47–0.71 L) of water to the slow cooker. The general rule is to use twice as much water as rice. Give the mixture a quick stir to fully incorporate the water, then place the lid on the slow cooker. Brown rice usually requires more water, while white rice needs slightly less.

Step 7: Cover with Parchment Paper (Optional)

Although optional, covering the rice with parchment paper can help retain moisture and prevent the rice from drying out. Trim the parchment paper to fit comfortably over the opening of the slow cooker, leaving a few inches of extra material on all sides. Ensure no gaps are present for steam to escape. Avoid using plastic cling wrap, as it may melt due to prolonged heat exposure.

Cook the rice

The first step to making steamed rice in a slow cooker is to prepare the cooker itself. If you have a steamer basket, place it inside the slow cooker, removing the centre post if possible. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a wire rack or several small balls of foil. Cover the slow cooker and preheat it on high for 15 minutes.

Next, add 2 cups of boiling water to the slow cooker. If you want to add extra flavour, you can replace some or all of the water with chicken stock.

Place a 1½-quart dish on the steamer basket, rack, or foil. In the dish, combine another 2 cups of boiling water, 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice, and ½ tsp of salt. You can also add in other seasonings, such as fresh herbs, spices, garlic salt, butter, or olive oil. Give the mixture a quick stir.

Cover the dish with a lid, plate, or foil. Then, cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1½ hours, or until the rice has absorbed the water.

If you are making brown rice, spray the inside of your slow cooker generously with nonstick cooking spray before adding any ingredients. Then, combine 3⅔ cups of water or reduced-sodium broth with 2 cups of brown rice. Add in any extra ingredients, such as 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 or 2 tablespoons of snipped fresh herbs. Cook the rice on high heat for 3 hours.

To make wild rice, first soak the rice in water for a few hours or overnight. Then, drain and rinse the rice with cold water until the water runs clear. Combine 4 cups of water (or reduced-sodium broth) with 2 cups of rinsed and drained wild rice in your slow cooker. Stir in any extra ingredients, such as finely chopped garlic and onions. Cook on low heat for 3 hours.

Frequently asked questions