How to Cook Rice in Microwave Rice Cooker

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Do you own a microwave rice cooker? Or are you looking for a mess-free way to cook rice without a sticky bottom of the pan?

It is easy to cook rice in microwave, but a microwave rice cooker simplifies the process even more. It is believed rice cooked in a microwave rice cooker tastes better than the one from the stovetop, so let’s discuss why and how its done. 

How do you cook rice in a microwave rice cooker? Add 1 cup of rinsed rice, 1½ cups of water, and ½ teaspoon of salt into rice cooker. Close lid tightly and open the vent on top.

Microwave at 70% power or medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes for white rice and 18 to 20 minutes for brown rice.

Let it sit for 5 minutes in the warm appliance, then carefully remove the rice from microwave with hot pads or oven mitts. Fluff the rice with a fork and enjoy.

Rice cookers are plastic containers designed for the purpose of cooking rice in the microwave. The advantage of using microwave safe rice cookers in the household appliance instead of using a microwavable bowl is that the rice cooks more evenly and the container and lid are specifically designed for microwaving and venting steam. 

Microwave cookers are also used for steaming and cooking other dishes such as couscous, polenta and quinoa. Some cookers have a steam basket which makes them great for cooking vegetables and pasta in the microwave as well. 

In this article, we are going discuss how to use a microwave rice cooker to get perfectly cooked rice with consistent results every time. Answered below are frequently asked questions about how to avoid a sticky bottom and super easy ways to get the job done in a blink of an eye, read no further to find out more.

Can you cook rice in a microwave steamer?

Yes, you can cook rice in a microwave steamer. Arguably, cooking rice in a microwave steamer is the easiest and fastest way to prepare fluffy rice in the household appliance. 

In addition, rice grains can be cooked in a steamer provided the proper ratio of rice to water. 

Set the microwave on a high-power function of approximately 1000 watts and adjust the timing based on the top of rice being cooked. Refer to manual for manufacturer’s recommended guidelines.

Also, cooking rice in a microwave steamer varies depending on the microwave used. The microwave watt varies drastically depending on the model and year.

Is it safe to cook rice in a microwave steamer?

Yes, it is safe to cook rice in a microwave steamer. However, read and understand microwave manufacturer instructions that outline the safety guidelines for wattage, amount of water and microwave timing.

Always consider following safety measures and open the lid with caution to prevent the steam from escaping and causing a severe burn. Also, check the maximum wattage and set the proper power to cook rice in the cooker. 

If not sure of the amount of water, check the rice regularly to prevent the rice from drying out, which can cause damage to the microwave steamer.

Generally, cooking rice in the microwave is safe, however it is not recommended to reheat already cooked rice more than once. It will increase the chance of bacteria growth which can lead to food poisoning when consumed.

What is the ratio of water to rice in a microwave rice cooker?

The ratio of water to white rice in a microwave rice cooker is 1.5:1, and water to brown rice is 2:1. This means for every 1 cup of raw white rice, 1½ cups of water is required and 2 cups of water for uncooked brown rice. 

When the water ratio is done in the correct quantity in the microwave, rinsing rice is not necessary to get fluffy rice. However, depend on the type of rice, it may require soaking at least 30 minutes to overnight to improve water absorption when cooking. 

If the water to rice ratio exceeds the required amount, the rice tends to overcook or become mushy, making the rice texture look gummy. Therefore, after rinsing the rice, the water ratio to rice should be slightly reduced, and can be measured and compared based on dry rice’s weight. 

Furthermore, if there is not enough water used for cooking rice in a microwave cooker, then the grains will be uncooked, tough and crunchy. It is unappetizing to eat partially cooked rice.

How much water do I add to 1 cup of rice in the rice cooker

The ratio of water to rice in a rice cooker is 1.5:1 for white rice, and 2:1 for brown rice. This means that every cup of white rice requires 1½ cup of water and 2 cups of water for brown rice. 

Depend on the length of a grain, the water ratio varies. For long-grains such as basmati, jasmine or any brown rice require slightly more water, approximately 2 cups of water. And any medium or short grains such as sushi rice tend to be sticky and starchy, and forms in clumps that need about 1½ cups and extended soaking.  

However, the ratio may vary slightly based on the farming methods and storage conditions of the grain, therefore it is recommended to read the manufacturer instructions on the packaging. Also, understand that every rice cooker comes with a calibrated measuring cup, so the amount of both rice and water can be input correctly.

How do I cook 2 cups of rice in a Microwave rice cooker?

Cooking for larger group can be intimating whether it is meat or rice, it is not easy to get the proportions, timing and taste. The problem with cooking 2 cups of rice can easily lead to undercooking or lack of water to get the grains plump and delicious.

In order to cook 2 cups of rice in a microwave rice cooker, measure 2 cups of rice using a measuring cup, and then add it into the rice maker pot.

Run the cold water into the pot to rinse the measured rice until the liquid runs clear and pour the water through a fine mesh strainer when the rice starts changing color. Repeat the above process two or three times, and each time ensure the water is fully drained.

Add 2 cups of clean water to the pot once the rice is clean. Close the lid and open the vent to release steam.

Cook the rice on high heat for 5 minutes and then medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes. The cooking time may vary based on the different types of rice.

When the cooking is over, leave the cooker closed in the warm appliance for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice after opening the cooker rice, then season and serve while hot.

Tips for microwaving rice cooker

Using microwave rice cooker makes preparing rice a lot more quicker than a microwave-safe bowl. Additionally, you won’t have issue with a sticky bottom residue when cooking starchy grains. 

However, there are lot more useful microwave tips when using a rice cooker to get consistent, delicious and flavorful results:

• Wash the rice cooker before and after subsequent uses using warm and soapy water.
• A microwave rice cooker is only for microwave use, so do not try using on the stove or in an oven.
• Microwaving times varies depending on the microwave wattage, amount of rice, and type of rice is being cooked.
• When removing the lid, be cautious not to get burnt by the steam.
• Leave the vent open on the lid to ensure the steam can release while cooking.
• If needed, triple rinse and soak overnight for best results. 
• Do not use an abrasive scrubber or soap when cleaning the rice cooker as it may damage the bowl.

Best way to cook rice in a microwave rice cooker

Microwave is great tool to cook rice at any time. It is better easier, faster and straightforward method compared to stovetop, instant pot, or pressure cooker. 

So if you are looking for a sticky-free bottom and time saving method, microwave rice cooker will be your new best friend.

Depend on the rice type, rinse thoroughly and soak if needed to get the plump texture as the grain absorbs more moisture. 

Pour the 1 cup of rinsed rice into the rice cooker and add 1½ cups of water and a pinch of salt for flavor. 

Place the vented rice cooker in the microwave, and nuke on high for 5 minutes. Then lower to medium power or 70%, and cook rice for 10 minutes for white rice and 20 minutes for brown or wild rice. 

Let the rice stand for 10 minutes so the carryover heat finishes steaming the rice, then fluff using a fork before seasoning and serving the rice.

Microwaving Rice in Rice Cooker: Conclusion

In terms of the convenience factor, cooking with a microwave rice cooker is even better. The rice can be microwaved and served using the same container, thus eliminating the number of dishes to clean up afterwards. 

In addition, rice is cooked in the microwave provided the water ratio and microwave timing is done correctly. Furthermore, the rice does not stick at the bottom of the container as opposed to the stovetop method. 

Determine the desired amount of rice needed and utilize the 1½:1 ratio to cook white rice and 2:1 to cook brown rice in the microwave rice cooker. Close the lid and vent the opening for steam to release.

Cook the rice at high power for 5 minutes and then reduce the heat to medium heat for 10 to 20 minutes depending on the type of rice being microwave. Check the specific cooking times for long, medium, and short grain rices.

Allow the rice cooker to stay closed in the warm microwave for an additional 10 minutes so the carryover heat can continue steaming the rice. Before serving, fluff the rice with a fork, season to taste and enjoy with your meal.

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