- Measure accurately; use dry measure for rice, liquid measure for liquid.
- Time cooking accurately; use kitchen timer.
- Do not lift lid during cooking or moisture will be lost.
- Do not stir rice or you will disturb steam vents needed for cooking.
- For delicious flavour, cook rice in chicken or beef broth or coconut milk instead of water.
- Rice will expand to 3 to 4 times its volume, so use appropriate size saucepan or casserole dish.
- If rice is crunchy and liquid has been completely absorbed, add additional liquid, cover and cook 3 to 4 minutes longer.
For best results, always follow the package directions of the rice you are using. When directions are not available, follow these directions for stove-top cooking:
Stove Top Cooking
In a heavy-bottom saucepan, combine 1 cup (250 mL) rice, liquid (see chart), 1 tsp (5 mL) salt and 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter, if using. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for the time specified on chart. Test a few grains of rice for doneness (quickly replace lid). If not tender or liquid not completely absorbed, cook 2 to 4 minutes longer. Fluff with fork.
Microwave
In a deep microwavable dish, combine 1 cup (250 mL) rice, liquid, 1 tsp (5 mL) salt and 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter if using. Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 minutes or until liquid is boiling. Reduce to MEDIUM (50%) and cook white rice for 15 minutes, parboiled for 20 minutes and brown (whole grain) for 30 minutes. Test a few grains for doneness (quickly replace lid). If not quite tender or liquid not completely absorbed, cook 1 to 2 minutes longer. Fluff with fork.
Oven
Cooking rice in the oven is an efficient use of energy when baking other foods. Note: Boiling liquid must be used to start the process. In deep casserole dish, combine 1 cup (250 mL) rice, boiling liquid (see chart), 1 tsp (5 mL) salt and 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter if using. Cover tightly and bake in 350°F (180°C) oven, white rice for 25 to 30 minutes, parboiled for 30 to 40 minutes and brown (whole grain) for 1 hour. Fluff with fork.
Rice Cooker Method
Care should be taken to follow individual manufacturers’ directions. Turn rice cooker on. The cooker stops automatically by sensing a rise in temperature that occurs when rice has absorbed all the liquid.