Creative Rice Steamer Recipes For Delicious Meals

Rice steamers are a great way to cook rice, and they can be used to cook a variety of dishes besides rice. They are versatile and convenient, and can help you achieve perfectly cooked rice every time. You can use a rice steamer to cook different types of rice, including white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, and basmati rice. Additionally, rice steamers can also be used to cook other ingredients such as vegetables, seafood, and dumplings simultaneously with the rice. This makes it a time-saving and efficient tool for preparing a complete meal.

How to steam rice

Steaming rice is a great way to get perfectly cooked grains, and it's a very versatile cooking method. You can steam rice in a steamer pot, a rice cooker, or even a makeshift setup with a pot and a steaming rack. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve fluffy, delicious rice every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by rinsing the rice under cold water. This step helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from sticking together. You can use any type of rice you prefer, such as jasmine, basmati, or long-grain rice.

Step 2: Soak the Rice

Some recipes recommend soaking the rice for about 10 minutes. Soaking helps the rice cook more evenly and results in fluffier grains. However, be careful not to over-soak, as this can lead to broken grains.

Step 3: Prepare the Steamer

The general rule for the rice-to-water ratio is 1:2, or 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water. However, this may vary depending on the type of rice and your desired consistency. For firmer rice, use less water, and for softer, stickier rice, add a bit more. You can also replace the water with broth, tea, or coconut milk for extra flavour.

Place the rice in a steaming basket or a heat-proof container that fits inside your steamer. If using a steamer pot, add the water or broth to the pot, ensuring that the steaming basket sits above the water level. Cover the pot with a lid or a kitchen towel to trap the steam and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Steam the Rice

Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the rice steam. The cooking time will depend on the type of rice and your steamer, but it usually takes around 15-20 minutes for white rice and 40-45 minutes for brown rice.

Step 5: Rest and Fluff the Rice

Once the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps the rice grains firm up and become fluffy. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork or a rice paddle to separate the grains, and your perfectly steamed rice is ready to be served!

Tips for Variation:

• Adjust the water-to-rice ratio to achieve your desired texture.
• Experiment with different types of rice to find your favourite.
• Add seasonings, such as salt, herbs, or spices, to the water for extra flavour.
• Steam vegetables, seafood, or dumplings along with the rice for a complete meal.

How to cook rice in an electric steamer

Ingredients and Equipment

• 1 cup of rice (jasmine, basmati, or any variety you prefer)
• 2 cups of water or broth (for softer rice, add a little more water)
• Electric steamer with a steaming basket
• Fine-mesh sieve or colander for rinsing the rice
• Measuring cup and spoon
• Kitchen towel or lid to cover the steamer

Step-by-Step Guide

• Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent it from sticking together.
• Measure 1 cup of rice and place it in the steaming basket of your electric steamer.
• Add 2 cups of water or broth to the steamer's reservoir. You can adjust the amount of water based on your preferred rice texture and the instructions on the rice package.
• Place the steaming basket with the rice inside the steamer, ensuring it sits above the water level.
• Cover the steamer with a kitchen towel or lid to create a tight seal, which will trap the steam and ensure even cooking.
• Turn on the steamer and set the timer. For white rice, set the timer for 25 to 30 minutes. For brown, red, or wild rice, set the timer for 45 minutes to an hour. If your steamer has specific rice settings, use those instead.
• Once the timer goes off, carefully open the steamer and check if the rice is cooked. It should be tender and fluffy, with each grain separated.
• If the rice is not evenly cooked, cover and let it steam for another 5 to 10 minutes.
• Once the rice is fully cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps the rice grains to firm up and become fluffy.
• Finally, fluff the rice with a fork or a rice paddle to separate the grains, and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Rice

• Experiment with different types of rice to find your favorite. Jasmine rice is fragrant and slightly sticky, while basmati rice has a delicate flavor and long, slender grains.
• Adjust the water-to-rice ratio based on your desired texture. For firmer rice, use less water, and for softer, stickier rice, add more water.
• Add seasonings, such as salt, herbs, or spices, to the water for extra flavor, especially if you plan to use the rice as a base for stir-fries or curries.
• Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and any impurities.
• For extra-fluffy rice, skip rinsing if you're making sweet or "sticky" rice, as rinsing will remove the layer of rice flour that makes it sticky.

Tips for perfect rice

Rinsing and Soaking

First, rinse the rice under cold water. This step helps to remove any excess starch and prevents the rice from sticking together. After rinsing, let the rice soak for at least 10 minutes. Do not over-soak, or you may end up with broken grains of rice. Drain the rice and transfer it to a heat-proof container that fits your steamer.

Rice to Water Ratio

The ideal rice to water ratio depends on your preference for rice texture. Typically, the ratio is 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water. However, for firmer rice, slightly decrease the water amount, and for softer, stickier rice, add a little more water. If you're using short-grain rice, you can reduce the ratio to 1:1.1.

Cooking

Place the container with the rice and water in your steamer, ensuring it sits above the water level. Fill the steamer with cold water, not boiling water. Cover the steamer with a lid or kitchen towel to create a tight seal, which will trap the steam inside for even cooking. Turn the heat to high and cook for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered in the steamer for at least another 5 minutes. This helps the rice grains to firm up and become fluffy.

Fluffing and Serving

Finally, fluff up the rice with a fork or rice paddle to separate the grains, and serve while hot.

What to cook with rice

Rice steamers are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas and instructions for what you can cook with rice in a rice steamer:

Steamed Rice

First, let's master cooking rice in a rice steamer. The process is simple and yields perfectly cooked grains. Start by rinsing the rice under cold water to remove any excess starch and prevent it from sticking together. The amount of rice you use depends on your preference and the serving size. A standard serving is typically 1 cup of rice. For every cup of rice, you'll need twice the amount of water or broth. You can adjust the water-to-rice ratio based on your desired texture. For firmer rice, use less water, and for softer, stickier rice, add a little more.

Place the rice in the steaming basket and add the water or broth to the pot, ensuring the basket sits above the water level. Cover the pot with a lid or kitchen towel to trap the steam and cook the rice evenly. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the rice steam for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork or rice paddle to separate the grains, and serve!

Flavoured Rice

You can easily add flavour to your steamed rice by replacing the water with tea or coconut milk for extra fragrance and flavour. Use chicken, pork, vegetable, or mushroom stock for more umami. Additionally, you can add salt, a splash of oil, fried onions, tomatoes, spices, or other ingredients according to your preferred cuisine. For example, a knotted pandan leaf added to the pot can give your rice a lovely scent. You can also try adding crushed garlic cloves, butter, fried onions, or chicken broth.

Rice as a Base

Steamed rice is a versatile base for a variety of dishes. You can use it as a side dish, incorporate it into recipes, or use it as a base for a protein or vegetable bowl. For instance, you can pair it with steamed chicken and rice with ginger scallion sauce, or Thai steamed coconut rice with mango. If you're feeling adventurous, try steamed rice with Moroccan chicken tagine, which offers a robust blend of spices and succulence.

Cooking Rice with Other Ingredients

Rice steamers also allow you to cook other ingredients simultaneously, making them a convenient tool for preparing complete meals. You can steam vegetables, seafood, or even dumplings in separate compartments or on top of the rice while it cooks.

So, get creative and experiment with different types of rice, flavours, and ingredients to discover your favourite rice-based creations!

How to cook rice without a rice cooker

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

First, measure out your desired amount of rice. It's important to rinse the rice under cold water to remove any excess starch and prevent the rice from sticking together. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then drain it.

Step 2: Soak the Rice

Soaking the rice is an important step to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Place the drained rice in a pot and cover it with about 2 inches of water. Let the rice soak for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Cooking Water

Once the rice has soaked, drain off the soaking water. Measure the same amount of fresh water as you have rice and pour it into the pot. For brown rice, you may need to add a little more water.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for 10-15 minutes for white rice or 20-25 minutes for brown rice.

Step 5: Let the Rice Rest

After the rice has finished cooking, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This allows the rice grains to firm up and become fluffy.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Finally, fluff the rice with a fork or a rice paddle to separate the grains, and serve it hot.

Tips:

• Adjust the water-to-rice ratio based on your desired texture. For firmer rice, use less water, and for softer, stickier rice, add more water.
• Experiment with different types of rice, such as jasmine or basmati, to find your favourite.
• You can add seasonings, such as salt, herbs, or spices, to the water for extra flavour.

Frequently asked questions