How to Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker
When making rice for yourself or the family, a rice cooker can be a major time saver for meal prep. Using a rice cooker is not particularly complicated, but you should know a few things before you use one of these cooking appliances.
Rice cookers range from basic models with a simple on-off switch to more advanced options with multiple settings for different varieties of rice and even other dishes. Many modern rice cookers double as steamers and can be used to steam vegetables, proteins like fish or dumplings, and sometimes even simmer soups, stews, and congees.
If you’re new to using a rice cooker, you might have one of these common questions:
- What water-to-rice ratio should I use?
- Should I rinse my rice before cooking?
- How do I operate my rice cooker?
- How long will it take to cook?
Most rice cookers use a standard 1:1 rice-to-water ratio. Other varieties require different ratios, which we’ll cover below. But the good news is that when you switch to a rice cooker, you don’t need to bother timing your rice anymore — your rice cooker will turn itself off (or switch to a “Keep Warm” mode) when your rice is fully cooked and the perfect fluffy consistency.
Keep reading to learn more about why you should use a rice cooker, rinsing your rice, operating your cooker, and more details on cooking different types of rice. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment for our specialists at Noel Leeming below.
Why should you use a rice cooker?
If you’re frequently boiling rice in a pot on the stovetop, then you’ll know this method can be inconsistent, time-consuming, and messy to clean up. Cooking rice in a rice cooker is a better option in several ways — and a good reason why this simple small appliance is a must-have for your kitchen.
Rice cookers ensure perfectly cooked rice every time. With these appliances, you can simply add water, then set it and forget it. There’s no need to use timers or check up on progress. The rice cooker will turn off when the rice reaches the correct consistency and switch to “Keep Warm” mode to ensure your food is ready to eat whenever you are.
Rice cookers are perfect for busy lifestyles. You can prepare large or small batches depending on the needs of you or your family. More advanced models also include options for steaming vegetables or proteins, cooking other grains, or even making soups and congees. These simple appliances are easy to use and energy efficient. Best of all, they make light, fluffy, and tasty rice!
How much water-to-rice ratio in a rice cooker?
When using a rice cooker, the most important step is getting the right water-to-rice ratio. Generally, the ratio of water-to-rice depends on the type of rice you are cooking and the model of rice cooker you are using. When in doubt, refer to your rice cooker’s manual for instructions or look up more details on the manufacturer’s site.
Most types of rice (including white rice) require a 1:1 ratio of water-to-rice. Other types of long grain rice like jasmine rice are typically 1:1 as well.
Brown rice tends to take longer to cook and will require a higher ratio of water, since it needs more water due to its outer layer. Typically, it is recommended to use between 1.25-1.5 cups of water per cup of brown rice. Short grain rice like sushi rice or sticky rice tends to be similar.
Other grains like quinoa or oats can require even higher ratios like 1:2. Since every model of rice cooker is different, your best option is to use the specific directions provided by the manufacturer. These brands will have tested individual grains to figure out the best ratios.
If you do want to cook grains like quinoa or oats, check out the Nutribullet EverGrain Cooker, which comes with specific presets for these options.
Should you rinse your rice before using a rice cooker?
When it comes to rinsing your rice before cooking, the short answer is ‘yes’, it’s a good idea in most situations. However, it does depend on the type of rice you are using and the recipe you have in mind — there are exceptions!
Why rinse your rice
The purpose of rinsing your rice is to get rid of extra starch or debris from processing. The more you rinse your rice, the fluffier it will become when cooked! Getting rid of the starch is especially important for long grain rice like white rice. Many people find it also improves the flavour.
That said, rinsing your rice also makes it less sticky. If you do want your rice to be sticky (for example, in sushi or risotto), you may want to avoid over-rinsing to retain the starchy stickiness. Other types of rice are fortified with nutrients, which can be washed away when you rinse it, so it’s important to check the packaging for these details.
Some people will argue that basmati and jasmine should not be rinsed since it is not overly starchy to begin with. By rinsing it, you are simply diluting the taste of the rice. At the end of the day, the best option is to do what’s recommended for your specific product and then test alternatives to figure out what you like best. Whether or not you rinse your rice mostly depends on your preferences for taste and texture.
How to rinse your rice
Rice can be rinsed directly in your rice cooker pot. Simply put your rice in the pot inner, pour in some cold water and gently swirl it around to release starch and debris. You can rinse the rice using your rice spoon or with your hands if they’re clean enough.
Once you’re done, drain the water and repeat the process 2-3 times in total. After rinsing, replace with fresh water for cooking in the correct ratio (see below).
You can also use a kitchen sieve or strainer to rinse your rice directly under the tap. Always use cold water for rinsing as hot water can begin the process of cooking the rice, which may impact taste and consistency (especially if you plan to soak your rice after rinsing).
Operating your rice cooker
After you have finished rinsing your rice, place the pot inner back into the cooker and shut the lid. Then you can start the cooking cycle. Basic rice cookers will only have a simple power switch, while more advanced models will allow you to select between various settings, depending on what you’re cooking.
Once you start the cooking cycle, do not open the lid of your rice cooker. This will allow steam to escape and mess up the cooking process. If you like to check up on your rice, find a model with a glass lid. Otherwise, your rice cooker will let you know when it’s done, usually by shifting automatically to “Keep Warm” mode.
During the cooking process, you may notice that your rice cooker looks like it is almost bubbling over. There are a couple of potential reasons for this, including:
- Your rice hasn’t been rinsed enough and there is too much starch.
- Your rice-to-water ratio is off and there is too much water in the cooker.
- You are trying to cook too much rice at once and the cooker is over capacity.
- Your steam vent is clogged and steam can’t escape properly.
Once you figure out what is causing the problem, it is usually fairly simple to adjust your approach and prevent this bubbling or boiling over from happening going forward.
How long does it take to cook rice in a rice cooker?
While using a rice cooker is generally more time efficient than boiling rice in a pot, the exact length of cooking time depends on the type of rice, the model of rice cooker, and various other factors like rinsing, water ratio, or quantity of rice.
Here are some rough estimates for different types of rice:
- White rice - 15 to 20 minutes
- Brown rice - 40 to 50 minutes
- Jasmine rice - 15 to 20 minutes
- Basmati rice - 15 to 20 minutes
- Sushi rice/Sticky rice - 20 to 25 minutes
- Wild rice - 40 to 50 minutes
One of the big advantages of using a rice cooker is that you don’t have to worry about how long to cook your rice. Your cooker will detect when the water is properly absorbed and the rice is done. More advanced models will even use induction heating to optimise cooking times.
Typically, it is a good idea to let your rice sit in the rice cooker for 5-10 minutes after it is done. This will help the water absorb into the grains more evenly and make the texture lighter and fluffier. Then use the rice spoon to serve!
How to cook different types of rice
Every type of rice is unique and requires slightly different approaches for best results. From the outer layers of brown rice to the specific consistency of sticky rice, here is our advice for getting the best results when cooking each type of rice in a rice cooker.
Cooking brown rice in a rice cooker
Brown rice is actually the same grain as white rice. With white rice, the outer bran layer and germ layer are removed. With brown rice, these two layers remain on and add extra fibre and nutrients when eaten.
These additional layers require more water for the grains to absorb and a longer cooking time. Brown rice will also have a tougher, chewier texture when eaten, which pairs well with certain types of dishes. Typically, brown rice takes between 40 to 50 minutes to cook in a rice cooker.
When cooking brown rice, getting the rice-to-water ratio is especially important. If your cooker recommends a specific ratio, follow this guide. Otherwise use between 1.25 to 1.5 cups of water, depending on the type of brown rice and your desired consistency. Use more water if you’d like your rice to be a softer texture.
Make sure you rinse the rice with cold water and (if possible) let it soak for 10-30 minutes before cooking, then 5-10 minutes after cooking.
Cooking jasmine rice in a rice cooker
Jasmine rice is a long grain variety of aromatic rice or fragrant rice that is popular in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thai or Vietnamese cuisine. It tends to be softer and stickier than typical white rice, which makes it well-suited to dishes like stir fries or soups.
Jasmine rice can be cooked in the same way as typical white rice, using the same water-to-rice ratio and taking a similar time to cook. If your rice cooker has a setting for jasmine rice, we recommend using this. Otherwise, we suggest using the standard setting and the jasmine rice should be cooked well.
Cooking basmati rice in a rice cooker
Basmati rice is a long grain variety of aromatic rice or fragrant rice that is popular in the Indian subcontinent, traditionally used in Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan or Nepalese cuisine. This type of rice is known for its particularly long grains, distinctive aroma and fluffy texture when cooked. It is typically used in dishes like curries, biryanis, pilafs, and more.
Traditionally, basmati rice is often cooked using the pilaf method, but it can also be cooked in a rice cooker. Basmati requires a higher rice-to-water ratio, especially the aged variety, requiring between 1:2 and 1:1.75 ratio.
Basmati rice typically takes a similar amount of time to cook as standard white rice. So if your rice cooker has a setting for basmati rice, you can use it but otherwise it is fine to use the regular setting.
Cooking sticky rice in a rice cooker
Sticky rice or glutinous rice refers to a number of varieties of short grain rice, including Japonica rice. It is sometimes colloquially referred to as sushi rice (in Japanese cuisine) or sweet rice (in Southeast Asian cuisine). There are a number of uses for sticky rice, including for sushi, sake, mochi, dumplings, sticky buns, and much more.
Sticky rice can be one of the trickier types of rice to prepare in a rice cooker. The traditional method of preparing it is to soak it (sometimes overnight) and then steam it. Certain advanced models of rice cookers will also include settings for cooking sticky rice.
If you do want to cook sticky rice in a rice cooker, we recommend looking for a model with a specific preset cooking function for sticky rice/sushi rice, such as the Breville the Rice Box Pro. Cooking on a regular setting is unlikely to lead to the right consistency.
Alternatively, you can use your rice cooker’s steaming function and line the steaming basket with parchment paper to prevent the rice from sticking.
Browse Rice Cooker Models Online or In-Store
If you’re looking for a specific type of rice cooker, you can check out the selection available from Noel Leeming here. Our catalogue includes various advanced models with settings for different types of rice and grains.
With so many models and features available, there’s certain to be a rice cooker to meet your needs. Shop online or in-store today at Noel Leeming to find the right option for you.