How to Cook Rice in a Microwave Rice Cooker
Do you want to cook delicious rice without any hassle and with quick cooking time? If so, a microwave rice cooker may be the right cooker for you.
How do you cook rice in a microwave rice cooker? 1 cup of rice, and 2 cups of water into the rice cooker. Microwave for 12 minutes for white rice and 18 to 20 minutes for brown rice. When time is up secure the lid with the vent open and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes fluff the rice with a fork and enjoy.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to utilize a microwave rice cooker to make fluffy rice every time. You will also learn how to troubleshoot common problems. Let’s get started!
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What Is the Water Ratio to Rice in a Microwave Steamer?
The standard Rice to Water Ratio in a microwave rice cooker is 1 cup rice to 2 cups water.
For best results when cooking rice in a microwave, it is essential to use the correct ratio of water to rice. If you use too much water, the rice will be overcooked, gluggy, and extra soft. If insufficient water is used, the rice will be undercooked and hard.
The best way to ensure that the rice is cooked properly is to measure the water and the correct amount of rice using a measuring cup.
How to Cook Rice in Microwave Cooker?
Cooking rice in a microwave cooker is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal but here are a few things to keep in mind.
Microwave cookers come in a variety of sizes and styles. They all work by using microwaves to heat the water in the rice, which then cooks the rice.
Use the correct amount of water. Too much water will result in soggy, overcooked rice, while too little water will result in dry, undercooked rice.
Once the correct ratio of water to rice has been achieved, the rice can be placed in the microwave and cooked according to the instructions that came with your cooker.
Cook the rice in the correct setting. Some microwave cookers have a rice setting that will cook the rice perfectly. If not you can use the high heat function. Of course, read the instruction manual for your particular brand of microwave rice cooker.
Pro tip: Not all microwave ovens have the same wattage so this needs to be taken into account when calculating cooking times. The higher the wattage the less cooking time is required.
Let the cooked rice sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the steam to escape and help prevent the rice from sticking together.
Perfect Microwave Rice Recipe (1000W Microwave)
These are my Decor Rice Cooker instructions. You will need rice, a strainer, hot water, a fork or rice paddle, a microwave rice cooker, and a microwave oven.
- As already discussed, the ratio of water to rice should be 1:2, so if you’re using 1 cup of rice, you’ll need 2 cups of hot water.
- You should rinse your rice in a fine mesh strainer to remove any excess starch. Then, add the rinsed rice and water to your microwave-safe container.
- Cook for 12 minutes on high, or until the rice is fully cooked.
- When the time is up cover it with the lid, leave the vent open, and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a rice paddle or fork and serve.
- Enjoy!
Need more rice? Try 2 cups of rice and 4 cups of warm water. Without the lid microwave on and cook on high for 17 minutes. When finished place the lid on with the vent open and let it sit for a minimum of 5 minutes.
See how easy it is to cook rice in a microwave rice cooker, try it for yourself for a delicious, quick, and easy meal anytime.
Different Types of Rice
Rice is a staple food in many cultures worldwide, and it can be cooked in various ways.
Before cooking you need to choose what type of rice you want to make, especially if you are not just steaming it. For example, long-grain white rice is best for making pilafs, while short-grain rice is more suited for sushi or risotto.
It should be noted that different variations of rice do not have the same absorption capabilities so the water ratio will be different and the cooking times will vary. I refer to brown rice and wild rice in this instance.
Microwave Rice Cooking Times
The quick reference table below gives you rice types and their cooking time based on 1 cup of rice using full power level in microwave ovens.
Dry Rice (1 cup = 240ml) | Water or Stock | Cooking Time | Yield |
---|---|---|---|
Basmati | 1 1/2 cups | 9 – 11 mins (High) | 2 cups |
Brown (glutinous whole rice grains) | 1 1/2 cups | 12 mins (High) | 2 cups |
Brown (Long grain rice) | 3 cups | 30 mins (70% power) | 2 cups |
Jasmine (Short grain rice) | 1 1/2 cups | 9 – 11 mins (High) | 2 cups |
Arborio (sticky rice, Sushi rice) | 1 1/2 cups | 9 – 11 mins (High) | 2 cups |
White | 1 1/2 cups | 9 – 11 mins (High) | 2 cups |
Wild rice, red rice, black rice, and others (follow manufacturers cooking instructions) |
Learn more about rice cooking times in my article How Long Does Rice Take to Cook?
Benefits of Using a Microwave Rice Cooker
If you’re seeking a foolproof way to cook rice, a microwave rice cooker is a way to go. This kitchen appliance is designed specifically for cooking rice and comes with various features that make it easy to get perfectly cooked rice each time.
One of the biggest benefits of using a microwave rice cooker is that it takes the guesswork out of cooking rice.
You simply add the rice and water to the cooker, set the microwave over the timer, and let it do its thing.
Another benefit of using a microwave rice cooker is that it cooks rice evenly. If you’ve ever tried to cook rice on the stovetop, you know that it can be tricky to get all the grains to cook through evenly.
With a microwave rice cooker, there’s no need to worry about undercooked or burnt grains of rice. The cooker evenly distributes the heat, so all the grains of rice are cooked perfectly.
These rice cookers are compact for use anywhere, in dorms, RVs, and lunch rooms and they will not take up precious storage space.
Finally, they are generally very easy to clean with no electrical components that make cleanup a breeze.
So if you’re seeking an easy way to cook perfect rice every time, a microwave rice cooker is a great option.
Cons of Using a Microwave Rice Cooker
Though microwave rice cookers are becoming more popular, there are still some drawbacks to using them.
One of the biggest cons is that they can be tricky to use with different wattage microwaves so it can be easy to overcook or undercook the rice.
You should not use oil, fat, or sugar in a microwave rice cooker. The instructions clearly state on my rice cooker that these tend to burn and ruin the inside of the cooker. Not to mention that the high fat makes handling the cooker dangerous and may cause burns to the skin.
Another is that some people believe that microwaved food doesn’t taste as good as food cooked in an electric rice cooker or using the traditional stovetop method.
While microwave rice cookers have some drawbacks, they can still be a convenient way to make perfect rice with little effort. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the art of cooking rice in a microwave rice cooker.
Can You Cook Rice in A Microwave Steamer?
Microwave steamers are a convenient way to cook raw rice. They typically come with a measuring cup, so you can measure the rice and water accurately.
Some models also have a steamer basket, which is great for cooking vegetables along with rice. The key to cooking rice in a microwave is to use the correct ratio of rice to water.
In general, it takes about 15 minutes to cook rice in a microwave. Keep in mind that some models may vary slightly, so it’s always best to check the rice periodically to ensure that it is cooked through.
Learn How to Fix Undercooked Rice Guide This article tackles fixing undercooked rice for all methods of cooking rice.
Is It Safe to Cook Rice in a Microwave Steamer?
When it comes to cooking rice, several different methods can be used. One popular method is to cook rice in a microwave cooker. But is this method safe?
Yes it is safe to use provided the cookware is made from safe materials and the user follows the manufacturer’s instructions during the cooking process.
Let’s take a closer take look at what you should consider when deciding whether or not to cook rice in a microwave cooker.
Make sure that the steamer is made of microwave-safe materials. If the steamer is made of plastic or other materials that are not safe for microwaves, then it could release harmful chemicals into the food.
Follow the instructions carefully when using a microwave steamer. Overcooking the rice can cause it to become dry and hard, and undercooking it can leave it underdone and mushy.
Overall, with a little care, you can enjoy perfectly cooked rice without any safety concerns.
Steaming Vegetables in a Microwave Rice Cooker
To steam, vegetables add 1/2 cup of water to vegetables. Secure the lid to the cooker with the vent open. Cook using the chart below. If you need to increase the cooking time ensure there is enough water in the bottom of the cooker.
Vegetables | Cooking Time (1000 W Microwave) |
---|---|
Peas | 4 minutes |
Beans | 4 minutes |
Carrots | 4 minutes |
Zucchini | 5 minutes |
Broccoli | 5 minutes |
Corn | 6 minutes |
Cauliflower | 7 minutes |
Potatoes | 8 minutes |
Learn how to utilize your cook by learning How to Steam Vegetables in a Rice Cooker.
9 Pro Tips for Cooking Rice
- Rinse your rice before cooking it. This will remove some of the starch that makes rice stick together and any debris that may be on the grains.
- Bring the water to a boil before adding the rice.
- Stir the rice once after adding it to the boiling water
- Reduce the heat and simmer the rice until it is cooked through.
- Do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork before serving.
- Add some flavor to your rice by stir-frying it with vegetables or adding a sauce.
- Use leftover rice within a day or two.
- Store cooked rice in an airtight container in the fridge or in a glass bowl covered with plastic wrap.
Learn how to turn plain rice into a perfect side dish or even a meal with my article How to Season Rice.
Where to Buy a Microwave Rice Cooker
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best place to buy a microwave rice cooker will vary depending on your specific needs and budget. However, some good places to start your search include department stores, home goods stores, and online retailers. When shopping for a microwave rice cooker, be sure to read the reviews to ensure that you are getting a quality product.
Wrapping Up: How to Cook Rice in a Microwave Rice Cooker
So there you have it – a foolproof guide on how to cook rice in a microwave rice cooker. Whether you’re a first-time rice cooker user or an old pro, we hope this article has taught you something new and helped make your next batch of rice perfect.
Learn how to cook pasta in a microwave pasta cooker.
Not everyone has the space or the need for an Instant Pot so it is nice to know there are quick and easy alternatives. Thanks for reading!
One-Pot Cooking Rocks!
Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle, the founder, owner, author, and editor of OvenSpot. My passion for one-pot cooking commenced when I was working to prepare cafeteria lunches for school students. I am now on a mission to assist you in choosing the cooking pot or appliance you will use daily. As well as in-depth information to assist you in using and caring for your cookware and appliances.
Questions? Reach out to Michelle at [email protected]