How to Make Perfect Steamed Rice

Perfect steamed rice is an essential component of many cuisines. It really is very easy once you know a few tricks. You can steam rice on top of the stove in a pan or by using a special rice steamer.

Rice Steamer

A rice steamer is a special appliance used to steam rice. It produces perfect steamed rice every time without any real effort. You just put your water (or broth) into the cooker plug it in, and wait for the rice to be done.

In fact, some cookers have an option to allow you to set it for a later time so your rice can be ready when you are. The steamers are not usually expensive and they are very easy to clean.

On Top of the Stove

You can also use a saucepan on top of the stove. You will want to use a heavy saucepan for cooking rice. A heavy pan will distribute the heat evenly and keep the rice from being scorched on the bottom and undercooked on the top.

In this article the top of the stove method is the one being used.

Rice does not have to be sticky, gluey, or tasteless. In fact, depending on the type of rice you get, it should have a delicate, unique flavor. You can vary the flavor by using different types of liquids.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 ¾ cups water

Instructions

1. Wash the rice by placing it in a bowl of cold water. Swish the rice grains around with your hands and pour the water out through a colander. Repeat three to four times until the water is clear.

2. Fill the bowl up with water and allow the rice to soak for twenty to thirty minutes if you have time. This will ensure the tenderness of the grain.

3. Drain the soaking water and place the rice in a heavy, covered pan.

4. Add the 1 ¾ cups of water (or broth) and about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. You can also add a variety of other herbs and spices at this point to infuse the rice with flavor.

• Lemon slice
• Orange slice
• Peppercorns
• Sprig of fresh herb of choice

5. Turn the heat to medium and allow the water to come to a full, rolling boil.

6. Turn the heat down to low and cover for 20 minutes. Never lift up the lid as you will lose the steam and cause a rapid temperature change. Your rice will not appreciate it.

7. Turn off the heat and let stand for 10 minutes with the cover on. No peeking.

8. Remove the lid carefully, watching that the steam doesn't burn you. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

You can use this rice in any recipe that calls for cooked rice or as an accompaniment to any cuisine. Since you have created perfect steamed rice there is no need to add butter or oil to help the rice stay separate.