If you've ever tried warming rice just by putting it in the microwave, you'll know that it only results in dry, unpalatable rice. However, if you add water and seal the rice to steam it, you will get delicious rice from the microwave, stove, or oven.
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Method 1 of 3: Warming Rice in the Microwave
Step 1. Place the rice in a special microwave container
Place the rice in a microwave-safe plate, bowl, or container. If the rice is in a food container and you want to warm it with the container, make sure there are no staples or metal handles in the food container.
Step 2. Add a little water
The amount of water used depends on the amount of rice, but you usually only need a tablespoon of water for a cup of rice (350 grams). This is enough to keep the rice moist again without making it too mushy or soggy after heating.
Step 3. Mash the lumps of rice with a fork
If there are lumps of rice stuck to them, they won't get as hot as the rest of the rice. So, the rice can not get water and expands again. Use a fork to crush the rice lumps back to their original size.
Step 4. Cover the container with a plate or towel
To keep the rice moist, cover your container with a plate or microwave-safe plastic lid (but don't close it tightly). You can also cover it with damp tissue paper to allow the rice to absorb more water.
Step 5. Heat the rice
Use high heat when warming rice in the microwave. The duration depends on the amount of rice available. 1-2 minutes is enough to warm a portion of rice.
- If you warmed frozen rice, heat the rice for 2-3 minutes in the microwave.
- The container must be hot. So, let it sit for 1-2 minutes afterward, or use oven mitts to remove it.
Method 2 of 3: Warming Rice on the Stove
Step 1. Place the rice in the sauce pan
Place the rice from its container into the sauce pan. You can use any size pan, but make sure it can hold all of the rice without pressing it down to fit.
Step 2. Add a little water
The amount of water added depends on the amount of rice. However, usually a few tablespoons of water is enough for one serving of rice. Since the pan is on the stove, not in the microwave or oven, you'll also need to add a little water during the cooking process if the rice still looks dry.
Step 3. Add oil or butter
Pour a little olive oil or put a little butter (less than a tablespoon) over the rice in the pan. This will restore the moisture and flavor lost in the refrigerator, and will prevent the rice from sticking to the pan.
Step 4. Mash the lumpy rice with a fork
Use a fork to press down on the lumps of rice as this can prevent them from getting the heat evenly. This method can also help spread the oil and water throughout the rice.
Step 5. Cover the pan with a tight lid
If your pan can be covered, place the lid over the pan to seal the steam inside. If you don't have a pan that fits perfectly, use a lid that's larger than the pan so that it covers all the parts.
Step 6. Heat the rice on a low heat setting
The heating time will depend on the amount of rice in the pan, but 3-5 minutes is usually enough for one serving of rice. Stir the rice as often as possible so it doesn't burn. The rice is ready to serve when the water has evaporated and the surface looks smoky or has risen again.
Method 3 of 3: Warming Rice in the Oven
Step 1. Place the rice on a roasting plate
The roasting plate should be large and secure enough to hold the rice without pressing it in.
Step 2. Add a little water
For a serving of rice, use 15-30 ml of water. For larger portions, add more water.
Step 3. Add oil or stock
Pour a little olive oil or any stock into the rice to add flavor and moisture. Stir the rice briefly so that the liquid coats all over it.
Step 4. Mash the lumps of rice with a fork
Make sure the rice doesn't clump together and is spread evenly over the entire area of the grill plate so that it all cooks at the same time.
Step 5. Cover the rice tightly with a tight-fitting lid or use foil
If your toaster can be covered, put the lid on before placing the rice in the oven. If you don't have one, just use a sheet of aluminum foil and wrap it around the edges of the plate.
Step 6. Bake the rice at 150 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes
If after 20 minutes the rice still seems too dry, remove it from the oven, add water to the rice, then put the lid back on. Let the rice sit on the stove or on a saucer and let it steam for five minutes.
