A Guide on How To Cook Rice Using a Rice Cooker

Rice is a staple food enjoyed in countless cuisines around the world. Whether it’s the fluffy jasmine rice served with fragrant Thai curries or the long-grain basmati rice in aromatic biryanis, rice is a versatile and essential ingredient. In Malaysian households, it’s a daily necessity, often prepared with the help of a rice cooker for its convenience and consistent results.

If you’ve ever wondered how to cook rice using a rice cooker, or been unsure about how to cook rice step by step, this guide will take you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right rice to achieving perfectly cooked grains.

A Guide on How To Cook Rice Using a Rice Cooker

Rice is a staple food enjoyed in countless cuisines around the world. Whether it’s the fluffy jasmine rice served with fragrant Thai curries or the long-grain basmati rice in aromatic biryanis, rice is a versatile and essential ingredient. In Malaysian households, it’s a daily necessity, often prepared with the help of a rice cooker for its convenience and consistent results.

If you’ve ever wondered how to cook rice using a rice cooker, or been unsure about how to cook rice step by step, this guide will take you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right rice to achieving perfectly cooked grains.

Exploring Different Types of Rice

The type of rice you use has a big impact on its texture, flavour, and cooking method. Here’s a quick overview of common varieties:

  • White Rice: A classic choice for Malaysian households, white rice cooks quickly and pairs well with nearly every dish.
  • Brown Rice: With a nutty flavour and higher nutritional content, brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more water.
  • Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and soft, jasmine rice is a favourite in Southeast Asian dishes.
  • Basmati Rice: Known for its aromatic, long grains, basmati is ideal for pilafs and biryanis, and has been a very popular choice for nasi lemak, recently.
  • Sushi Rice: A short-grain variety that turns sticky when cooked, perfect for Japanese cuisine.

Different types of rice often require varying methods of preparation. For example, “what is the ratio of water to rice?” In a rice cooker, it depends on the variety — white rice typically needs less water than brown or jasmine rice. Always check your rice cooker’s instruction manual for specific recommendations.

How to Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker: Step-by-Step

1. Measure and Rinse the Rice

Start by measuring the amount of rice you want to cook. As a guideline, 1 cup of uncooked rice yields about 2 cups of cooked rice. Adjust this based on your household needs. If you’re preparing a meal for a large group, a high-capacity cooker like the CUCKOO CR-1713 is perfect.

Rinse the rice thoroughly under running water to remove excess starch and any impurities. Gently swish the rice with your hand until the water runs clear. This is a crucial step when learning how to cook rice step by step, as it ensures your rice is clean and has a better texture.

2. Add the Correct Amount of Water

Once rinsed, add water to the rice. But, what is the ratio of water to rice? For white rice, the common ratio is 1:1 (1 cup of water per cup of rice). However, some rice varieties like brown or basmati may need more water.

If you’re unsure, browse through your rice cooker’s instruction manual for precise measurements. Advanced models, such as the CUCKOO CR-1020F, come with pre-set options for different rice types, making it easier to achieve perfect results.

3. Close the Lid and Start Cooking

Secure the rice cooker’s lid to trap the steam effectively. Press the cooking button, or select the appropriate function for your rice type. Modern cookers like the CUCKOO CR-1020F offer tailored settings for white, brown, GABA and even scorched rice.

If you’re wondering how long to cook rice in a rice cooker, white rice typically takes about 10–15 minutes. Brown rice may take longer, depending on the quantity and cooker model.

4. Allow the Rice to Rest

Once the rice cooker switches to the “keep warm” mode, let the rice rest for 10–15 minutes without opening the lid. This resting period allows the steam to redistribute, improving the texture.

The CUCKOO CR-0675F takes it up a notch with auto steam sterilisation, ensuring odour-free and hygienic rice. Following this step is essential if you want to know how to cook perfect rice.

5. Fluff and Serve

Using a rice paddle or fork, gently fluff the rice to separate the grains. This ensures the rice is light and fluffy, ready to serve with your favourite dishes.

Exploring Different Types of Rice

The type of rice you use has a big impact on its texture, flavour, and cooking method. Here’s a quick overview of common varieties:

  • White Rice: A classic choice for Malaysian households, white rice cooks quickly and pairs well with nearly every dish.
  • Brown Rice: With a nutty flavour and higher nutritional content, brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more water.
  • Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and soft, jasmine rice is a favourite in Southeast Asian dishes.
  • Basmati Rice: Known for its aromatic, long grains, basmati is ideal for pilafs and biryanis, and has been a very popular choice for nasi lemak, recently.
  • Sushi Rice: A short-grain variety that turns sticky when cooked, perfect for Japanese cuisine.

Different types of rice often require varying methods of preparation. For example, “what is the ratio of water to rice?” In a rice cooker, it depends on the variety — white rice typically needs less water than brown or jasmine rice. Always check your rice cooker’s instruction manual for specific recommendations.

How to Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker: Step-by-Step

1. Measure and Rinse the Rice

Start by measuring the amount of rice you want to cook. As a guideline, 1 cup of uncooked rice yields about 2 cups of cooked rice. Adjust this based on your household needs. If you’re preparing a meal for a large group, a high-capacity cooker like the CUCKOO CR-1713 is perfect.

Rinse the rice thoroughly under running water to remove excess starch and any impurities. Gently swish the rice with your hand until the water runs clear. This is a crucial step when learning how to cook rice step by step, as it ensures your rice is clean and has a better texture.

2. Add the Correct Amount of Water

Once rinsed, add water to the rice. But, what is the ratio of water to rice? For white rice, the common ratio is 1:1 (1 cup of water per cup of rice). However, some rice varieties like brown or basmati may need more water.

If you’re unsure, browse through your rice cooker’s instruction manual for precise measurements. Advanced models, such as the CUCKOO CR-1020F, come with pre-set options for different rice types, making it easier to achieve perfect results.

3. Close the Lid and Start Cooking

Secure the rice cooker’s lid to trap the steam effectively. Press the cooking button, or select the appropriate function for your rice type. Modern cookers like the CUCKOO CR-1020F offer tailored settings for white, brown, GABA and even scorched rice.

If you’re wondering how long to cook rice in a rice cooker, white rice typically takes about 10–15 minutes. Brown rice may take longer, depending on the quantity and cooker model.

4. Allow the Rice to Rest

Once the rice cooker switches to the “keep warm” mode, let the rice rest for 10–15 minutes without opening the lid. This resting period allows the steam to redistribute, improving the texture.

The CUCKOO CR-0675F takes it up a notch with auto steam sterilisation, ensuring odour-free and hygienic rice. Following this step is essential if you want to know how to cook perfect rice.

5. Fluff and Serve

Using a rice paddle or fork, gently fluff the rice to separate the grains. This ensures the rice is light and fluffy, ready to serve with your favourite dishes.

Learning how to cook rice using a rice cooker is easy once you understand the basics, whether it’s mastering the ratio of water to rice in a rice cooker, knowing how long to cook rice in a rice cooker, or following how to cook rice step by step.

Most important of all, a good rice cooker makes all the difference. When it comes to choosing one, our pro tip is to consider:

  • Size and capacity of the electric rice cooker, based on your needs
  • Product features such as cooking modes, streamlined controls and buttons, and ease of cleaning
  • Energy efficiency as most households cook rice daily
  • Warranty period and coverage

Ready to perfect your rice game? Explore the range of CUCKOO rice cookers at e-Brandshop, starting at just RM200, and bring convenience and quality to your kitchen today!

Learning how to cook rice using a rice cooker is easy once you understand the basics, whether it’s mastering the ratio of water to rice in a rice cooker, knowing how long to cook rice in a rice cooker, or following how to cook rice step by step.

Most important of all, a good rice cooker makes all the difference. When it comes to choosing one, our pro tip is to consider:

  • Size and capacity of the electric rice cooker, based on your needs
  • Product features such as cooking modes, streamlined controls and buttons, and ease of cleaning
  • Energy efficiency as most households cook rice daily
  • Warranty period and coverage

Ready to perfect your rice game? Explore the range of CUCKOO rice cookers at e-Brandshop, starting at just RM200, and bring convenience and quality to your kitchen today!