Steaming Rice, The Pampered Chef Way: Quick, Easy Perfection

The Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker is a versatile piece of kitchen equipment that can be used to cook rice, pasta, quinoa, and other grains, as well as steaming vegetables and even baking cakes. It is designed to be used in the microwave and comes in different sizes: 1-qt. (1-L), 2-qt. (2-L), and 3-qt (3-L). The Micro-Cooker is a convenient option for those who want to make quick, healthy meals without the need for multiple appliances. To cook rice, the general ratio is 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of liquid (water or broth), but specific types of rice may have different instructions, so it is always best to check the rice package for precise measurements and cooking times. For example, long-grain white rice is cooked on high for 12-15 minutes, then left to stand for 10 minutes, while brown rice is cooked for 5 minutes on high, followed by 20 minutes at 50% power. The Micro-Cooker is also suitable for cooking other grains, such as quinoa, which is cooked at 100% power for 6 minutes with a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups of water or broth.

Rice-to-water ratio: 1:2

To cook rice in the Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker, the rice-to-water ratio is generally 1:2. However, it is recommended to follow the instructions on the rice package for the best results, as different types of rice may require different amounts of water.

For instance, the instructions for long-grain white rice in the 3-qt. (3-L) Micro-Cooker® Plus or 2-qt. (2-L) Micro-Cooker® call for a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water, plus a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. The rice is then cooked in the microwave on HIGH, covered, for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked. After cooking, let the rice stand, covered, for about 10 minutes, and then fluff it with a fork before serving.

If you are using the Micro-Cooker to prepare brown rice, the cooking time and power will be different. For this type of rice, start with 5 minutes on HIGH, and then continue for about 20 minutes at 50% power. It is important to note that these timings are approximate and may vary depending on the power of your microwave.

Additionally, if you are using the Micro-Cooker to cook grains like quinoa, the same 1:2 ratio applies. For quinoa, combine 1 cup of uncooked, rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or broth in the 3-qt. (3-L) Micro-Cooker. Microwave this on HIGH, covered, for around 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Finally, fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving.

Cooking time: 12-15 minutes for white rice

To cook white rice in the Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker, combine 1 cup of long-grain rice, 2 cups of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in the Micro-Cooker. Place the boil-over guard on top of the rice and water, and then secure the lid, ensuring the handles are locked.

Microwave the rice on high for 12 to 15 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave, so it is recommended to start with a shorter cooking time and adjust as needed. Once the rice is cooked, let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

If your rice already comes with microwave instructions, follow the package directions.

Let rice stand for 10 minutes before serving

Allowing the rice to stand for 10 minutes before serving is a crucial step in the rice-cooking process. This step is essential for achieving the desired texture and ensuring the rice is cooked through.

Firstly, the rice will continue to steam and cook during this time, absorbing any remaining liquid. This ensures the rice is not left too dry or too crunchy. It also helps to harmonise the flavours and create a more uniform taste throughout the rice.

Secondly, this resting period allows the rice to firm up and finish cooking. This is especially important if you plan on serving long-grain rice, which requires a more thorough cook. The rice will also settle during this time, so it is important to fluff it with a fork before serving to ensure it is light and fluffy.

Finally, this step is important for food safety reasons. Rice should never be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, and it is best to chill rice for a salad as soon as possible. Therefore, allowing the rice to stand for 10 minutes is a good opportunity to let it cool slightly before serving or storing.

Fluff rice with a fork after it's cooked

To make perfectly fluffy rice, it is important to let the rice rest for 10 minutes after it has finished cooking. This allows the steam to dissipate and helps the rice to have an even texture. Then, use a fork to gently fluff the rice. Avoid using a spoon, as this can bruise and mush up the rice. The prongs of a fork carefully separate the cooked grains, removing lumps and separating the delicate grains without crushing them. This process gives the rice a fluffy consistency.

Fluffing rice is a great way to avoid the grains from sticking together and becoming gluggy. It is an essential step in making perfectly cooked, light, and fluffy rice.

Use the 3-quart Micro-Cooker Plus to prevent boil-overs

The 3-quart Micro-Cooker Plus is a great option for preventing boil-overs when cooking oatmeal. It's designed to be used in the microwave and is perfect for starchy foods like oatmeal, rice, quinoa, pasta, polenta, and potatoes.

The Micro-Cooker Plus has a boil-over guard that works with the lid to keep liquids from boiling over and making a mess in your microwave. This guard has a hole in the middle and sits on top of the main body, which is the pot where the food cooks. The lid then locks into position over the boil-over guard.

To cook oatmeal in the 3-quart Micro-Cooker Plus, simply follow the microwave instructions on the oatmeal container. This will ensure your oatmeal turns out perfectly without any boil-overs.

If you're cooking oatmeal without specific microwave instructions, here are some general guidelines. First, add your desired amount of oatmeal and enough water to cover it by an inch or more. Then, microwave for 7-8 minutes, depending on your microwave's power. Be sure to use oven mitts or heat-proof pads when removing the cooker from the microwave, as it will be very hot.

You can also use the 3-quart Micro-Cooker Plus to cook other foods like pasta, rice, and quinoa. For example, to cook white rice, combine 1 cup of long-grain rice, 2 cups of water, and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt in the cooker. Microwave on high for 12-15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Then, let the rice stand, covered, for about 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork and serving.

The 3-quart Micro-Cooker Plus is a versatile tool that can help you prepare a variety of meals quickly and easily without the worry of boil-overs.

Frequently asked questions