With half of the world’s population eating rice every day, it’s safe to say that rice is one of the most popular starchy foods out there. For rice fans, commercial rice cookers are an essential kitchen appliance. To make the perfect rice that’s neither sticky nor dry, you’d have to know how rice cookers work, how long it would take to cook rice, the rice to water ratio, and the adjustments to make for different types of rice—hoping to become an expert in rice cooking? Keep reading to see our complete guide to rice cooking using a commercial rice cooker.
With half of the world’s population eating rice every day, it’s safe to say that rice is one of the most popular starchy foods out there. For rice fans, commercial rice cookers are an essential kitchen appliance. To make the perfect rice that’s neither sticky nor dry, you’d have to know how rice cookers work, how long it would take to cook rice, the rice to water ratio, and the adjustments to make for different types of rice—hoping to become an expert in rice cooking? Keep reading to see our complete guide to rice cooking using a commercial rice cooker.
How Does a Commercial Rice Cooker Work?
Rice cookers are just one of the many reasons why we love technology. Here’s a breakdown of how commercial rice cookers work. Now, this is where we’ll get a bit technical. Typically, every rice cooker has the following components:
- The exterior/main body
- A cooking pan
- A heating plate
- A thermal sensor
Also, four cooking rice stages are in a commercial rice cooker: the sitting, boiling, steaming, and resting stage. When you put water and rice inside the pan(we’ll discuss measurements later), the cooking pan’s weight triggers the thermal sensor, bringing the water to a boil.
The cooking process is relatively easy. Once the water boils, the rice will absorb this water leading to a rise in temperature. Depending on the type of cooker, the sensing device will trigger the cooker to switch off or begin the warming phase. Once the cooking is complete, it will enter the resting stage.
There are a couple of things to consider when selecting the right commercial rice cooker for you. For instance, you have to factor in the rice cooker’s capacity primarily if you work in a restaurant. You might also want to choose a multipurpose rice cooker that can steam vegetables and other types of food.
How Long Does a Commercial Rice Cooker Take
Several factors determine how long your rice will take to cook. The first one being the type of cooking pan used. Remember, some metals are highly conductive. Therefore, if your cooking pan contains copper, this means that it will take a shorter time to bring the water to a boil. Hence a faster time overall to cook your rice.
The second factor is the type of rice. White rice takes a shorter period to cook than brown rice. Also, the rice quantity is another factor to consider. Therefore to answer your question, it takes an average of fifteen minutes to cook white rice and forty minutes for brown rice.
Rice to Water Ratio When Using a Commercial Rice Cooker
The rice to water ratio is perhaps the most crucial bit of learning how to cook rice in a rice cooker. Remember, the amount of water ultimately determines the result. A little water could lead to undercooked rice, while too much leaves you with a paste. Not to worry because we’ve got you covered.
White rice
Usually, the correct measurement is 1 ½ cups of water per cup of dry rice. Note that short-grain rice cooks faster and doesn’t require as much water as the long-grain variety. We recommend using 1 ¼, 1 ½, and 1 ¾ for short grain, medium grain, and long grain rice, respectively.
Brown rice
This type of rice is ideal for health and nutrition-conscious people. It takes longer to cook and also requires more water. The perfect measurement is 2 ¼ cups for every cup of brown rice.
Basmati rice
Basmati rice is ideal for Indian recipes. It’s also drier than other rice varieties; therefore, a little water goes a long way. You’ll need 1 ½ cups of water for dry basmati. However, if you decide to soak it or wash it before cooking, the right water to rice ratio is 1:1.
How to Cook Rice in a Commercial Rice Cooker
This post wouldn’t be a complete guide if we failed to mention how to cook different rice in a rice cooker. Here is a step by step guide to cooking the perfect rice that is not too chewy nor pasty.
How to Cook Basmati Rice in a Rice Cooker
If you’re trying to find a nutritious and tasty rice option, look no further than Basmati rice. Not only does it contain fewer calories, but it’s also low in both cholesterol, sugar, and sodium. Making it an ideal choice for people on restricted diets and those with heart conditions.
Cooking steps
- First, you need to look at your cooker’s manual to find out the capacity. Also, you’ll notice that the latest rice cookers come with recommended measurements.
- Rinse your rice to get rid of the excess impurities and coating
- Transfer the rice into the rice cooker
- Add water. Use the measurements discussed above as a guide on rice to water ratio
- Add spices. This step is optional. You could add a bit of saffron, bay leaf, cardamom, salt, and olive oil
- Switch on your rice cooker and leave it to cook
- Once the timer goes off, let the rice rest for about ten minutes before serving
NOTE: Rice volume doubles when it’s cooked. Therefore, it would be best to leave out enough space to avoid the rice from spilling over.
How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker
If you’ve been trying to get the right quinoa texture and haven’t succeeded yet, it’s because you haven’t tried this quinoa cooking method. As mentioned before, your rice cooker can do more than just cook rice. The right measurement two cups of water for every cup of quinoa.
Cooking steps
- Take one cup of quinoa and rinse it properly. ( Don’t skip this step. The excess coating on unwashed quinoa results in slightly bitter quinoa).
- Add the quinoa and two cups of water into the rice cooker. You may also add salt
- Turn on your rice cooker and choose the “plain” button
- Let the quinoa cook. Most cookers take half an hour
- Once it’s cooked, let it rest before fluffing it. Voilà, your meal is ready!
How to Cook Brown Rice in a Rice Cooker
The process of cooking brown rice is similar to plain white rice. The only difference is the time it’ll take to cook.
Cooking steps
- Combine desired rice amount with water into the rice cooker
- Switch on cooker
- Once complete, leave it on “warm” setting for about ten minutes
- Serve with your favorite accompaniments
How to Make Coconut Rice in a Rice Cooker
Going for a decadent and aromatic dish? Coconut rice provides just that. You’ll be happy to know that this meal is also easy to make.
Cooking steps
NOTE: It’s best to use Jasmine rice for satisfactory results. The perfect water ratio is similar to basmati rice, i.e., 1:1 when soaked or 1 ½ cups when dry. Also, you’ll need to buy a packet of desiccated coconut and canned coconut cream.
- Add the desired amount of rice into the rice cooker.
- Add one coconut cream cup, three tablespoons of the desiccated coconut, salt(optional), and water, then stir.
- Cover the lid and leave the rice to cook
- Once complete, leave it on to steam for about ten minutes
- Serve it with your favorite stew
How to Cook Sushi Rice in a Rice Cooker
Sushi rice is another meal that requires very little time to prepare. For this recipe, you’ll need to buy rice vinegar and sushi.
Cooking steps
- Add the rice and water into the cooker
- Cover the lid and let it cook
- Once complete, transfer the rice into a glass bowl or any other non-reactive material
- Add 1/3 cup of rice vinegar and toss the mixture to coat each grain
- Use it to make sushi rolls
Become an Expert at Rice Cooking
Commercial rice cookers make rice cooking fun and stress-free. You no longer have to worry about undercooked or soggy rice. With the holiday season just around the corner, this is the perfect time to try out all the rice recipes saved on your bookmarks. Follow the simple steps mentioned and watch yourself become an expert in rice cooking!
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