Microwave rice has become a popular topic lately, thanks to an internet cooking hack that works! This method can give you uniformly cooked rice grains, free up stove space, and is regarded as the best way to cook rice by chefs and culinary experts. The best part is that you don’t need any special equipment or a rice cooker. Additionally, you can save some time. Keep in mind that this is different, so it may take a bit of experimentation to determine the correct timing for your particular device and type of rice. However, it’s well worth the effort to completely transform how you prepare this essential grain.
How to Microwave Rice ?
Here’s a great method for cooking rice
Rinse one cup of white rice in a strainer until the water runs clear.
Place the rice into a microwave-safe bowl and add two cups of water (this 1:2 ratio also works for smaller or larger portions). Microwave the rice for 15 minutes.
If the water has been absorbed, it’s ready. Otherwise, add another 5 minutes of cooking time and check again.
Depending on the microwave and the heat-retaining properties of the bowl you use, it may take up to 25+ minutes to fully cook the rice.
Once the rice is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing it up with a fork. Serve and enjoy.
Store any leftover rice in a tightly sealed food storage container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply use the microwave.
How to Cook Different Types of Rice in the Microwave ??
You can use the microwave to cook a variety of rice, including white, brown, black, red, and wild rice blends.
For more absorbent grains like brown rice, you should add a little extra water. According to The New York Times, a ratio of 2 ½ cups of water to one cup of brown rice works well.
You’ll need to increase the water and cook time by about 5-10 minutes for black, red, or wild rice blends.
In addition to traditional rice dishes, you can use microwave-specific cookware from brands like Anyday to create more interesting rice recipes.
Try making tomato rice, coconut rice, rice pilaf, risotto, and more. To make a complete meal, add uncooked vegetables like spinach or broccoli florets on top of the rice a few minutes before the cooking time ends.
This allows the steam to cook the veggies. Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings and add-ins to customize the flavor of your microwave-cooked rice.
Just adding a teaspoon of adobo, paprika, or garlic powder to the seasoned water can make a big difference!
How to Reheat Rice in the Microwave ??
Leftover rice can be easily reheated in the microwave, and will still taste fresh even after several days.
Follow these steps:
If your rice is not in a microwave-safe container, transfer it to one.
For each cup of rice you’re reheating, add an ice cube on top of the rice. You can also use 1-2 tablespoons of water per cup, but the ice cube is more convenient since you don’t need measuring tools.
Cover the container to trap steam and microwave at full power for 3-4 minutes.
Stir the rice to re-fluff and hydrate it.
To ensure food safety, reheated rice should reach a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
*The information is for reference only.