Classic Steamed Rice Recipes

PERFECT STEAMED RICE

Steps:

• Place rice, water and salt in a saucepan. Bring liquid to a boil over medium heat. Cover and simmer over low heat until the rice is as tender as you like it, about 18 minutes. If there is any leftover liquid in the pot, drain the rice in a strainer. Remove half of the rice for another day. To remaining rice, stir in butter and cheese and/or ham; adjust seasoning.

PERFECT STEAMED RICE

Steps:

• Rinse rice in several changes of cold water until water is clear, then drain well in a large fine-mesh sieve. Bring rice and water (3 3/4 cups) to a boil in a 4-quart wide heavy pot and boil, uncovered, without stirring, until steam holes appear in rice and grains on surface look dry, 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat to very low, then cover pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Gently fluff rice with a fork.

PERFECT STEAMED RICE EVERY TIME

Steps:

• WASH THE RICE: Rinse under running water, rubbing the grains together between the palms of your hands; continue this rinsing until the water runs fairly clear. THIS WILL TAKE A COUPLE MINUTES; DON'T RUSH THIS MOST IMPORTANT STEP!
• Place rice in a covered sauce pan; add water to 1/2-inch above the rice; put on high heat. Stay in the area -- don't fall asleep -- PAY ATTENTION!
• As soon as it boils rapidly, reduce heat to medium/low and keep simmering for 10 minutes. DO NOT PEEK. DO NOT OPEN THE LID.
• Remove pot from burner but STILL DO NOT OPEN THE LID; let the rice rest undisturbed for five minutes.
• Fluff the rice with a pair of chopsticks before serving.

STEAMED RICE

Steps:

• Saute rice in butter just until translucent and very lightly browned.
• Add chopped onion, and continue sauteing until onion is translucent, stirring frequently to prevent onion from burning.
• Drain any excess butter or olive oil.
• Add stock or water carefully to prevent steam burns; it WILL blow steam!
• Adjust heat for a slow simmer, cover, and cook about 15 minutes without stirring or uncovering.
• If all liquid is not absorbed, remove cover, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
• Fluff gently with a fork just before serving.
• Variation: Lightly brown orzo or broken pasta in butter and/or olive oil before adding rice.
• Add rice when orzo is already lightly browned, and saute as above, but orzo will be dark brown by the time rice is light brown and onion is translucent; do not burn orzo.
• Add 3 cups of liquid instead of 2 cups, and cook as above.

CLASSIC STEAMED RICE

Steps:

• Rinse rice well.
• Combine with water and salt, if using, in a 8 cup microwaveable casserole.
• Cover and microwave at high for 5 minutes, then at medium for 8 to 12 minutes or until most of water is absorbed.
• Let stand covered, 5 to 10 minutes to absorb remaining liquid.