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How To Cook Rice: Stove Top, Instant Pot, and Rice Cooker Methods

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Rice is a staple in many cuisines around the world and is loved for its versatility, and ability to complement countless dishes. Whether you’re making a hearty stir-fry, a comforting curry, or a light salad, knowing how to cook rice properly can elevate your meals.

brown bowl with cooked white rice. chopsticks next to the bowl of rice

In this post, we’ll share three popular methods for cooking rice: stove top, Instant Pot, and rice cooker. Each method has its advantages, so you can choose the one that best fits your cooking style!

PRO TIP: If cooking brown rice, let the rice soak in water for 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to soften the outer husk and will make the brown rice fluffier once cooked.

RELATED ARTICLE: Kinpira Gobo (Sauteed burdock Root) to serve with rice

1. Cooking Rice on the Stove Top

Stove-top cooking is a classic method that many home cooks swear by. It’s straightforward and requires minimal equipment. This method can be used for all types of rice, but is essential if you are using traditional Asian rice like Koshihikari (a popular Japanese rice)

IMPORTANT TIP: Do not open the lid while it is cooking – I know it’s hard not to peek! The rice needs the steam to cook properly and if you open the lid and let the steam out, it will take longer to cook.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  • 2 cups of water or broth
  • Salt (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a medium pot and rinse the rice with cold water until the water runs clear. You can use a fine strainer if desired. This helps remove excess starch, clean any particulates on the rice and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. It’s recommended that this step is not skipped
  2. Bring to a Boil: In a medium saucepan, add the washed rice and 2 cups of water or broth. Add a pinch of salt if desired and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Cover and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer. For white rice, cook for about 18-20 minutes. For brown rice, it usually takes around 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
  4. Fluff and Serve: Once the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

RELATED ARTICLE: Curry Chicken and Rice casserole

2. Cooking Rice in an Instant Pot

The Instant Pot has become a favorite for many home cooks due to its speed and convenience. It cooks rice perfectly and requires minimal supervision. The stainless steel pot is also a popular choice for those who want a teflon alternative.

sauteed burdock and carrots in a bowl on top of rice

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of rice (white, brown, or basmati)
  • 1 cup of water or broth
  • Salt (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the Rice: As with the stove top method, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In the Instant Pot, combine the rinsed rice, water or broth, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Set the Pressure: Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Rice” setting for white rice (typically 4-8 minutes, depending on your model). For brown rice, set it to manual pressure for 20 minutes.
  4. Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before switching the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
  5. Fluff and Serve: Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and enjoy!

TIP: You can double or triple the recipe by keeping in the 1 cup rice:1 cup water ratio. The cooking times remain the same

RELATED ARTICLE: Chicken and Green Beans – Serve with rice

3. Cooking Rice in a Rice Cooker

A rice cooker is a fantastic appliance that simplifies the rice cooking process. It’s designed specifically for this purpose and can produce perfect rice every time.

an open rice cooker showing cooked rice in the pot and a rice spoon in the rice

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  • 1 cup of water or broth
  • Salt (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear.
  2. Add to Cooker: Place the rinsed rice in the rice cooker and add the appropriate amount of water or broth. Add a pinch of salt if you like.
  3. Cook: Close the lid and turn on the rice cooker. Most models will automatically switch to “keep warm” once the rice is cooked, usually in about 10-15 minutes for white rice and 30-45 minutes for brown rice.
  4. Fluff and Serve: Once the rice is finished, let it sit for about 5 minutes before opening the lid. Fluff with a fork and serve!

Tips for Perfect Rice

  • Rice Types: Different types of rice require different water-to-rice ratios and cooking times. Be sure to check the package instructions for best results. For fluffier brown rice, add an extra 1/4 cup of water.
  • Add Flavor: Enhance the flavor of your rice by cooking it in broth, adding herbs, or including aromatics like garlic or onion.
  • Storage: Cooked rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 6 months. Reheat with a splash of water to bring back moisture.

Find What Works For You – You MAy Like MOre THan One Option

Whether you prefer the traditional stove top method, the speedy Instant Pot, or the convenience of a rice cooker, there’s a rice cooking technique that suits everyone. By mastering these methods, you can easily incorporate this versatile grain into your meals.

So, grab your favorite rice and start cooking—delicious dishes await!

What To Eat With Rice

By on October 7th, 2024

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