If rice is an ingredient that’s regularly on the menu in your home, then mastering the art of making perfectly cooked steamed rice is a must. A technique often used in restaurants, steamed rice stands out for its fluffy texture, making it the ideal base in a whole host of recipes. That’s why Mahatma® Rice is here to guide you through the ins and outs of making steamed rice and showcase a delicious variety of recipes to try out from the comfort of your own home.
Preparing Rice for Cooking
Proper preparation is essential for achieving perfectly cooked rice. The process includes rinsing the rice, measuring the appropriate water ratio, and selecting the suitable pot and lid for cooking.
Rinsing the Rice
Rinsing the rice is a crucial step that often goes overlooked. This process helps to remove excess starch from the surface of the rice grains. When rice is washed thoroughly, it results in a less sticky and fluffier end product.
- Start by placing the rice in a fine-mesh strainer or a bowl. Rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear.
- Gently swirl the rice with your hand to ensure all grains are washed evenly. This method not only cleans but also separates any clumps.
- After rinsing, allow the rice to drain for a few minutes to remove excess water before cooking.
Measuring Water and Rice
Getting the right water-to-rice ratio is crucial for successful cooking. Using too much or too little water can dramatically affect the texture of the rice.
- For long-grain rice, the standard ratio is typically 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water.
- Medium-grain may require about 1 cup of rice to 1.75 cups of water, while short-grain rice often needs around 1 cup of rice to 1.25 cups of water.
- Brown rice generally requires a higher ratio, approximately 1 cup of rice to 2.5 cups of water, due to its outer bran coating.
Using the Right Pot and Lid
The choice of cooking pot and lid also plays a significant role in the successful preparation of rice. A pot with a heavy bottom is preferable to ensure even heat distribution.
- A pot should be deep enough to allow the rice to expand without overflowing.
- The lid must fit tightly to retain steam, which is essential for proper cooking.
- Using a glass lid can be beneficial since it allows monitoring of the cooking process without lifting it, which would release steam and affect cooking time.
Stovetop Cooking Method
Cooking rice on the stovetop is a classic method that allows for precise control over the cooking process. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve perfectly steamed rice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start cooking rice on the stove, the following steps should be closely followed:
- Rinse the Rice: Begin by rinsing the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This process removes excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky during cooking.
- Measure Ingredients: Use the correct ratio of water to rice. For long grain rice, generally, one cup of rice requires one and a half cups of water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to mix.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for about 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Rest the Rice: After the cooking time is up, turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This will allow the rice to finish absorbing steam.
- Fluff and Serve: Finally, use a fork to fluff the rice gently before serving to separate the grains.
Best Recipes to Make with Steamed Rice
Steamed rice works best in recipes where the rice is a separate component of the dish. If you’re looking to put the flavor and texture of the grains front and center in your cooking, then this method is the way to go. So, without further ado, here are some delicious recipes to get your creative juices flowing.
Easy Sushi Bowl
You’ve no doubt tried sushi before, but have you ever tried a sushi bowl recipe that originated right here in the U.S.? This California Sushi Bowl dish provides the perfect platform for enjoying steamed rice. This homegrown innovation substitutes raw fish for ingredients such as avocado, cucumber, or surimi crab sticks, to bring you the familiar texture and flavor of sushi in a convenient rice bowl dish. The result? A flavorful medley of fresh ingredients served with delicious rice balls composed of Mahatma® Sticky Rice.
Poke Bowl with Steamed Rice
Similar to rice bowls, poke bowl recipes are also a great way to incorporate steamed rice into your cooking. This Tuna Avocado Poke Bowl is made with Mahatma® Bastmati Rice and boasts a delicious range of refreshing ingredients. Featuring tender bluefin tuna, avocado, radish, cucumber, mango, sesame seeds, and a delicious homemade marinade recipe, this dish is simply packed with flavor and nutrients. And the best part? You can rustle this tasty number up in just 20 minutes. Flavorful rice meals don’t come easier than that!
Hearty Dominican-Style Beef Stew
Steamed rice complements hearty meat recipes wonderfully, as this Dominican Bean and Beef Stew amply demonstrates. This recipe calls for Mahatma® White Rice, as it absorbs flavors and elevates the texture of the dish. Known locally as ‘la bandera’ this Dominican comfort food staple is made with beef, kidney and pinto beans, garlic, celery, and red peppers. Hearty and delicious, it owes its unique flavor to the ingredients used in the seasoning, namely Worchester sauce, parsley, adobo seasoning, tomato paste, and black pepper.
Light and Refreshing Side Dish with Rice
Finally, if you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe to try out with steamed rice, our Avocado Lime Rice could be right up your street. Made with Mahatma® Organic White Rice, red onion, mashed avocado, and a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, it’s the kind of side dish capable of stealing the show at your next family gathering.
CTA: Up your side dish game with these quick and easy rice recipes!
Home Comforts
Let’s face it: food tastes best at home. Nothing beats the feeling of sitting down to a delicious meal you’ve prepared for your loved ones and seeing their faces light up with gratitude. That’s why, at Mahatma® Rice, our motto is #feelslikehome. The food we share in our homes creates lasting memories we’ll carry with us forever. So, if you’re looking for more recipe inspiration, you can always count on us when it comes time to get cooking.