7 Easy Rice Recipes (Stove Top & Rice Cooker) (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to cook rice in a rice cooker or on the stove? ›

The stove top rice cooking method wins out for storage, but rice cookers are better on the go. Whether you choose to cook at the party or prep the meal before you come, Aroma's keep-warm function works anywhere there's a plug-in. Aroma's largest rice and grain cookers hold up to 60 cups (cooked).

One of our favorite ways to flavor rice because it pairs with just about anything. Add rice and water to your rice cooker and top with 1-2 tomatoes. If you want more flavor, add some chopped garlic and a pinch of salt. Press start and wait until your rice is cooked.

Our general rec for long-grain white rice is a ratio of 1:1 so for 2 cups of rice, add 2 cups of water. Following our ratio for brown rice (1:2 1/4), you would start with 2 cups of brown rice then add 4 ½ cups of water.

Bring water to a boil before adding it to the rice.

Pouring already boiling water on top of the rice helps control the exact amount of water you're adding, something that's important for basmati and jasmine rice because they're on the starchy side and can end up gummy. You're aiming to achieve separate grains.

Rice Cooker Ratio

Long grain white rice - 1:1.75 ratio (1 cup rice + 1 3/4 cups water) Medium grain white rice - 1:1.5 ratio (1 cup rice + 1 1/2 cups water) Short grain white rice - 1:1.5 ratio (1 cup rice + 1 1/2 cups water) Long grain brown rice - 1:2.25 ratio (1 cup rice + 2 1/4 cups water)

Never stir your rice! Stirring activates starch and will make your rice gloppy. That's what makes risotto so creamy." Rice is like pasta—you have to salt the water, or else you'll have bland rice.

We spoke with James Beard Award-winning chef Ming Tsai and other professionals about the importance of rice cookers and how to shop for one. "I've always used rice cookers in all of my restaurants," said Tsai.

You can spice it with salt and pepper, garam masala, add things like soy sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sriracha, or other condiments to the water as the rice cooks. Saute the dry rice in oil for a few minutes will bring out a nutty flavor in the rice.

Which is better basmati or jasmine rice? ›

Basmati is a go-to choice for pilaf, biryani, plov, the classic Persian dish called chelow and as a base for curry. Jasmine is a top pick for fried rice, com do (Vietnamese red rice) and hung kao mung gati (Thai coconut rice).

Tips for How to Use a Rice Cooker

“You can use short-grain white rice with short-grain brown rice, or long-grain white rice with long-grain brown rice, but you cannot mix short and long grain,” Tsai explains. Sticking to one rice length ensures that each grain cooks evenly. Make sure you can keep your rice warm.

Despite the same, a rice cooker can be used to make almost anything, from chili, pasta, and yes, even pizza. The slow-cooking method of a rice cooker is great for making cheaper cuts of meat tender and delicious. A rice cooker is also good for soups, stews, and curries, and can also cook puddings and sauces.

Long grain white rice - 1:1.75 ratio (1 cup rice + 1 3/4 cups water) Medium grain white rice - 1:1.5 ratio (1 cup rice + 1 1/2 cups water) Short grain white rice - 1:1.5 ratio (1 cup rice + 1 1/2 cups water) Long grain brown rice - 1:2.25 ratio (1 cup rice + 2 1/4 cups water)

A 2-to-1 ratio, liquid to rice, produces soft, tender rice. Chewier rice will result from using a 1-to-1 ratio, or from adding a bit more water. I usually go with a 2-to-1 ratio for cooking a long-grain rice like basmati. Traditionally, basmati rice first is soaked for 30 minutes to as long as two hours.

How long does 1 cup of rice take to cook in a rice cooker? Most rice cookers fully cook a batch of rice, whether 1 cup or more, in 30 to 40 minutes. If you're adding extra ingredients or alternative liquids, the time may differ slightly.