When cooking a large amount of rice at once, nothing is easier than using a rice cooker. You simply add rice and water and wait, which allows you to do other tasks while the rice cooks. But do you know how long can you keep rice in a rice cooker? And while using a rice cooker is simple, there are a few extra steps you can take to save cleaning time and ensure you get perfectly cooked rice.
What is a rice cooker?
It is a kitchen tool that can be used to cook many types of rice and grains. Rice cookers work by boiling water, which is then soaked into the rice until it is soft. Plus, the rice cookers work automatically, allowing you to work on other tasks while the rice cooks without having to worry about it boiling over or burning.
What do you need to use a rice cooker?
Here are a few pieces of equipment you will need to run a rice cooker:
- Rice cooker;
- rice paddle;
- Rice;
- water;
- Beaker;
- Optional: reusable rice cooker cloth.
Should rice be washed?
Many experienced rice cooker users rinse their rice before putting it in the appliance. But why do they wash the rice first, and does it always need to be washed?
The purpose of rice washing is to get rid of any pesticides and chemicals that may be left on the grain. In addition, rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which gives the rice a uniform texture and prevents the rice cooker from boiling over.
While rinsing rice is a good practice for most varieties of rice, you should check the packaging of the rice first. Some rice is fortified with vitamins and minerals that dissolve when the rice is rinsed with water.
How Long Can You Keep Rice In A Rice Cooker?
Different types of rice require different amounts of water and different times to cook thoroughly. Luckily, the rice cooker will be able to detect when the rice is done and turn itself off automatically. It usually takes 25 to 35 minutes to cook a large amount of rice in a rice cooker.
How much water should be used in a rice cooker?
The amount of water you need to use in the rice cooker will depend on the type of rice you are using, as well as whether you rinse the rice before adding it to the rice cooker. Here is a breakdown of the different types of rice and how much water you need to use to cook them:
For each cup of rice, use the amount of water shown below:
- Extended-size white rice – 1 + 3⁄4 cups;
- Medium grain white rice – 1+1⁄2 cups;
- White fine-grained rice – 1 + 1⁄2 cups;
- Long grain brown rice – 2 + 1⁄4 cups;
- Steamed rice – 2 cups;
- Basmati rice or jasmine – 1 + 1⁄2 cups.
How to use the rice cooker?
- Measure out the right amount of rice and place it in a container.
- Optional: Rinse rice until water runs clear.
- Transfer the rice to the inside of the rice cooker.
- Add water to the rice cooker mold.
- Place in the rice cooker and close the lid. At this stage, you can also add any spices, oil or butter.
- Connect the rice cooker and turn it on. Most devices have an indicator on the front panel that indicates that the device is on.
- When the rice is cooked, the rice cooker will notify you by turning off the light, turning the switch up, or making a sound. Once the rice is ready, let it rest for at least 15 minutes on the keep-warm setting before serving. This will allow excess moisture to evaporate, and the rice will completely absorb the water.
- Use plastic serving utensils or rice paddles to serve rice.
Using the rice cooker is quick and convenient, especially when cooking large quantities of rice, making it ideal for catering. In addition, knowing how to rinse rice and the right ratio of rice to water can help make sure you’re serving the fluffiest and best rice to your guests.
What else can you cook in a rice cooker?
Rice cookers can be used for all types of rice, including white, brown, long grain, short grain, jasmine, basmati, and wild rice. They can also be used to prepare various cereals, buckwheat, and oatmeal. Just be sure to adjust the water ratio accordingly, especially if your rice cooker doesn’t have multiple programs. Rice cookers can also be used to prepare mixed dishes by simply placing chopped vegetables or protein sources on top of the rice before cooking. Some even come with racks or baskets that allow you to steam.