Emilie Meyer
Salton offers a range of rice cookers with steaming capabilities, including the 8-cup, 10-cup, and Multifunction Micom Rice Cooker models. These appliances simplify the rice-making process by automatically cooking and warming the rice, and some even come with a steaming basket that allows you to prepare vegetables, seafood, poultry, and more while your rice cooks below. To steam in a Salton rice cooker, simply follow the standard operating procedure: add rice and water to the appliance, turn it on, and let the cooker take care of the rest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 8 cups, 10 cups, 12 cups, 20 cups |
| Functionality | Automatic, one-touch, non-stick, steaming basket included |
| Accessories | Steaming basket, measuring cup, 'Stir & Serve' spatula, soup spoon |
| Features | Glass lid, 'Cook' and 'Keep Warm' indicator lights, stainless steel body |
What You'll Learn
Use the correct rice-to-water ratio
When steaming rice in a Salton rice cooker, it's important to use the correct rice-to-water ratio to ensure perfectly cooked rice. The specific ratio will depend on the type of rice you are using. For short-grain white rice, the ratio is typically one part rice to one part water. This type of rice has a higher starch content, so using equal parts water will help prevent it from becoming mushy or sticky.
For other types of rice, such as brown rice, the ratio is usually higher, with one part rice to between 1.3 and 2.5 parts water. Brown rice requires more water as it is a whole grain and takes longer to cook. Using too little water can result in undercooked or hard rice. It is also important to note that the rice will expand to about three times its original volume when cooked, so be sure not to overfill your rice cooker.
The correct rice-to-water ratio will ensure that your rice is cooked properly and has the desired texture. If you prefer softer rice, you can increase the amount of water slightly, using a ratio of one part rice to 1.5 parts water. Conversely, if you like your rice with a firmer texture, you can reduce the water ratio slightly. Experimenting with different ratios will help you find the perfect texture for your taste preferences.
Additionally, pre-soaking your rice for about 10 minutes before cooking can also improve the texture and reduce the cooking time. After soaking, simply drain the rice, add the appropriate amount of water according to the type of rice and your desired texture, and place it in the rice cooker. The rice cooker will take care of the rest, automatically switching to warming mode once the rice is cooked, ensuring that your rice is ready to serve whenever you need it.
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Pre-soak the rice
Pre-soaking rice is not always necessary, but it can improve the texture and taste of certain types of rice, such as basmati and imported rice. Pre-soaking helps to separate the grains, resulting in fluffier and less sticky rice. It is recommended to soak these types of rice for 2 hours in cold water before cooking. This process allows the grains to absorb a small amount of water, making them tender without becoming mushy. It also helps the rice cook more evenly and reduces the water required during cooking.
For other types of rice, such as long-grain rice, pre-soaking is optional. Soaking any variety of rice in water for 30 minutes can plump the grains, leading to more independent grains that are less likely to break down during cooking. However, a short 30-minute soak does not significantly alter the cooking time. To noticeably reduce cooking time, rice should be soaked for 6 to 24 hours. Even with an overnight soak, the cooking time may only be reduced by a few minutes.
When pre-soaking rice, it is important to rinse the rice first until the water runs clear. Then, add water to the rice in a specific ratio. For long-grain rice, use a ratio of 1 part rice to 2 parts water. For aromatic rice, use a ratio of 1 part rice to 1.5 parts water. Let the rice soak for the desired amount of time, and then proceed with the cooking process as usual.
It is worth noting that the benefits of pre-soaking rice extend beyond texture and taste. According to some experts, pre-soaking helps retain the nutritional value of the rice. By removing the extra starch on the outside of the rice, pre-soaking can prevent a gluey texture and ensure the rice has the desired level of stickiness.
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Prepare the rice cooker
To prepare your Salton rice cooker for steaming, start by removing the rice pan from the cooker. It's important to note the size of your particular model, as rice will expand to about three times its original volume when cooked. So, be sure not to overfill the rice pan.
Next, measure the dry rice and water into the rice pan. You can refer to the cooking instructions on the package of rice to determine the ideal rice-to-water ratio. As a general guideline, short-grain white rice typically calls for a 1:1 ratio, while brown rice may require a 2:2.5 ratio. If you want fluffier rice, consider rinsing the uncooked rice with clear water and letting it soak in the water for about 10 minutes before proceeding.
Once you've added the appropriate amount of water and/or rinsed the rice, return the rice pan to the cooker and replace the lid. Now, you're ready to plug the rice cooker into an electrical outlet and turn it on by pressing the 'on' lever or button. The cooker will automatically take care of the rest, including turning off when the rice is finished or switching to a warming mode to keep the rice ready for serving.
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Turn the cooker on
To turn on the Salton rice cooker, locate the button or lever on the appliance. This is usually found on the front of the cooker, near the base. It may be a simple button that you press, or a lever that you press down. Once you have located this, you can turn the cooker on by simply pressing the button or lever. A light will illuminate to indicate that the cooker has started.
The cooker will automatically turn off when the rice is finished, or it will switch to a warming mode to keep the rice warm until you are ready to serve. This warming feature is indicated by a light that turns on when the rice is cooked. If your model does not have a warming feature, it will not have a warming light.
The Salton rice cooker is an incredibly useful appliance, as it simplifies the process of making rice. It also comes in a range of sizes, from 8 cups to 10 cups to 12 cups and even 20 cups of cooked rice capacity. This means you can make the perfect amount of fluffy rice every time, without the worry of burning or overcooking it.
The Salton rice cooker is also versatile, allowing you to cook different types of rice and grains, such as sushi rice, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal and cream of wheat. It also comes with a steaming basket, so you can prepare vegetables, seafood, poultry, and more while your rice cooks.
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Fluff the rice
To make fluffy rice in a rice cooker, start by letting the rice rest for 10 minutes with the lid on. This will help the rice finish cooking and ensure that the grains are fully cooked and have a fluffy consistency. This technique can be used for all types of rice, including brown, jasmine, basmati, and long-grain rice.
Next, use a rice paddle to slowly mix the rice and break up any lumps. Rice paddles are specifically designed to stir rice without making it mushy. Most rice cookers come with a rice paddle. If yours didn't, you can purchase one from a speciality kitchen store, or use a plastic fork or plastic salad server instead. Avoid mixing the rice for longer than a minute, as this can make it mushy.
If you want to add flavour to your rice, swap out the water for the same amount of broth or stock. You can also add herbs and spices to the cooking pot before cooking, as well as other aromatics, such as sautéed onions or garlic.
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Frequently asked questions
The Salton rice cooker comes with a steaming basket that lets you steam vegetables, fish, seafood, poultry, and meats while your rice cooks.
After adding the rice and water to the appliance, turn it on and let the cooker do the rest. It will turn off automatically when the rice is finished or switch to a warming mode to hold the rice until you are ready to serve.
The ratio depends on the type of rice you are cooking. Short-grain white rice requires a 1:1 ratio, while brown rice might require a 2:2.5 ratio.
To remove some of the starch, wash the uncooked rice in the pan with clear water, drain, and then add the rice for cooking. For fluffier rice, let the rice sit in the water for about 10 minutes before turning the cooker on.
When the rice is finished cooking, a light will turn off. If your cooker has a warming feature, a warming light will turn on. Remove the rice pan from the cooker and do not use a metal spoon to take the rice out. Use a wooden or plastic rice paddle instead.
