Steaming Rice Perfection With A Multi-Cooker

Steaming rice is a great way to cook it without a rice cooker, and it can be done on a gas stove, in an oven, or even in a microwave. Using a multi-cooker, such as an Instant Pot, is a convenient way to cook rice, steam, and slow cook using just one appliance. If your multi-cooker has a steam basket, you can also steam vegetables and meat at the same time as your rice, saving time and counter space. The general rice-to-water ratio is 1:1 for white rice and 1:1.5 for brown rice, but this can vary depending on personal preferences and the type of rice.

Rice-to-water ratio: 1:1 for white rice, 1:1.5 for brown rice

Steaming rice is a great way to cook rice, especially if you don't have a rice cooker. It is a foolproof method to get perfectly cooked rice every time.

Rice-to-Water Ratio

The rice-to-water ratio depends on the type of rice being used and personal preference for rice texture. Here is a general guide for white and brown rice:

• White rice: Use a 1:1 rice-to-water ratio for firm rice, and a 1:1.5 ratio for softer rice.
• Brown rice: Use a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio.

Steps to Steam Rice

• Pre-soak the rice for at least 10 minutes.
• Drain the rice and transfer it to a shallow, heat-proof container that fits in your steamer.
• Add the appropriate amount of water to the rice according to the desired rice-to-water ratio.
• Place the container in a steamer filled with cold water. The water should not be boiling when the rice is placed into the steamer.
• Turn the heat to high, cover the steamer, and cook for about 20 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let the rice sit in the steamer, covered, for at least 5 more minutes. You can keep it in the steamer to stay warm until you are ready to serve.

Tips for Steaming Rice

• You can use a metal multi-tiered steamer, a bamboo steamer, or even a makeshift steaming setup.
• Experiment with different liquids and flavourings, such as tea, coconut milk, stock, salt, oil, fried onions, tomatoes, spices, or other ingredients according to the cuisine you're preparing.
• Rinsing the rice before cooking can help remove excess starch, resulting in less sticky and more fluffy rice. However, this step is not necessary for basic long-grain white rice.

Other Methods to Cook Rice

In addition to steaming, you can also cook rice on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, or in the microwave. Each method has its advantages and can produce delicious, fluffy rice with the correct rice-to-water ratio and cooking technique.

Rinse rice before cooking

Rinsing rice before cooking is a crucial step in achieving the perfect batch of fluffy, individual grains of rice. While it may seem like an unnecessary extra step, it is important for both cleanliness and achieving the desired texture.

Firstly, rinsing rice removes any dirt, dust, debris, chemicals, and bugs that may have been picked up during the rice's lengthy journey from farm to table. These are things you certainly don't want to end up eating!

Secondly, rinsing rice removes excess starch from the surface of the grains. Rice, especially white rice, has a layer of starch on the outside that can cause the grains to become sticky and clump together during cooking. By rinsing the rice, you give this surface starch somewhere to go, so it doesn't end up locking the grains together in a gummy mess. The result is rice with a fluffy texture and individual grains.

To rinse rice effectively, use a fine-mesh strainer, colander, or sieve and rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear. This can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the type of rice. For white rice, you can also use the bowl method, where you place the rice in a bowl, cover it with water, agitate it, and then pour off the cloudy, starchy water. Repeat this process until the water becomes relatively clear.

Seasonings: salt, herbs, oil, butter, stock, spices

When steaming rice in a multicooker, you can use a variety of seasonings to infuse your rice with flavour. Seasonings can be added to the rice cooker before the rice is cooked, or stirred in at the end of the cooking cycle.

Salt is a basic seasoning that can be added to rice to enhance its flavour. You can also experiment with other spices, like cumin, curry powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes. Adding dried spices like these to the rice cooker before cooking will help to infuse the flavour into the rice.

Butter is another seasoning that can be added to the rice cooker. For a richer flavour, you can sauté dry rice in butter before cooking. Alternatively, you can add fresh herbs, like dill, parsley, oregano, or cilantro, at the end of the cooking cycle.

If you want to add a more savoury flavour to your rice, you can replace the water with chicken or vegetable stock. For an even richer flavour, you can use coconut milk instead of water.

Finally, oil is another important seasoning. Adding a splash of oil to the rice cooker, along with the water, will help to ensure your rice doesn't stick to the cooker.

Cooking time: 10-12 mins for white rice, 22-28 mins for brown rice

Steaming rice is a great way to cook rice without a rice cooker. It's also a good method if you're cooking in small batches or want to reduce the number of dishes you have to wash.

Here's a simple way to steam rice in a multicooker:

Cooking White Rice

First, rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer or inside the multicooker pot. Then, add the rice to the multicooker pot along with water and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir and spread the rice out in an even layer.

Close the multicooker lid and turn it on. Let the multicooker do its magic until it signals that the rice is done.

Once the multicooker is done, let the rice sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes. Then, use a rice paddle to fluff it up before serving.

The cooking time will depend on the type of rice you're using. For white rice, the cooking time is typically 10-12 minutes.

Cooking Brown Rice

The cooking process for brown rice is similar to that of white rice, but the cooking time is longer. After rinsing and adding water, cook the brown rice in the multicooker for 22-28 minutes.

Let the brown rice rest for about 10 minutes after cooking, and then fluff it with a rice paddle before serving.

Tips for Perfect Steamed Rice:

• Use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water for white rice. For brown rice, use a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 2 1/4 cups of water.
• Don't lift the lid while the rice is cooking, as this will release steam and affect the cooking process.
• Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent sticky or mushy rice.
• Let the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow it to absorb excess water and firm up slightly.
• Fluff the rice with a rice paddle to separate the grains and prevent clumping.

Now you know how to steam rice in a multicooker! With these tips, you'll be able to cook fluffy and delicious rice every time.

Fluff rice with a fork after cooking

Fluffing rice is an important step in the cooking process as it helps to separate the grains and prevent them from sticking together and becoming mushy. This technique can be used for all types of rice, including brown, jasmine, basmati, and long-grain rice.

After your rice has finished cooking, it's important to let it rest for 10 minutes with the lid on. This allows the steam to dissipate and ensures that the rice grains are fully cooked and have an even texture.

Once the rice has rested, it's time to fluff it with a fork. Use a carving fork, rice paddle, or plastic fork to gently stir the rice and break up any lumps. Make short, shallow motions and rake across the top of the rice before lifting sections up with your fork. Be careful not to stir or mix the rice for too long, as this can make it mushy. The goal is to aerate the rice and give it a fluffy consistency.

If you're using a rice cooker with a non-stick interior, avoid using metal utensils as they can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for a plastic rice scoop, wooden spoon, or chopsticks to fluff your rice.

Frequently asked questions