Rice can be eaten as a delicious side dish or used as a delicious addition to casseroles, soups and stews. However, cooking rice to perfection is not as easy as one might think, and it takes a lot of time. If you don't want to wait 20 minutes or more for rice to cook, cooking instant rice is the best alternative. Instant rice is sold in cooked condition. So, you only need to cook it for a few minutes to get the perfect taste and texture. Instant rice is available in white and brown rice variants. You can also choose to use the stove or microwave to prepare it.
Ingredients
- 200 grams of instant rice from white or brown rice, uncooked
- 237 ml water
- Butter and salt (optional)
For 2 servings
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cooking Instant White Rice on the Stove
Step 1. Bring the water to a boil
Pour 237 ml of water into a medium saucepan and place it on the stove over high heat. Let the water boil completely. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
- A 1.9 liter pot is usually suitable for cooking 200 grams of rice
- If you want, you can replace the water with chicken stock or vegetable stock for a more delicious taste.
Step 2. Add rice
After the water boils, add 200 grams of instant rice to the pot. Stir until smooth so that all parts of the rice are wet.
If you want, you can add 14 grams of butter or margarine and salt for seasoning to the pan after the rice is added
Step 3. Cover the pot and turn off the stove
When the rice mixes with the boiling water, put the lid on the pot. Turn off the stove, then transfer the pot to a heat-resistant surface, such as a kitchen counter.
Step 4. Let the rice sit for a few minutes
Once removed from the stove, you need to let the rice soak up the boiling water for about 5 minutes. The rice will absorb all the water. So, this process may take a few minutes longer.
Do not open the pot until the rice has been allowed to sit for at least 5 minutes. You have to keep the hot steam in the pan
Step 5. Open the pot and stir the rice with a fork
After the rice has absorbed all the water, open the lid of the pot. Use a fork to gently stir the rice to get the right texture.
Step 6. Serve the rice while it is still hot
Once the rice has risen, transfer it to a bowl or plate. Serve at the dinner table while still warm to enjoy it.
You can also use the rice as a complement to recipes that require you to use white rice
Method 2 of 3: Preparing Instant Brown Rice
Step 1. Bring the water to a boil
Pour 237 ml of water into a medium saucepan and place it on the stove over high heat. Let the water boil completely. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
- A 1.9 liter pot is usually suitable for cooking 200 grams of rice
- If you want, you can replace the water with chicken stock or vegetable stock.
Step 2. Add the rice and let sit until the contents of the pot return to a boil
When the water is boiling, add 200 grams of instant brown rice. Stir and let the contents of the pot come back to a boil. This process usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
If you want, you can add 14 grams of butter or margarine and salt for seasoning to the pan after the rice is added
Step 3. Reduce the heat and heat the rice for a few minutes
When the contents of the pot are boiling again, reduce the heat. Put the lid on the pot and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 4. Turn off the stove, then stir
Once the rice has finished heating, remove the pan from the stove. Stir the rice with a spoon.
Step 5. Cover the pot again and let the rice sit for a few minutes
Put the lid back on the pot to keep the steam inside. Let the rice sit for 5 minutes or until all the water in the pot is absorbed.
Step 6. Stir the rice with a fork, then eat
Once the water is absorbed, use a fork to stir the rice until it rises. Transfer the rice to a bowl and serve warm.
You can also use the result as a mix for a recipe that asks you to provide brown rice
Method 3 of 3: Cooking Instant Rice in the Microwave
Step 1. Combine rice and water in a bowl
Add 200 grams of instant white or brown rice into a large heatproof bowl. Pour 237 ml of water over the rice, then stir briefly to mix.
- Rice will expand as it cooks. So make sure you use a large bowl even if the rice and water don't make it look full.
- You can replace the water with chicken stock or vegetable stock if you prefer.
- If you want, you can add 14 grams of butter or margarine and salt for seasoning to the pan after the rice is added.
Step 2. Cover the bowl and cook in the microwave for a few minutes
Place a heatproof cover or a piece of paper towel over the bowl and microwave on high for 6 to 7 minutes, depending on the type of rice being cooked.
- Instant rice from white rice usually needs to be heated for 6 minutes.
- Instant rice from brown rice usually needs to be heated for 7 minutes.
Step 3. Remove the rice from the microwave, then let it rest for a while
When finished heating, remove the bowl from the microwave. Do not open the lid yet and let sit for 5 minutes or until the water inside is absorbed.
Step 4. Stir the rice with a fork, then eat
Once the water is absorbed, open the lid of the bowl. Use a fork to gently stir the rice. Serve while still warm.
