A rice cooker is a handy kitchen appliance, but it can be a hassle for people who don’t have one or when it breaks. However, you can still make delicious rice without a rice cooker. This article will show you how to make rice without a rice cooker.
Pros and Cons of Making Rice without a Rice Cooker
Making rice without a rice cooker has its advantages and disadvantages. The pros are as follows.
- You don’t have to buy a rice cooker, so you can save money and space.
- You can do it easily with pots, pans, and other cookware you usually use.
- You can control the heat and water level to get the texture and fluffiness you want.
- It may take less time than a rice cooker.
The disadvantages are as follows.
- It is more prone to breakdowns than a rice cooker.
- You have to be very careful because there is a risk of over boiling or spillage of water.
- You have to watch out for burns and fires.
- There is no keep warm function, so it cools down quickly.
Methods and Steps of Making Rice without a Rice Cooker
There are three main methods for making rice without a rice cooker. Each method and step is explained below.
How to make rice in a pot
Making rice in a pot is the most common and easiest method. A deep pot is recommended. The steps are as follows.
- Rinse and drain the rice
- Place the rice and water in a pot. The water level should be about 1.5 times the rice level.
- Cover the pot and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- When the water boils, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- When the water is absorbed, turn off the heat and let stand for about 10 minutes.
- Open the lid and fluff the rice at the end of the cooking time.
How to Cook Rice in a Pan
Cooking rice in a frying pan can be faster than cooking it in a pot. A frying pan with a thick, flat bottom is recommended. The steps are as follows.
- Wash and drain the rice
- Place the rice and water in a frying pan. The amount of water is about the same or slightly more than the amount of rice.
- Cover the pan and put it on high heat.
- When the water boils, lower the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- When the water is gone, turn off the heat and steam for about 5 minutes.
- Open the lid and fluff up the rice to finish.
How to Cook Rice in the Microwave
Cooking rice in a microwave is safe because you don’t use fire. You will need a microwave-safe container. The steps are as follows.
- Wash and drain the rice
- Place the rice and water in a container. The amount of water is about 1.2 times the amount of rice.
- Cover the container and heat in the microwave. The heating time will vary depending on the amount of rice and the model of microwave, but here are some guidelines.
- For 1 cup (about 150g) of rice: 600W for about 10 minutes, 500W for about 12 minutes.
- For 2 cups (about 300g) of rice: 600W for about 15 minutes, 500W for about 18 minutes.
- For 3 cups (about 450g) of rice: 600W for about 20 minutes, 500W for about 24 minutes.
- After heating, let it steam for about 10 minutes.
- Open the lid and fluff up the rice to finish.
How to Make Tasty Rice Without a Rice Cooker
You don’t need a rice cooker to make delicious rice. You can use pots, pans, or microwaves instead. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you.
- Choose new rice. It’s easier to cook than old or sticky rice. Old or sticky rice requires more water and time to cook.
- Use warm water instead of cold water. It makes the rice better. You can also use mineral water for more taste.
- Adjust the heat and amount of water for different types of rice. Usually, you want to cook it quickly on high heat and simmer it slowly on low heat. This makes the rice fluffy. If you want the rice to be loose, use less water.
- Eat or freeze the rice as soon as possible. Don’t leave it at room temperature or in the refrigerator for too long. It will dry out or spoil and lose its flavor.
This article has shown you how to make rice without a rice cooker. You can use pots, pans, or microwaves to easily cook rice. Remember the pros and cons, types and steps, tips and tricks, and find the best way for you. Don’t worry if you don’t have a rice cooker, just enjoy your rice.
