Olivia Carter
Microwave ovens are a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance, capable of cooking a wide range of foods in a fraction of the time it takes to cook them on a stovetop. One dish that can be easily cooked in a microwave oven is plain rice. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a base for your favourite stir-fry, making plain rice in a microwave oven is a simple and time-saving option.
Before you begin, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you have a microwave-safe container with a lid that fits securely. This will help to ensure that the rice cooks evenly and doesn’t spill over in the microwave. Second, choose the right type of rice. While long-grain white rice is the most common variety, you can also use other types such as basmati or jasmine rice for different flavours and textures.
To make plain rice in a microwave oven, start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This will help remove any excess starch and prevent the rice from sticking together. Next, place the rinsed rice in the microwave-safe container and add water. A general rule of thumb is to use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water, meaning for every cup of rice, add two cups of water. However, you can adjust the amount of water depending on how moist or dry you like your rice.
Once you’ve added the water, cover the container with the lid and place it in the microwave oven. Cook the rice on high power for 5 minutes, then reduce the power to 50% and cook for another 10-15 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave oven, so it’s a good idea to check the rice periodically and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
When the rice is done, carefully remove it from the microwave oven and let it stand covered for a few minutes to allow any remaining steam to be absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Plain rice cooked in a microwave oven is a quick and easy option that can be enjoyed as a side dish or incorporated into a variety of recipes. So why not give it a try and see how convenient and delicious it can be!
How To Cook Rice in Microwave Oven
Cooking rice in a microwave oven can be a quick and easy method to prepare this staple food. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Measure the desired amount of rice and put it in a microwave-safe bowl. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Step 2: Add Water
Add water to the rice in a 2:1 ratio. For example, if you have 1 cup of rice, add 2 cups of water. This ratio may vary depending on your preference and the type of rice you are using.
Step 3: Cover the Bowl
Place a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap over the bowl to cover it. This helps to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
Step 4: Microwave Cooking
Put the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, reduce the power to 50% and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.
Step 5: Let it Rest
Once the cooking time is complete, let the rice rest in the microwave for a few minutes. This allows the steam to redistribute and makes the rice fluffy and delicious.
Step 6: Fluff the Rice
After resting, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and use a fork to fluff the rice. Gently separate the grains to avoid crushing them.
That’s it! You have successfully cooked rice in a microwave oven. Serve it as a side dish or use it as a base for stir-fries, curries, or other delicious meals.
Step 1: Prepare Rice and Water
To make plain rice in a microwave oven, you will need to gather the following ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rice
- 2 cups of water
Equipment:
- Microwave-safe bowl with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap
- Fork or spoon for fluffing the rice
Start by rinsing the rice in a strainer under cold water to remove any excess starch. This step will help prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
Next, transfer the rinsed rice to a microwave-safe bowl and add the water. The water-to-rice ratio for making plain rice is typically 2:1, meaning you’ll need twice the amount of water as rice. For example, if you’re using 1 cup of rice, add 2 cups of water.
Once the rice and water are in the bowl, give it a gentle stir to combine. Make sure all the rice is submerged in the water.
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap to trap steam. This will help the rice cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.
Your rice is now ready to be cooked in the microwave oven. Proceed to the next step to learn how to cook it.
Step 2: Rinse the Rice
In order to remove any excess starch and impurities, it is important to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking. Rinsing the rice helps improve its texture and prevents it from sticking together when cooked.
Follow these steps to properly rinse the rice:
1. Measure the Rice:
Take the desired amount of rice and measure it using a measuring cup. The standard ratio for cooking rice is 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water.
2. Place the Rice in a Bowl:
Transfer the measured rice into a large bowl. Make sure the bowl is big enough to give the rice plenty of space to move around while rinsing.
3. Add Water:
Fill the bowl with cold water, covering the rice completely. Swirl the rice gently with your fingers to loosen any dirt or debris present.
4. Rinse:
Drain out the cloudy water and repeat the process 2-3 times or until the water runs clear. This is an important step to remove any excess starch from the rice.
Once the rice is properly rinsed, it is ready to be cooked using a microwave oven. Proceed to the next step for cooking instructions.
Step 3: Measure the Water
Next, you will need to measure the amount of water you will need to cook the rice. The general rule of thumb is to use 1 ½ cups of water for every cup of rice. However, this can vary depending on the type of rice you are using, so it’s always a good idea to check the packaging or recipe for specific instructions.
If you are using a microwave-safe measuring cup, simply pour the desired amount of water into the cup. If you don’t have a microwave-safe measuring cup, you can use a regular measuring cup and transfer the water to a microwave-safe container later.
Once you have measured the water, you can move on to the next step: cooking the rice.
Step 4: Microwave the Rice
Transfer the rinsed rice to a microwave-safe dish with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the dish is large enough to accommodate the rice and allow room for expansion.
For every cup of rinsed rice, add 1.5 cups of water to the dish. This ratio may vary depending on your microwave’s strength, so adjust accordingly.
Place the lid on the dish, ensuring that it is tightly sealed. This will create a steamy environment for the rice to cook evenly.
Put the dish in the microwave and cook on high power for 5 minutes. This initial cooking time will help bring the water to a boiling point.
After 5 minutes, reduce the microwave’s power to 50% and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will allow the rice to absorb the water and cook through.
Once the microwave timer goes off, let the rice sit inside the microwave for another 5 minutes. This resting time will help the rice finish cooking and absorb any excess moisture.
Carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel. Take off the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve hot.
FAQ
Can I cook rice in the microwave oven?
Yes, you can cook rice in the microwave oven. It is a quick and convenient way to make plain rice.
What ingredients do I need to make plain rice in the microwave oven?
To make plain rice in the microwave oven, you will need rice, water, and a microwave-safe bowl or dish.
What is the cooking time for plain rice in the microwave oven?
The cooking time for plain rice in the microwave oven may vary depending on the type of rice and the power of your microwave. Usually, it takes about 10-15 minutes.
Do I need to cover the bowl while cooking rice in the microwave oven?
Yes, it is recommended to cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap while cooking rice in the microwave oven. This helps to trap the steam and cook the rice evenly.
Can I add any seasonings or spices to the plain rice while cooking it in the microwave oven?
Yes, you can add seasonings or spices to the plain rice while cooking it in the microwave oven. It’s a great way to enhance the flavor of the rice. Some popular options are salt, pepper, garlic powder, or herbs.
