How to Cook Rice in a Microwave Rice Cooker

A microwave oven is very handy to have in the kitchen, especially if you want to heat up food quickly and do not want to go through the hassle of using the stove. Aside from heating food, did you know that you can also cook rice in a microwave? It may sound unlikely to you but it’s true.

If you’re looking for a way to cook rice without any hassle and with a quick cooking time, a microwave rice cooker may just be the one for you. 

Benefits of Using a Microwave Rice Cooker

You can microwave rice using a glass bowl. But for a fool-proof method to cook rice, a microwave rice cooker is the way to go. As implied in the name, microwave rice cookers are specifically designed to cook rice in the microwave and they come with various features that make the rice cooking process hassle-free.

One of the biggest advantages of using a microwave rice cooker is that it takes all the guesswork out of cooking rice. Simply add the raw rice and water to the cooker, set the microwave timer, and let it do its thing. You don’t have to watch over it unlike how you would when cooking rice over the stove. 

Another advantage is that microwave cookers ensure that the rice grains cook evenly. If you’ve ever tried cooking rice over the stove, you know how frustrating it can be trying to get all the grains to cook through evenly. Making rice in the microwave will take all that frustration away. No need to worry about undercooked rice or burnt grains as the microwave rice cooker evenly distributes heat, cooking all grains perfectly.

Most microwave rice cookers are also compact and don’t require large storage space, unlike actual rice cookers. You can use them in any place that has a microwave oven: in the dorm, office lunch room, a small apartment, or even in an RV. They’re also ideal for those who live alone or don’t consume rice often. You can use them to make small portions of rice in the microwave. 

Furthermore, cleaning up a microwave cooker is a breeze. It doesn’t have any electrical components at all, so you can run it under the faucet, wipe it down, and store it for later use.

Can I Cook Rice in Microwave Steamer?

Yes, you can make delicious rice in a microwave steamer. While it is generally safe to make rice using a microwave steamer, always read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions and follow the safety guidelines.

How Do You Cook Rice in a Plastic Microwave Rice Cooker?

Microwaving rice is very easy. Plus, the quick cooking time is ideal for those who live busy lifestyles. While you can use a microwave-safe bowl to make rice, a microwave rice cooker is much better as it is quicker and cooks the grains more evenly. 

You will need your dry rice, strainer, rice paddle, microwave rice cooker, and microwave oven. Once you have all that, follow the steps below on how you can make rice using a microwave rice cooker.

1. First, rinse the rice under cold running water. This step is important to get rid of the dirt, debris, and extra starch on the grains. Use the strainer so that you don’t lose any grains down the drain. 
2. Add the rinsed rice to your rice maker pot. Then, add the appropriate amount of water required. 
3. Close the lid and open the vent.
4. The cooking time may vary based on the type of rice. If you’re cooking white rice, microwave for 10 to 12 minutes on medium-high. If you’re cooking brown rice, the cooking time is 18 to 20 minutes on a medium-high setting.
5. When the time is up, let it sit in the cooking pot for 5 minutes. 
6. Carefully remove the cooker from the microwave with the use of hot pads or mitts. 
7. Open the lid carefully and check if all the liquid has been absorbed. If there is still excess water, microwave the cooked rice for an additional minute or two.
8. Let the cooked rice stand for 2 to 3 minutes again.
9. Open the lid and fluff the cooked rice with a fork or a paddle.
10. Serve.

How to Cook Jasmine Rice in a Microwave Rice Cooker?

Jasmine rice is a type of long-grain white rice. When cooking it using a microwave rice cooker, it requires slightly more water compared to medium or short grains. 

Cooking jasmine rice in the microwave is really easy. Simply follow the steps detailed above but for the water-to-rice ratio, use 1 1/2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Microwave on high for 9 to 11 minutes.

Microwave Rice Cooker Rice-to-Water Ratio and Cooking Times

Similar to a rice cooker, the appropriate rice-to-water ratio is needed when making rice in a microwave. If you don’t use the correct amount of water, you won’t have fluffy rice and you’ll end up with mushy rice instead. It is very unappetizing to eat partially-cooked rice or gloopy rice.

Generally, the ratio for 1 cup of rice is 1 1/2 cups of water. However, if you are cooking other types of rice with a microwave oven rice cooker, the ratio will vary slightly. The length of time varies as well.

White Rice

The amount of time it takes to cook white rice depends on the cups of rice you are cooking. One cup of raw white rice requires 1 1/2 cups of water and cooking on high will take about 9 to 11 minutes with a microwave rice cooker.

How Much Water Do I Need for 2 Cups of Rice in the Microwave?

If you are using 2 cups of white rice, you will need 2 2/3 cups of water. It can take 13 to 15 minutes to cook white rice. To make 4 cups of cooked rice, you’ll need 3 1/2 cups of water. This measurement will take about 15 to 17 minutes.

Brown Rice

One cup of medium or short-grain rice requires 1 1/2 cups of water. To cook brown rice in a microwave rice cooker, it will need 12 minutes on high. If you are cooking long-grain rice, one cup requires 3 cups of water. It will need 30 minutes to cook and 70% power.

Sushi Rice and Sticky Rice

To have a cup of cooked rice, you’ll need 1 1/2 cups of water. The microwave should be set on high, and it will take 9 to 11 minutes for the rice to finish cooking.

Wild Rice

Cooking wild rice in a microwave rice cooker is a bit trickier than other types of rice. For this one, you’ll need to follow the package instructions instead.

Tips When Using a Microwave Rice Cooker

• Microwave cooking times vary depending on the microwave wattage, amount of rice, and type of rice to be cooked.
• Be sure to rinse the raw rice well to get rid of the excess starch. Measure the cups of rice that you need and pour them into a fine-mesh strainer. Wash the rice under cold running water and shake the strainer to remove excess water.
• Store the leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge or use a bowl covered with plastic wrap.
• You can easily wash a microwave cooker with cold water and soap.
• Use the included measuring cup for both rice and water to ensure that you’ll have the exact amount. Otherwise, the rice texture will change.
• Aside from rice, you can also use a microwave rice cooker for steaming vegetables. To do so, simply add 1/2 cup of water to your choice of veggies, secure the lid, and put it on high. Vegetables can take 4 to 8 minutes to cook completely.
• It is not recommended to reheat cooked rice more than once as it can increase the chance of bacteria growth. 
• A microwave rice cooker can only make up to 3 cups of cooked rice. If you eat more rice than that, you might want to consider an actual rice cooker or an Instant Pot instead.
• Don’t forget to fluff the cooked rice with a fork before serving.

Final Note

Cooking perfect rice doesn’t have to be complicated. Using a microwave rice cooker makes the job of cooking rice incredibly easy and quick. The cooking process for most types of rice is pretty similar: simply add your preferred cup of rice in a microwave-safe container, add the correct amount of liquid, close the lid, and select the correct setting and time. 

You can cook white rice, brown rice, and most types of rice in a microwave rice cooker. Many microwave rice cookers can also only cook up to 3 cups of rice, making it ideal for those that don’t consume a lot of rice.

Moreover, it doesn’t need a lot of space and it’s easy to clean too. So if you’re searching for the easiest way to have fluffy rice every mealtime, a microwave cooker is the way to go.