Steaming Jasmine Rice: Perfecting The Art With A Rice Cooker

Jasmine rice is a subtly perfumed rice used across South East Asia, particularly in Thai food. It is softer than most rice, so you need less water to cook it. Here is a simple guide on how to steam jasmine rice in a rice cooker.

Firstly, rinse the rice 1-2 times with cold water to get rid of any extra starch. Then, use a 1:1 ratio of water to rice. For example, if you are cooking 2 cups of rice, add 2 cups of water. Place the rice and water in the rice cooker and turn it on. Do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking. Once the rice cooker indicates that the rice is done, let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Finally, open the lid and fluff the rice with a rice paddle.

Rinse the rice

Rinsing the rice is an important step in the process of cooking jasmine rice. It is recommended to rinse the rice several times in cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps to remove any impurities and excess starch from the rice grains.

Using a large stainless steel strainer or a bowl, gently swirl the rice with your hand and drain the cloudy water. Repeat this process 2-4 times. It is important to note that the water may never become completely clear, and that is okay. After the final rinse, make sure to drain off all the water completely before proceeding to the next step.

If you are using retail rice bought in sealed bags, rinsing the rice is not compulsory as it has likely been processed to remove debris and excess starch. However, if you are particular about removing any remaining starch or if you buy your rice directly from a farm, rinsing is a good idea.

Additionally, if you are in the habit of rinsing your rice or if your Asian mother insists on it, by all means, go ahead! While it may be a bit of a hassle, it won't significantly affect the end result, and it might give you some peace of mind.

Rice cooker settings

The ideal rice cooker setting for jasmine rice is the "white rice" setting, which usually takes about 20 minutes to cook. If your rice cooker doesn't have a "white rice" setting, you can use the "rice" setting, which is a pre-set program that turns the appliance off automatically according to the setting chosen.

In general, jasmine rice should be cooked for about 20 to 25 minutes in a rice cooker. Once the rice cooker is done cooking, it is important to wait for at least 10 minutes before opening the lid and fluffing the rice. This is because the rice will continue to absorb water and steam, resulting in a softer texture.

If you are using an Instant Pot, you can cook jasmine rice by using the "Pressure Cooker" setting or the "Rice" setting. For the Pressure Cooker setting, close the lid and turn the steam release valve to "sealing". Press "Pressure Cooker" and ensure it's on "High Pressure". Set the timer for 3 minutes.

For the Rice setting, close the lid and turn the steam release valve to "sealing". Press "Rice", and it will automatically set the timer. The cooking time will be the same whether you double or triple the recipe. Once the timer goes off, wait for 10 minutes and then release the pressure fully.

Tips for Perfect Jasmine Rice:

• Rinse the rice in several changes of water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent sticky rice.
• Do not soak the rice before cooking, as this will affect the water-to-rice ratio.
• Use a 1:1 water-to-rice ratio for rice cookers and Instant Pots. For example, 1 cup of rice will need 1 cup of water.
• For stovetop cooking, use a 1.5:1 water-to-rice ratio. For example, 1 cup of rice will need 1.5 cups of water.
• Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the rice.
• After cooking, let the rice rest for 10 to 15 minutes with the lid on before fluffing it with a fork or rice paddle.
• For extra flavour, you can replace the water with chicken broth.

Water to rice ratio

The key to getting perfectly cooked jasmine rice is to use the right water-to-rice ratio. Jasmine rice is softer than most types of rice, so you need less water to cook it. The standard ratio for white rice is 1.5 cups of water for every cup of rice. For jasmine rice, you should use 1 and 1/4 cups of water for every cup of rice. This will ensure that your rice is soft and fluffy, rather than gummy or mushy.

If you are cooking jasmine rice in a rice cooker or an Instant Pot, the water-to-rice ratio will be slightly different. In these appliances, very little water is lost during the cooking process. Therefore, you should use a 1:1 water to rice ratio. For example, if you are cooking 1 cup of rice, use 1 cup of water. The cooking time will be the same whether you double or triple the recipe.

When cooking jasmine rice on the stovetop, use a 1.5:1 water to rice ratio. For example, use 1.5 cups of water for every cup of rice. Bring the water to a rolling boil in a saucepan, then add the rice and bring it back to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice cook for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and wait for 10 minutes before opening the lid and fluffing the rice.

Rinsing the Rice

Some people recommend rinsing rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffier texture. However, this is not necessary for jasmine rice and can be a hassle. If you do choose to rinse your rice, you will need to reduce the amount of water used in the cooking process. For example, if you are using 1 cup of rice, reduce the water by 2 tablespoons if rinsed or by 3 tablespoons if rinsed and soaked for 1 hour.

Fluff the rice

Fluffing the rice is an important step in the rice-cooking process, as it helps to separate the grains and ensure they are evenly cooked. Here's a detailed guide on how to fluff your jasmine rice after cooking it in a rice cooker:

Let the Rice Rest

Before fluffing your rice, it's crucial to let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and ensures that the moisture is evenly distributed throughout the grains. Depending on the amount of rice you've cooked, let it rest in the rice cooker for about 5 to 10 minutes after it's done cooking.

Use the Right Utensil

When fluffing rice, it's important to use the right utensil to avoid damaging your rice cooker. If your rice cooker has a non-stick coating, avoid using metal utensils like forks, as they can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for a rice paddle, a wooden spoon, or a spatula. If you don't have any of these utensils, a pair of chopsticks can also work!

Now, it's time to fluff! Insert your chosen utensil into the rice and gently lift it up, bringing a section of rice with it. Repeat this motion, working your way around the rice cooker. Be careful not to stir or smush the rice, as you want to avoid making a sticky mess. Think of it as gently raking through the rice to separate and loosen the grains. You can also incorporate some air into the rice as you fluff, creating an even fluffier texture.

Serve and Enjoy

Once you're happy with the fluffiness of your rice, it's time to serve it! Transfer the rice to a bowl or plate, and enjoy it as a side dish or use it as a base for your favourite rice-based meals like fried rice or rice bowls.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't worry if your first attempt at fluffing rice doesn't go exactly as planned. With a little patience and a gentle touch, you'll be fluffing rice like a pro in no time!

Storing leftover rice

It is important to cool rice quickly once cooked and then transfer it to the refrigerator. To do this, spread the rice onto a plate so that it cools quickly and does not spend too long in the temperature danger zone (40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit), which creates an environment for harmful bacteria to grow. Once the rice is cool, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge. Do not store rice in the refrigerator for more than 3 to 5 days.

When you want to eat the rice, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the container and cover it with a damp paper towel. Then, reheat the rice in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or until properly heated through. You can also reheat rice on the stovetop by adding 2 tablespoons of water or broth per 2 cups of rice to a saucepan and heating over low to medium heat.

If you want to store rice for longer than 3 to 5 days, you can freeze it. To do this, let the rice cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Press out any excess air to prevent freezer burn and store in the freezer for up to six months. Note that freezing can affect the texture of the rice, so it is best to use frozen rice in dishes where texture is less important, such as casseroles or soups.

Frequently asked questions