rice in a steamer
Cooking rice in a steamer, or rice cooker as it's also known, is a great way to make perfectly cooked rice. Steamers allow you to stop worrying about the rice burning or the pot water boiling over. Simple rice steamers are relatively inexpensive, low maintenance and easy to work. If you frequently cook rice and are tired of the guess work and fussing over the stove top, try cooking rice in a steamer. Add this to my Recipe Box.
About Rice Steamers
Rice steamers are simple machines. They use small sensors that measure heat and moisture within the cooking chamber. It's designed to automatically turn off when those sensors indicate a certain level. One of the features that makes rice cookers so convenient is that unlike cooking rice on the stove top, once you turn on the rice steamer, you can leave it until it's time to serve.
Some of today's rice steamers have multiple compartments for adding meat or vegetables to cook a complete meal using one piece of equipment. If your steamer comes with these features, consult the user's manual in order to get the full use.
Rice to Water Ratio
Measure the correct quantity of rice. No matter how simple the steamer's technology, you still need to work with the proper amount of ingredients for the best result. Some rice steamers have display lines within the cooker basket to indicate proper water levels.
Many steamers come with small cups for measuring rice and water. Use the cups that came with the steamer if you have them. If not, use your own measures. Plain white rice cooks best with a 2:1 water to rice ratio. Brown and wild rice will generally require an extra half cup of water and extra time. Some steamers have an adjustment switch for cooking brown rice.
Cooking the Rice
Before cooking, you may want to rinse the rice. This removes some of the starch from the rice grains and keeps it from becoming sticky during the cooking process. Of course, if you prefer a stickier rice, skip this step.
Apply a light coating of oil or butter to the steamer basket and place the measured rice inside. Follow by adding the proper amount of water and a pinch of salt or other preferred seasoning blend. If you like, you can use chicken, vegetable or fish broth instead of water for added flavor. You can also stir in one-half cup of sauteed or raw diced onions at this time.
When you have added all of your ingredients, place the lid on the steamer and turn it on. When the food finishes cooking, an indicator light alerts you. Be careful when removing the lid, as escaping steam from the top can scald. Serve the rice immediately.
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