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Rice Cooking Methods

			Versatility is the word - Lots of ways to easily cook rice, let us show you how!		

All about rice tips

RICE COOKER METHOD

The easiest way to consistently cook great rice
You are going to love this kitchen shortcut!

How to Use a Rice Cooker

Measure the Rice: Use the measuring cup that comes with your rice cooker to measure the desired amount of rice. Most rice cookers use a 180ml cup, which may be smaller than a standard measuring cup.
OPTIONAL Rinse the Rice: Place the measured rice in a strainer or bowl. Rinse the rice under cold water, gently swirling it with your hand. Repeat until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Add Water: Transfer the rinsed rice to the rice cooker’s inner pot. Add water according to the rice cooker’s instructions. Typically, the pot has marked lines indicating the appropriate water level for the amount of rice you are cooking. If not, a general ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.5-2 cups of water, depending on the type of rice.
Place the Pot in the Cooker: Put the inner pot with the rice and water into the rice cooker. Make sure it is properly seated and dry on the outside.
Cover and Start: Close the lid of the rice cooker. Press the “Cook” button. The cooker will automatically switch to “Warm” mode once the rice is cooked.
Let It Rest: After the rice cooker switches to “Warm” mode, let the rice sit for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and improves the texture.
Fluff and Serve: Open the lid and use a rice paddle or silicone utensil to fluff the rice gently. Serve the rice hot.

Tips:

Avoid Overfilling: Do not overfill the rice cooker. Follow the maximum capacity guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Different Rice Types: The water-to-rice ratio can vary for different types of rice (e.g., brown rice, jasmine rice). Refer to the rice cooker manual for specific instructions.
Cleaning: After use, unplug the rice cooker and allow it to cool before cleaning. Wash the inner pot, lid, and any removable parts with warm soapy water.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to cook perfect rice every time with your rice cooker!

Tip:You can purchase a Dainty Rice Cooker with a steamer basket, to steam vegetables or even warm chicken or shrimp as your rice cooks below. BUY

Tip: Here’s a 15 second video showing you how it’s done!

HOW TO USE A RICE COOKER in… 15 SECONDS

TIP: Rule of thumb: use the same ratio of water to rice as you would for the evaporation method of the rice variety

TRICK: If you add a bit of butter or oil to your cooker, the cooking liquid won’t bubble up nearly as much OR Take a piece of paper towel, fold it half and tuck the middle part of the long edge just under the edge of your lid near the vent hole, the paper towel will absorb the excess.

Chef Jonathan Cheung shows you how HERE

Even little people love using rice cookers

FAVOURITE RICE COOKER RECIPES

Try our coconut jasmine rice

Try our sausage and shrimp ‘pilau’

Evaporation method

The basic way to cook rice

Use 1 cup (250ml) of uncooked white rice, 2 cups of water or broth (amount of liquid will differ by the variety of rice, always check the package for directions)
Place these ingredients in a 4-cup, or larger, saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring occasionally.
Once boiled reduce heat to a low simmer and cover with your tight-fitting lid. Cook for approx. 12-15 minutes, according to the package directions.
Once cooked remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve

Tip: Often you will find a ‘favourite’ pot in your kitchen that makes perfect rice, a little trial and error!

Trick: For the best results, use a heavy bottomed pot with a well-fitted lid.

Favourite stovetop recipes

Try our one pan bacon cheeseburger rice

Try our maple rice pudding

Baking rice in the oven

Another simple way to get consistent results!
Jonathan’s Basmati Baking Method

Baked rice is a delicious and versatile dish that can be a great addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with various ingredients to suit your taste. You can also prepare ahead and refrigerate.

Benefits of Baked Rice

Easy to Prepare: Baked rice is a simple dish that requires minimal effort and ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a no-fuss meal.
Versatile: You can customize baked rice with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, meats, and seasonings, to create different flavours and textures.
Consistent Results: Baking rice in the oven ensures even cooking and fluffy texture, reducing the risk of undercooked or mushy rice.
Great for Meal Prep: Baked rice can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for easy reheating and serving later.

Basic Baked Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup Basmati rice (or other long-grain rice such as jasmine)
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional add-ins: diced vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, peas), cooked meat (chicken, sausage), herbs (thyme, parsley)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sauté the Aromatics: In an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Add the rice to the skillet or baking dish and stir to coat the rice with the oil and aromatics. If using any optional add-ins like vegetables or cooked meat, stir them in at this stage.
Add the Broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the rice mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake the Rice: Cover the skillet or baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Tip: Same instructions for baking other white long grain rice varieties Basmati, Jasmine, Royal long grain etc…

Tip: BROWN RICE requires an extra cup of liquid and 60 minutes to bake.

Cook rice like pasta method

No fail approach to rice the way you want it

For this technique, any large pot can be used.

Bring 10 or more cups of water to the boil and sprinkle the rice in. Stir the rice occasionally to prevent sticking.

Like pasta, taste-test for doneness.

Once cooked (approximately 10 minutes), immediately and thoroughly drain the rice in a sieve and rinsed with a little tepid water to stop it cooking further.

TIP: Lower-amylose rice’s such as sushi, risotto, paella or jasmine, are not recommended to be cooked via this method, because you will likely end up with a sticky mess

Microwave method

Ratios will depend on the strength of your microwave, so we offer approximate guidelines

Guidelines:

Long grain rice

Combine 1 cup (250mL) rice and 2 cups (500mL) water in a 6-cup (1.5L) microwavable baking dish or glass bowl.

Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 minutes.

Reduce heat to MEDIUM-HIGH and cook for 9-10 minutes.

Remove from microwave and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes or until water has been absorbed.

Fluff with a fork before serving.

If desired, add 1 tsp (5mL) salt and 1 tbsp (15mL) butter before cooking.

Short grain rice

Proceed in the same manner as for long grain rice, but cook for only 12 minutes at MEDIUM-LOW, and let stand 5 minutes.

Brown rice

Proceed as for long grain rice, but cook for 45 minutes at MEDIUM-LOW, stirring twice with a fork during cooking.

Let stand 5-8 minutes after cooking.

Cook rice in a pressure cooker

Less traditional but doable.

When cooking in an electric pressure cooker, the water-to-rice-to-release ratio needs to be accounted for, our Dainty Chef, Jonathan Cheung, recommends a ratio of 1:1. Cooking times may vary by pressure cooker brand as well as the type of rice. Typical instructions are as follows: