Rice Cooker Properly Use Step-by-Step Guide
How to Use Rice Cooker – This question is very common among new or busy cooks. Looking for an easy way to save time and cook rice accurately in today’s busy life? Rice cooker can be the best solution for you. By using it, you can easily, in less time and with moderate effort, get neat and tasty rice cooked correctly.
In this paper we will demonstrate how to use a rice cooker step by step and the amount of rice and water. You should use and what are the pitfalls you need to be careful of. Let’s get started.
What is a rice cooker & the reason why should you use it?
Rice cooker is a kind of electricity appliance. Which combines rice & water in a particular proportion & cooks it under a certain temperature. It has been structured in a manner that once you commence cooking. It completes the cooking on its own at a set time & has the capability of keeping the food warm at a later time.
Top reasons to use a rice cooker daily
Saves time
Rice never burns
Food stays hot for a long time in warm mode
No need to stand in front of the stove to cook
Easy solution for new cooks
Getting Ready Before Cooking
There are some basic steps to follow before a rice cooker is used so as to achieve maximum cooking results.
Selecting the Ideal Type of Rice
Select your preferred rice (basmati, atap, boiled). The water absorption capacity of different rice is different hence water quantity must be modified with experience.
Washing the rice
Rinse the rice 2-3 times approx until the water gets clear. This eliminates the surplus starch & renders the rice less sticky.
Soaking the rice (optional)
Wetting the rice also accelerates the cooking process and also makes the rice pluffier. As a rule, the soaking time should be 20-30 minutes.
How to Use Rice Cooker Step-by-step.
Now let’s get to the real part – how to use a rice cooker. Below are the simple steps:
Step 1: Measure the rice
Two people will be satisfied with a cup of rice. A cup of rice is usually given to two persons.
Step 2: Rinse rice and put it into the cooker pot.
Add rice in the inner part of the rice cooker & pour the required quantity of water. Generally:
Rice one -1 cup rice-1.5cups water.
Parboiled rice -1 cup rice: 2 cups water.
Atap rice – 1 cup rice : 1.25 cups water
(The volume of water could differ slightly with respect to the model of the rice cooker and rice type)
Step 3: Close the lid
Put the pot at the right position in the cooker & tighten the lid.
Step 4: Press the ‘Cook’ button
Connect the power plug of the cooker and press the ‘Cook’ button. It will start cooking.
Step 5: it will switch to the warm mode when cooked.
The rice cooker will be put to the warm setting after its full cooking. The rice will swell further during this period.
Step 6: Wait 5-10 minutes to serve.
Wait few minutes till the cooking is performed, leave the lid unopened. This will assist the rice set to improve.
What to do after cooking
Clean the pot
Wash the pot once it has cooled down after cooking. In case it is a non-stick pot then clean it gently with sponge.
Clean the outer part of the cooker.
Make sure that water does not accumulate on the outside. This will increase the life of the appliance.
Common mistakes and solutions
Problem Cause Solution
Rice remains raw Less water Increase the amount of water
Rice melts Reduce the amount of excess water
Sticks to the bottom Rice has not been washed or oiled Wash the rice thoroughly and add a little oil
The cooker is not working. There is no power connection or the button has not been pressed properly Check that everything is fine, reset if necessary
Additional Tips – Using the Perfect Rice Cooker
Use a measuring cup to measure rice and water
A drop of oil or ghee while cooking makes the rice fluffy
Cooking with salt enhances the flavor of the rice
You can steam vegetables or eggs while the rice is cooking (if you have a steamer tray)
Waiting a few minutes after the rice is cooked without opening the lid will make the rice look nice
The most common questions of using rice cookers.
Q1. Do you wash the rice when cooking rice in a rice cooker?
Answer: Washing the rice will remove the starch that is excess in the rice hence, in most instances the rice will not stick. Nevertheless, there are rice cookers that can be washed without washing the rice in case of using special no-wash rice.
Q2. What is the amount of water to add into a rice cooker?
Answer: The water quantity ought to be placed based on the nature and quantity of rice. The amount of water used is usually written in the inside of the rice cooker depending on the quantity of rice. However, in absence, then 1.5 times the quantity of water per cup of rice is appropriate.
Q3. Which kind of rice is the most effective in a rice cooker?
Answer: White basmati, gold and pink rice are cooked well in a rice cooker. But, in preparation of brown rice as well as any special rice, the quantity of water and time must be slightly raised.
Q4. Why does the rice always become wet or pasty upon cooking?
Answer: When there is excessive water added or the rice is over washed and it takes very long to drain away then the rice may turn into a paste. The measurements, therefore, must be maintained.
Q5. What can be prepared with the help of rice cooker other than rice?
Answer: Yes, a rice cooker can be utilized in preparation of dal, soup, steamed vegetables and even small cakes and puddings. It is multifunctional.
Conclusion: How to use Rice Cooker – With this guide, it is easy to prepare fluffy and delicious rice perfect. A rice cooker can become a good partner in the kitchen with the correct measurements, timing and with some small tricks.
The thing is that it is a wonderful device of novice cooks and the best method to prepare perfect rice even during the rush.