Nobody wants to eat the same bland rice every night. Let’s face it: humans are diverse beings with varying tastes and preferences.
One morning, you’re craving some spicy jambalaya; on another, a nice bowl of congee hits the spot.
So, how do you satisfy your cravings without breaking out into hives?
If you’re sick of the same old white rice or simply want something different, jasmine rice is an excellent pick.
It’s nutty and fragrant and adds an interesting spin to your dining scene. The best part? You can cook it right in your microwave.
Here’s how to cook jasmine rice in microwave.
Rinse your jasmine rice in cold water until it runs clear. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of rice with 1 1/2 cup of water, then cover loosely with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, then on low for 10 minutes.
Once the timer goes off, let it stand for 10 minutes in the microwave before removing, fluffing, and serving.
In today’s post, we’ll elaborate on how to cook jasmine rice in a microwave. We’ll also share some tips and answer any questions you have about cooking rice in general.
Let’s get started.
Can You Cook Jasmine Rice In Microwave?
Yes, cooking jasmine rice in a microwave is possible. It’s an easy, quick, and convenient way of preparing your favorite rice dish. However, for the perfect result, you must adhere to a few basic guidelines.
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience reigns supreme. In our never-ending pursuit of speed and efficiency, we’ve grown accustomed to zapping meals in microwaves and eating on the go. And rice being a staple food for many households, it’s no surprise that it’s made its way into the microwave.
Jasmine rice is one of those varieties you can easily cook using your microwave. However, the key to a perfect result lies in the water-to-rice ratio. Water is a critical component in the preparation of rice. The correct amount ensures that each grain of rice remains separate and fluffy when cooked. Adding too much or too little water may cause your rice to become sticky or mushy.
So, how do you know how much water to add?
Read on to find out.
What is The Water to Jasmine Rice Ratio?
The basic ratio for cooking jasmine rice is 1½ cup of water to 1 cup of rice. This ensures that each grain of rice is evenly cooked and retains its original texture. If you are making more or less, simply adjust accordingly.
Microwaves have a reputation for cooking unevenly. Coupled with jasmine rice’s tendency to stick together, you can see why the water-to-rice ratio is so significant. The goal here is to distribute steam throughout your pot of rice evenly. Too much water will result in mushy rice; too little and it will burn or dry out.
It takes some trial and error to find that perfect middle ground. Some microwaves are more powerful, so you may need to adjust your water to rice ratio accordingly. If your rice is too dry or crunchy, add more water; reduce it if it’s soggy or sticky.
How Long Should I Cook Jasmine Rice In Microwave?
It will take about 15 minutes to cook 1 cup of jasmine rice in a microwave. The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage and the amount of rice you’re cooking.
Basically, there are three steps to cooking jasmine rice in the microwave, each with its own set of timings.
1. Rinsing
It involves running cold water over rice for about 30 seconds or until it runs clear. Rinsing removes excess starch and makes the rice fluffier when cooked.
2. Cooking
This is where you microwave your rice and water together. There are two sections to the stage: cooking time on high (5 minutes) and cooking time on low (10 minutes).
3. Resting Time
After cooking, leave the rice in the microwave for 10 minutes. This allows it to absorb excess moisture and fluff up.
Therefore, time is of the essence when cooking jasmine rice in the microwave. If you overcook it, it will become hard and dry. If you don’t cook it long enough, it becomes soggy and sticky.
Follow these timelines for a fluffy, perfectly cooked jasmine rice.
How Do You Make Jasmine Rice Not Sticky?
To avoid sticky jasmine rice, thoroughly rinse it prior to cooking. The excess starch will wash away, leaving you with perfectly fluffy grains ideal for your favorite stir-fry recipes.
So, what is the chemistry behind all this?
Rice is a grain, and grains are made up of starches, proteins, and fats. The starch component is what makes rice sticky.
When cooked, starches break down into two components: amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is a long-chain glucose molecule that does not dissolve in water. Amylopectin consists of shorter glucose chains that can easily dissolve in water. To make jasmine rice not sticky, you want to minimize amylopectin while maximizing amylose.
So, how do you go about it?
The key is rinsing. By washing away excess starch, you increase the ratio of amylose to amylopectin. There will still be some amylopectin left over, but not as much as if you hadn’t washed it.
Fill a strainer or a pot with a few inches of cold water and place your rice inside. Swirl it with your hand, then drain any excess water. Repeat until no more starch comes off when you touch your hand.
How to Cook Jasmine Rice in the Microwave
Here we outline how to cook jasmine rice using a microwave, including step-by-step instructions, tips, and best practices. If you need your rice cooked quickly, follow these steps.
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Place rice in a bowl and fill with water until it covers. Swirl your fingers, rubbing the grain together, to remove any starch or dirt. Drain off excess water. Repeat the process two more times. The water should be less cloudy each time you rinse.
Step 2: Measure Rice and Water into a Microwave-Safe Bowl
Add 1½ cups of water for every 1 cup of rice and stir well until wet. Cover with plastic wrap, leaving some room at one end to allow steam to escape.
Step 3: Microwave Your Uncooked Rice
Place your bowl of uncooked rice in the microwave and cook first for 5 minutes on high, then 10 minutes on low. Do not remove your rice immediately; instead, let it sit covered in the microwave for at least 10 minutes. Your rice will absorb the excess water, making it even fluffier.
Step 4: Remove Your Rice and Fluff with a Fork
Carefully remove your rice from your microwave using oven mitts or hot pads, as it will be scalding. Gently fluff it with a fork before serving. If desired, add salt, pepper, butter, olive oil, or any other seasonings you prefer.
Faqs On How to Cook Jasmine Rice in Microwave
1. Should you rinse Jasmine rice?
Rinsing your jasmine rice is a critical step in cooking it. It removes excess starch, making your rice sticky and clump together. It also removes any dust or dirt accumulated on top of your rice during storage.
The process takes only seconds and ensures that you get fluffy, separate grains of rice every time.
2. Why does my Jasmine rice come out mushy?
Your rice will turn mushy if you use too much water. Excess water degrades its structure, causing it to become soft and sticky. To avoid having a soggy batch of rice, use the correct water-to-rice ratio. For every cup of jasmine rice, use 1½ cup of water.
3. Can you microwave uncooked rice?
The short answer is yes; you can microwave uncooked rice. Use a microwave-safe container deep enough to avoid spilling your jasmine rice while cooking. For best results, rinse your rice before microwaving and use the correct water-to-rice ratio (1½ cup of water per 1 cup of rice).
4. How is Jasmine rice different from regular rice?
Jasmine rice is fragrant long-grain rice with a distinct aroma and taste. The grains are long and slender, with a slightly pointed tip. It is native to Thailand but is also grown in other Asian countries such as India and Vietnam.
When cooked, it has a fluffy texture and a subtle flavor that complements dishes like fried rice or as an accompaniment to curries.
5. Is Jasmine rice better for you than white rice?
Although white rice is more common, it’s also more refined. As a result, it is less nutritious than jasmine rice. This is because most of its fiber and nutrients have been removed during processing.
In contrast, jasmine rice is minimally processed and thus retains more vitamins and minerals than regular white rice. It also has more protein and less fat, making it a healthier choice for your diet.
6. Why does my rice explode in the microwave?
The most common cause of rice explosions is trapped steam. Cooking rice involves a lot of water, which means plenty of room for steam to build up inside. When you tightly seal your bowl, all that pressure has nowhere to go.
Instead, it accumulates inside until it can no longer be contained, resulting in an explosion. So, always leave space between the lid and the bowl for steam to escape.
Final Thoughts
Microwaving your jasmine rice is indeed a viable alternative to using a stovetop. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require much clean-up. However, this does not necessarily mean you are exempt from certain considerations.
For starters, rinse your rice as you would on a stovetop. It is also critical to use the correct water-to-rice ratio. Too much water results in soggy rice, while too little results in burned grains. A good rule of thumb is 1 cup of uncooked jasmine rice to 1½ cup of water.
Remember that rice expands when cooked, so don’t overfill your bowl. Finally, keep a close eye on your rice as it cooks. Depending on your microwave’s power, you may need to adjust cooking times accordingly.
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