Black & Decker Rice Steamer: A Cooking Guide

Cooking rice to perfection can be challenging, but with the Black & Decker steamer, you can achieve perfect rice in a few simple steps. Using a steamer is a healthy way to prepare rice without the added fats of frying or sauteing, and it also frees up stove space. To get started, place your steamer near a power outlet and gather your ingredients: rice, water, and any desired seasonings. Always refer to the owner's manual for the exact water quantity, as it varies by rice type and model. The general process involves filling the water reservoir, adding rice and water to the rice bowl, securing the lid, setting the timer, and carefully removing the cooked rice when it's done. You can also cook vegetables, fish, and meat in the steamer for healthy meals.

Place the steamer on a solid surface near a power outlet

To get started with your Black & Decker steamer, find a solid surface near a power outlet to place the steamer on. This could be on a counter or table—any flat surface that can comfortably accommodate the steamer. Make sure you have easy access to the power outlet, as you'll need to plug the steamer in soon.

Before plugging in and turning on your steamer, it's important to gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. For cooking rice, you'll need the steamer itself, rice, and water. Check your owner's manual for the exact amount of water required, as it can vary depending on the type and amount of rice you're cooking. For instance, if you're preparing 1 cup of brown rice in the Black & Decker HS90 Handy Steamer Plus, you'll need 1 1/4 cups of water. Having easy access to the power outlet is crucial at this stage, as you'll need to plug in the steamer once you've added the ingredients.

When placing the steamer near a power outlet, opt for a solid and stable surface that can withstand the heat and moisture generated during the steaming process. This is important for safety reasons and to protect your furniture or countertops from potential damage. Additionally, ensure that the power outlet you choose is easily accessible and not obstructed by any objects that could interfere with the steamer's power cord.

By choosing a convenient location near a power source, you can easily plug in the steamer and begin the cooking process. Remember to refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions related to your particular model of the Black & Decker rice steamer cooker. Each model may have slight variations in its operation, so consulting the manual will ensure you're using your specific steamer efficiently and correctly.

Add cold tap water to the reservoir

To use a Black and Decker rice steamer cooker, you should always use cold tap water in the reservoir. Firstly, place your steamer on a solid surface near a power outlet. Then, using cold tap water, fill the water reservoir to the designated line. Be sure to refer to the owner's manual for the exact amount of water needed. For example, to cook 1 cup of brown rice in the Black & Decker HS90 Handy Steamer Plus, you will need to add 1 1/4 cups of water. Do not use other liquids like broth. Next, put the steaming bowl onto the base. After this, add the measured rice and water to the rice bowl, and carefully place the rice bowl with the rice and water into the steaming bowl. It's important to use only water in the rice bowl, and not to add other liquids such as broth. Secure the lid tightly to ensure proper steaming.

The Black and Decker steamer is a great, healthy way to prepare rice and vegetables without the added fats present in frying or sautéing. It frees up stove space, providing an alternative cooking option if you don't have a stove.

Measure rice and water, add to the bowl

To cook rice in your Black & Decker steamer, start by placing the appliance on a solid surface near a power outlet. Then, measure the rice and water according to the instructions in the owner's manual. For example, to cook 1 cup of brown rice in the Black & Decker HS90 Handy Steamer Plus, you will need 1 1/4 cups of water.

Once you have measured the correct amount of rice and water, carefully add them to the rice bowl. The rice bowl will go inside the larger steaming bowl, so be mindful not to fill it too high. After adding the rice and water, place the rice bowl inside the steaming bowl and cover it with the lid, ensuring that it is latched tightly to create a seal. This tight seal is crucial for the steaming process to work effectively.

It is important to note that you should only use water in the steaming bowl, not broth or any other liquid. The water in the rice bowl, however, can be replaced with broth or juice if you wish to infuse your rice with additional flavour. This is a great way to enhance the taste of your rice without adding fat, as you would when frying or sautéing.

Always refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions and guidelines regarding the type and amount of rice you are cooking. Different varieties of rice may require slight adjustments to the water ratio and cooking time. By carefully following these instructions, you will be able to produce perfectly cooked rice with ease using your Black & Decker steamer.

Secure the lid tightly to ensure proper steaming

Securing the lid tightly is an important step in ensuring your rice is cooked properly. The lid plays a pivotal role in the cooking process, sealing in steam and flavours so that every grain of rice cooks to perfection.

To secure the lid tightly, first check that the rice bowl is correctly placed inside the steaming bowl. Next, carefully place the cover on top, ensuring that the lid is latched tightly to create a seal. This seal is important as it stops steam from escaping, which is necessary to cook the rice.

It is important to be careful when handling the lid, especially if it is made from glass or another fragile material. Always allow the lid to cool before cleaning and avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent cracking or breaking.

After cooking, when you are removing the lid, be sure to keep your hands and face clear of the bowl to avoid steam burns.

Set the timer and wait

Once you've added the ingredients to your Black & Decker rice steamer cooker, it's time to set the timer and let the machine work its magic. The timer on Black & Decker steamers can be set for anywhere between one and 75 minutes. The duration depends on the type and amount of rice you're cooking.

For example, if you're cooking white rice, set the timer for around 35-36 minutes for one cup of rice. For brown rice, the cooking time is a bit longer, at 50-52 minutes for the same amount. It's always a good idea to refer to the owner's manual for specific water-to-rice ratios and cooking times, as they can vary slightly between different models of the Black & Decker steamer.

After setting the timer for the minimum suggested time, you can walk away and let the steamer do its job. When the timer goes off, it's time to check on your rice. Carefully open the steamer and give the rice a stir. This is a good opportunity to check if the rice is cooked to your desired doneness. If it needs more time, there's a simple procedure to follow. First, shake off any excess water from the cover over the sink and secure it back onto the steamer.

Then, you can set the timer again for additional time, referring to the doneness and cooking guidelines provided with your steamer. This process ensures that your rice is cooked just right, and you can now focus on preparing the rest of your meal or tackling other tasks while your rice cooks to perfection.

Frequently asked questions