COOKING AND STEAMING RICE IN THE MICROWAVE
Rice is a versatile side dish that can transform any meal. With an abundance of options, microwaving jasmine rice or cooking basmati rice in the microwave can give you delicious results when your stovetop might be a bit busy cooking other dishes.
CAN YOU STEAM RICE IN YOUR MICROWAVE?
Your microwave isn’t just for reheating leftovers. Steaming rice in the microwave can be a quick way to create fluffy, delicious rice. When your stovetop burners are all occupied with your other creations and you need another kitchen appliance, learning how to use your microwave for less traditional cooking methods can be a huge game changer.
EASY MICROWAVED RICE
Carving out time to cook rice in the microwave won’t take you away from your other dishes. This simple recipe will fit well into your cooking plans so you can focus on your more elaborate dishes.
YIELDS
3 cups of cooked rice (4 servings)
INGREDIENTS
1 cup uncooked rice
Cool water
Oil or butter for flavor and to avoid rice sticking together.
Kosher salt, optional
TOOLS
Microwave-safe glass bowl with a lid.
Sieve
Microwaveable plastic wrap, optional if you don’t have a lid.
Microwave, like the KitchenAid® 1000-Watt Low Profile Microwave Hood Combination
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOK TIME
20-25 minutes
STAND TIME
5 minutes
TOTAL TIME
30 minutes
STEP 1: WASH YOUR RICE
Using your sieve, run water through the rice while agitating the grains with your hands. Rinsing your rice gets rid of any impurities like dirt, debris or chemicals. Another reason to wash your rice is to remove excess starch from the grains which gives you better, fluffier results. Rinse until the water is mostly clear.
STEP 2: PREPARE YOUR RICE FOR THE MICROWAVE
Place your fully rinsed rice into your preferred microwave-safe bowl along with butter or kosher salt if desired. Add 2 cups of cold water and cover with a lid. Otherwise, consult the ratio of water to rice listed on the product label.
STEP 3: STEAM YOUR RICE
Cook on high for 15 minutes, using a 1000-1200 watt microwave. Carefully uncover the rice, being mindful of the steam. Microwave a second time for 10 more minutes on high.
For a 700-900 watt microwave, cook on high for 20 minutes at 50% and again for 10 minutes uncovered.
Select KitchenAid® microwaves feature a steam/simmer setting like the 27” Built-In Microwave Oven with Convection Cooking, which not only delivers fluffy, delicious rice, but also removes the guesswork for steamed rice.
STEP 4: FLUFF AND LET IT SIT
Allow your rice to sit for about 5 minutes after cooking. Using a fork, fluff your rice and serve immediately.
SHOP KITCHENAID® MICROWAVES FOR MAKING STEAMED RICE
WHAT IS THE RATIO OF WATER TO RICE IN THE MICROWAVE?
The general approach when cooking rice is a 2 to 1 water to rice ratio. Otherwise, consult product packaging for specific measurement details. Another method you can use if you don’t have the package instructions is the rice finger trick. Pour rice into your container, making sure it’s level. Add enough water to cover your first knuckle on your index finger when touching the surface of the rice.
IS MAKING RICE IN THE MICROWAVE FASTER?
Cooking rice in a microwave can be faster than cooking it on the stove because of the way heat is evenly distributed. You also save time utilizing your microwave since you won’t have to keep an eye on the grains to ensure they are cooking properly.
On a stovetop or cooktop, your rice could end up burnt or scorched due to the direct heat under your pot if not enough water was added, or the heat is too high.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® MICROWAVES
Beyond reheating leftovers and softening butter for baked goods, the right microwave ovens can enable you to create delicious meals and side dishes with the push of a few buttons. Let your microwave be your sous chef while also beautifully complementing your kitchen aesthetics. Choose from select features like the flush feature, to fit seamlessly with your cabinets, or find a spacious microwave to cook your larger dishes.
