If you’re one of those cooks who prefer to use an electric rice cooker instead of the traditional pan cooking method, then you know how fluffy and perfectly done your rice always is. Here are some helpful tips for using an electric rice cooker that can help make your cooking experiences even better!
First, if you’re not sure what an electric rice cooker is, it’s an appliance. Basically, you add a measured amount of rice and a measured amount of water to the unit, plug it in and turn it on. The rice cooker will cook the rice then keep it warm until you’re ready to use it. There are several brands of rice cookers on the market, and they vary in price from around $20 for a basic model to $100 for a fancier cooker.
Note: In order to get the best results, you should always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions that came with your rice cooker.
Tip #1 You May Need to Experiment With the Liquid Amount
The first helpful tip for using an electric rice cooker concerns the amount of liquid you’ll use. Your rice cooker should give pretty accurate measurements when it comes to the amount of water (you can also use broth for a tastier rice) and rice you need to use per batch. But, you should experiment with the amount in order to get the best results. The actual amount of water or broth you’ll need to use depends on the type, age and storage conditions of the rice.
Tip #2 Don’t Open the Rice Cooker Lid Too Soon
No matter how tempted you are to open the lid of your rice cooker to see the finished product, don’t do it! Until you’ve let the rice stand five to ten minutes first, that is. This extra time allows the moisture to become evenly distributed throughout the rice so it comes out fluffy.
Tip #3 Keep Your Cooked Rice in the Cooker Until Use
Here’s another helpful tip for using an electric rice cooker: as opposed to cooking your rice in a pan on your cookstove, one benefit of a rice cooker is that it will keep your food warm until you’re ready to use it. In fact, a rice cooker can usually store the rice for several hours, if need be. But, keep in mind that the longer it’s kept warmed, the more taste will be lost.
Tip #4 Don’t Stir the Rice While It’s Cooking!
If you stir rice during its cooking process, it can easily become mushy and sticky. Instead of stirring it, you should gently slice a flat spoon through it to fluff it up after it’s cooked.
Tip #5 How to Tell If Rice Is Properly Cooked
Another helpful tip for using an electric rice cooker will help you determine when the rice is properly cooked. Ideally, when the cooker shuts off, the rice should be done. But, it’s not always that way. Just like a cake isn’t always quite down when the timer goes off. To test rice, pick a cooked grain up and pinch it between your fingers. If it’s hard, or if the inside is white in color, then it’s definitely not ready to eat yet. You’ll need to add a little more water and cook the rice a bit longer.
Tip #6 How to Keep Rice Grains From Clumping
Pour a teaspoon or two of pure vegetable cooking oil into the rice when it’s cooking. The oil will help keep the rice grains from sticking and clumping together.
Tip #7 What Can I Cook in My Rice Cooker?
Here is probably the best helpful tip for using an electric rice cooker: you can cook many different foods in it! Spaghetti, Beef Stew, you name it! If there wasn’t a recipe booklet included with your rice cooker, search the Internet for some delicious recipes you can cook!
