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How to Cook Sushi Rice in Microwave

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Do you know the secret behind cooking sushi rice in the microwave? Cooking rice in the microwave is all about the rice to water ratio and timing. 

Adding too much water can make sushi rice soggy, and too little water may cause the sushi rice to be very dry. 

How do you cook sushi rice in the microwave? Place 1 cup of sushi rice in a colander and rinse thoroughly under running water until the liquid runs clear.

Place the rinsed rice into a microwave-safe bowl, add 1½ cups of water, and let the rice soak for 30 minutes before cooking.

Cover with a vented lid and microwave on high power for 10 to 12 minutes. Leave the sushi rice in a closed microwave for 10 minutes to finish steaming. 

Season with rice vinegar and cool it down before making sushi rolls or serving as a side dish for your favorite meal prep. 

Using microwave does not require special tool to cook rice. But for a more convenient way to cook sticky rice, we highly recommend to cook rice in microwave rice cooker. It helps to steam and results in fluffy rice with little risk of scorching. 

Do you have concern about the safety of microwaving sushi rice? What are some of the crucial microwave tips for cooking the best sushi rice? 

If you need answers to frequently asked questions about cooking sushi rice in a microwave, we have you covered. So be sure to continue to read to learn more!

Can you cook sushi rice in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook sushi rice in a microwave. It is important to note that cooking sushi rice with a microwave is one of the quickest and easiest methods. 

Cooking sushi rice in the microwave is very fast and can it be ready within about 10 to 15 minutes. It is essential to strictly follow the available recipes to cook the rice and avoid tough grains and stray that could make the sushi rice a little bit chewier than would prefer it to be. 

Furthermore, frequent reheating rice can destroy the available nutrients, but cooking sushi rice to order is the best way to eat nutritious and delicious rice. 

Is it safe to cook sushi rice in the microwave?

Yes, it is safe to cook sushi rice in the microwave. As long as the sushi rice is cooked in a microwaveable container with sufficient rice to water ratio, then there is very little concern about the process.

Not only it is safe to cook rice in microwave, but the result are delicious and consistent every time. 

Ironically, it is difficult to tell the difference between using a rice cooker or a microwave. But, using a microwave to make sushi rice means that there will be minor cleanup for individuals preoccupied with other tasks.

Moreover, there will be less babysitting since once the microwave timer turns off, it automatically turns off the heat. 

What is the ratio of water to sushi rice in the microwave?

The rule of thumb for the ratio is 1 cup of rice with a slight more than 1½ cups of water.

To give you clear idea, one average, 1 cup of uncooked rice will successfully yield 3 cups of cooked rice, or enough to make about 3 sushi rolls.

Not all rice cooks at the same rate, especially since white rice has been polished to remove the bran and germ, unlike brown rice which keeps the whole grain.

Therefore, some adjustment is required regarding timing because of the variation in dryness and the type of rice being cooked. 

The amount of rice and water may affect the cooking time. The approximate time for cooking white sushi rice in the microwave is 10 to 12 minutes in a 1000 watt microwave.

As a result, timing will vary depending on the microwave wattage that you are using. 

Tips for cooking sushi rice in the microwave

To achieve the best results when cooking sushi rice in the microwave, consider closely going through the available tips. Provided below are microwave tips that can help everyone successfully cook sushi rice quickly: 

  • The recommended cooking time for sushi rice is approximately 20 to 25 minutes in total for stovetop methods. However, the timing is a microwave is significantly reduced. 
  • When cooking sushi rice in the microwave, cover with a vented lid to help trap steam and reduce cooking time. 
  • Use a microwave-safe dish with a flat bottom. Look for a microwave safe symbol to indicate that the cookware is approved for usage in the appliance.
  • Ensure the bowl is big enough for rice to double the size when cooked. Also, make sure there is couple inches on the top of the bowl so the rice or liquid does not spill over the sides. 
  • After rinsing and before microwaving, do not forget to soak the rice for 30 minutes for optimal results.

Best way to cook sushi rice in the microwave

The best way to cook sushi rice in the microwave is by ensuring the ratio of rice to water is meets the required amount. Use a microwave-safe dish that has a flat bottom to provide even distribution of heat.

Always rinse and drain the sushi rice at least three times under running water to wash away residual starches leftover from polishing the grain that cause the rice to stick together. When the liquid changes from foggy to clear, transfer in to a microwave-safe dish.

Add a 1 cup of rice and 1½ cups of water, and let it sit for 30 minutes prior to cooking.

Cover with a vented lid or microwaveable plastic wrap, and run the microwave on high power for 10 minutes. Afterwards, allow the rice to stand for 10 minutes in the closed appliance to allow carryover heat to subside before opening the lid.

Transfer into a mixing bowl and season with rice vinegar, salt, and pepper to prepare sushi rice or make a tasty side dish for the main course. 

How to cook sushi rice in microwave

Cooking Sushi Rice in Microwave: Conclusion

Cooking sushi rice with a microwave is one of the easiest and most convenient ways for people with a busy schedule or lack of cooking space. By strictly following the recipe and applying accurate measurements, anyone can enjoy delicious and fluffy sushi rice. 

In addition, cooking sushi rice in the microwave requires minimal monitoring and cooking time. Be cautious of the water ratio as it can determine the doneness of the rice for whether or not it becomes soggy or dry.

Wash and drain the sushi rice a couple of times til the liquid runs clear to rinse away the starch that remains on the surface after polishing the grain. When the water runs clear, the sushi rice is ready to cook. 

Transfer 1 cup of uncooked sushi rice and 1½ cups of water into a microwave-safe container. Cover with a vented lid and nuke for 10 to 12 minutes on high power. 

Afterwards, allow the container to stand in the closed microwave for 10 minutes so the steam can completely carryover cook the sushi rice.

Fluff the rice with a fork and season with vinegar, salt, and pepper. There you have it! It’s ready to make sushi roll or serve as a side dish with your favorite meals!

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If you enjoy this post, please leave a comment and review!

Justin Tate

Saturday 6th of January 2024

Correction: "season with vinegar, salt, and pepper" should be "season with rice wine vinegar and sugar"

lee

Thursday 4th of May 2023

i suck at making sushi rice. it's always too soggy or soft but hard in the middle.. that method actually worked and it came out perfect. thank you :)