Don’t think that cooking rice with an electric rice cooker is as simple as plugging it in. Though it may seem straightforward, if you don’t know a few tips and tricks, the rice cooked will not be as delicious as you’d like.
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Rice rinsing
The usual habit for people is to pour water into the rice and rub it a few times, and that’s it. However, this method does not preserve the nutrition of the rice. When rinsing the rice, first pour water into the pot, use your hand to stir it evenly to let the dirt float to the surface and then gently pour out that water. Next, pour another round of water in, stir gently and also pour out that water, that’s how you have completed the rice rinsing process.
Absolutely do not rub the rice too hard with your fingers, because the outer layer of the rice contains a lot of nutrients and is prone to peeling. With this method, when the rice is cooked, you will see a shiny layer on the grains of rice, which is the valuable nutrients from the rice grains.
Soak the rice before cooking
After rinsing the rice, pour water into the pot and soak for 30 minutes. The effect of soaking the rice will help it cook faster.
Use a spatula to stir when the rice is boiling
When you see the rice pot boiling and emitting thick smoke, open the lid and use a spatula to stir it evenly, then cover the lid again for the rice cooker to continue boiling until cooked. Regardless of the type of rice you cook, you should always do it this way, because during the cooking process, the rice grains are compacted together, so stirring the rice will distribute the water more evenly and make the rice softer and fluffier.
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Frequently asked questions
To cook rice perfectly, follow these steps: Rinse the rice to remove excess starch, use the right ratio of water to rice (usually 2:1), add a pinch of salt to taste, bring the water to a boil, add the rice and return to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cook covered for 12-15 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and enjoy!
For fried rice, it is best to use a long-grain rice that is dry and separated. Basmati rice or jasmine rice are good choices as they have a firm texture and distinct flavor that works well in fried rice dishes.
To make rice less sticky, reduce the amount of water used during cooking. For every cup of rice, use 1 and 3/4 cups of water. This will result in a drier, less sticky rice.
Mushy rice is usually a result of using too much water during cooking. Make sure to use the correct ratio of water to rice, and avoid lifting the lid while the rice is cooking, as this can affect the cooking process and lead to mushy rice.
Yes, you can freeze cooked rice. Simply let the rice cool to room temperature, portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, and freeze for up to 6 months. To thaw, transfer the rice to the refrigerator overnight or defrost in the microwave.