Everything you need to know to cook the perfect bowl of rice
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It’s tiny but mighty, versatile and convenient, and able to elevate even the simplest of dishes into a five-star delight. We’re talking rice, a perennial favourite and kitchen essential that’s easy to prep ahead of time and keep a batch in the fridge. Cooked rice can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week or in the freezer for six months.
Naturally gluten-free (great for those with food intolerances), white rice is a source of B-vitamins, phosphorus and zinc, while brown rice is also a source of those vitamins and minerals as well as fibre, magnesium, selenium and manganese.
There are rice varities from all over the world; 65% of the rice enjoyed by Canadians is grown in the U.S., with the most popular types being long grain, medium grain and short-grain rice. Arborio adds a natural creaminess to a risotto dish, while basmati, Thai, jasmine and even black rice lend a unique flavour to popular dishes from around the world.
Rice is a true kitchen lifesaver, and there are several ways to cook it — on the stovetop, in a rice cooker and even in the microwave. Here’s what you need to know to master cooking rice at home.
How to cook rice at home
What you’ll need: To cook rice perfectly at home there are a few supplies needed, though they will differ depending on your preferred method of cooking. Generally you’ll need to have:
- Water
- Rice
- Colander
- Seasoning: Salt, spices and oil
- Pot, rice cooker or microwave-safe bowl
Preparation: Rice needs a good rinsing before being cooked in order to remove excess starch. Measure the amount needed for your recipe, place in a fine colander and rinse under cold water until it runs clear. Place the colander over a bowl and allow water to drip. Use a fork to run through rice to separate evenly. Set aside until needed.
Ratio of liquid to rice: Most packaged rice offers a similar ratio for rice: 1 cup rice to 2 1/2 cups water. To this, add 1 tsp. salt and 1 tbsp. of fat such as oil or butter before cooking.
Note: Some recipes call for the rice to be toasted in the oil before liquids are added, specifically when making a creamy risotto.
How to cook rice in a pot
When cooking rice on the stove, combine all ingredients, stir, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and stir occasionally until rice is tender on the outside but has a little bite — you don’t want overcooked rice.
Look for a pot that has a strong, heavy-bottom with a non-reactive stainless steel interior that is dishwasher-safe. This ensures even heat distribution to prevent your rice from sticking to the bottom or getting burnt. A tight lid is ideal to trap steam. Check out our recommendations:
TeamFar Saucepan with Lid ($30): A two quart cooking pot made of stainless steel with a long, heatproof handle. Non toxic, multi-use and dishwasher safe, this pot is sufficient for one to two people. It’s ideal for making a small batch of rice, making a sauce and even reheating leftovers.
T-Fal Specialty Karahi ($30): This pot has a flat base with a circular design and comfortable grip. Ergonomic and environmentally friendly, it features a long-lasting non-stick coating free of PFOA. Oven safe for temperatures up to 350F.
All-Clad Hard Anodized Nonstick Saucepan ($95): This pot has high, straight sides to hold heat and limit evaporation, making it ideal for cooking rice along with other foods. It’s made from nonstick heavy gauge aluminum with a stainless-steel base that delivers even heat for consistent cooking. It has riveted steel handles and a tempered glass lid; oven safe up to 500F and compatible with any stovetop, including induction.
How to cook rice in a rice cooker
Rice cookers come in all sizes and price ranges, many with programmable settings that free up the cook to focus on the rest of the meal. They’re ideal for those who want to be able to “set it and forget it,” as most rice cookers simply require adding all ingredients into the pot and selecting the cook time. Read our guide to the best rice cookers, including a few suggestions:
Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer ($60): With a two quart capacity that can hold 64 fluid ounces, just plug this rice cooker in and you’re ready to go. It has pre-programmed settings that can also cook and steam food at the touch of a button. Two-in-one basket includes rice rinser and steam basket.
Black + Decker 2-In-1 Rice Cooker and Food Steamer ($30): This rice cooker features a nonstick bowl, steaming basket and six-cup capacity that automatically keeps food warm once it’s done cooking. This option has fewer bells and whistles than some other models, but at a wallet-friendly price that still gets the job done.
Cuckoo Six-Cup Micom Rice Cooker ($115): Smart looking with advanced cooking features, this rice cooker has 12 menu options for a variety of foods including traditional rice, sticky rice and porridge. A nonstick removable inner pot with detachable lid makes cleaning up a breeze.
How to cook rice in the microwave
Personally, I find this the easiest way of cooking rice; it’s fast, versatile and I don’t have to babysit the rice. You need a good-sized, microwave-safe bowl and cover to let off steam.
Begin by combining all ingredients well and microwaving on high for five to six minutes. Stir and microwave for an additional 10-12 minutes on medium for the perfect rice. You can also purchase a microwave-safe rice maker, including the following:
Good Cook 11 Cup Microwave Rice Cooker ($22): Dishwasher safe, BPA free and user-friendly, this microwave rice cooker comes with its own paddle for scooping. Follow instructions for the perfect rice made in the microwave.
Ricardo Microwave Rice Cooker ($19): Enjoy any type of rice in under 12 minutes. This microwave rice cooker is BPA-free and has a convenient inner lid that makes for optimal steam circulation for perfect, fluffy rice. Comes with a measuring cup and serving spoon and is excellent for the kitchen, office or dorm.
Source: nationalpost.com