There are many ways to cook rice, but one of the fastest and most convenient ways is to microwave it. However, not everyone knows how to cook rice in microwave. That was KITCHENBAR decided to write this tutorial.
Why Should I use a Microwave to Cook Rice?
It is cheaper to cook rice in the microwave
There is no need for a standalone rice cooker device to clutter your pantry. Years ago, I invested in a Zojirushi, the mother of all rice cookers. Today, I only bring out that device when cooking for a large group of people. For home cooking, I use the Nordicware Microwave Rice Cooker or a CorningWare/Pyrex plate with a glass lid.
Microwave cooking of rice means less cleaning
A pot designed for cooking rice in a microwave usually has 2 parts: a lid and a base. Both are dishwasher safe. My rice cooker has a lid, plastic washers, a cup of leftover water, and a base. Plus, I have to clean in the narrow slots of the pot.
Microwave rice means less looking
If you are cooking rice on the stove, you need to keep an eye on the pot until the water boils, lower the heat, cover the pot, then set a timer. After the timer turns off, you will have to turn off the heat immediately. There are little gaps in cooking time on the stove. High temperature in the pot will make the rice overcooked or form burnt rice, stick in the inside of the pot, difficult to remove.
Microwave cooking rice tastes exactly the same
At first I really doubted that microwave-cooked rice would be able to compete with my rice cooker. My son is wrong. The soft, cooked rice is perfect from the microwave. Side by side, you won’t be able to tell the difference between a $300 rice cooker or a $16 rice cooker.
How to Cook Rice in Microwave: Step-by-Step
Put rice and water in the microwave safety plate
Measure out 1 cup of rice and place it in a serviceable plate in the microwave – you’ll want one cup that can hold at least 1.5 liters when making this quantity of rice. (We used an 8 x 8 glass grill.) Then add 2 cups of cold water.
Put your rice in the microwave
Microwave the dish uncovered and microwave for 10 minutes. At this point, if the rice has had tiny holes where the steam has escaped and most of the water has disappeared from the plate, you are ready to move on to the next step. If not, continue microwave 1 minute increments until steam vents appear.
Cover the rice and microwave it again
When you see the steam vents, remove the rice from the microwave and cover the top of the dish with a microwave safety cap or food wrap. Microwave the rice for another 4 minutes.
Take out the rice and let it sit
Take the rice out of the microwave. Let stand for 5 minutes. Now, let’s taste the rice. If that’s the texture you want – eat it! If it is still slightly crunchy, microwave it further, checking in 1 minute increments to reach the desired degree of ripeness.
Try using it in all of your favorite rice recipes when you know a new way to make rice. What about fried rice with shrimp? Or maybe a broken rice with tomatoes and feta is your pace over? You can always serve some spicy mapo tofu on top of your perfect steamed microwave rice dish.
How to Cook Rice in Microwave: Tips and Troubleshootings
No peeking or stirring!
While the rice is cooking, do not lift the lid or stir it. That’s the sure way to spoil it! Lifting the lid will release steam = the rice is undercooked / unevenly cooked. Stir = starch activated = rice glues (this is worst!).
NEVER skip a 10-minute break
This is when the rice is finished cooking on excess heat and the water on the surface of each grain is completely absorbed, leaving you with the perfect soft, fluffy grain that never ends.
Don’t boil too hard
For rice on the stove, do not boil it too quickly because it is very hot, when you put the lid on the lid will build up a lot of heat, the rice will probably boil. Simply simmer / simmer gently on medium high (watch video!) For large, slightly large bubbles on the surface and slightly effervescent. You can still boil a bit of liquid if your cap isn’t heavy enough – if this happens, just add 1 teaspoon of water next time!
Ratio of rice to water
For rice cooked on the stove, 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. Increase to 2 cups of water per 1 cup of rice for the oven and microwave.
How to reheat rice
The best way is to put the rice in a bowl, pour 2 teaspoons of water per 1 cup of cold rice, cover with food wrap, then microwave it on high for 1 minute. The water creates a steaming environment and makes the rice moist and fresh again.
It’s not necessary to use a measuring cup
You can use anything to measure rice and water as long as you use the same proportions. For example, 1 cup of rice and 1/2 cup of water. Or use a bowl or can or a jar – whatever!
FAQs
What is the difference between the types of rice?
The general rule of thumb is that the shorter the grain of rice, the sticky it is. Stick without marshmallows! It just means that the seeds stick together more, instead of being crumbled, so they are easier to eat with chopsticks.
The longer the seed is left, the less sticky it is. Basmati is the least sticky rice (Indian dish not eaten with chopsticks!), Short grain is the most sticky rice. (Example: Sushi rice is short grain rice and it has to be pliable for the sushi rolls to stick. You cannot make sushi rolls with basmati rice!)
How long does the rice last in the microwave?
Cooking rice in the microwave takes about 30 minutes. To warm the rice from the fridge, I want to add a few teaspoons of water, cover the rice and microwave it for 30 seconds to one minute for each cup of rice I warm.
How much rice do I need per person?
The appropriate serving size for each person is about ½ cup of uncooked rice per person, which means nearly one cup per person when the rice is rounded and cooked. When cooking, I like to make at least two cups because it’s a good fridge and we can reheat it in the microwave the next day.
Can you eat cold rice?
Yes you can. But since it’s hard and dry, it’s not very pleasant. For Fried Rice, cold rice is perfect (and necessary!) Or use it for Chinese Rice Soup (just add at the end at the point where the rice will be cooked in the recipe.)
How long can the rice stay in the refrigerator?
4 days in a sealed box. Some say it will take up to 6 days, but I like to make the mistake of being cautious.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully with this article by KITCHENBAR, you will know how to cook rice in microwave correctly. Do not hesitate to share, we want to see your results! For more great housewife and beauty tips, follow our blog.