Rice is one of those ingredients that has it all: it is versatile, easy to find no matter where you are, and it is also nutritious.
Being as versatile as it is, rice is a real lifesaver. Making rice in advance and having it stored in the fridge can improve and enhance any dish you make. Red meat, chicken, seafood or grilled veggies, everything pairs with it.
With this grain, you can make the easiest and quick week-night meal, and also the most delicate, flavourful and sophisticated dish you’ll ever make.
Making it properly
However, making the perfect rice has its intricacies. For instance, there is a common mistake people tend to make when cooking rice, which is leaving it boiling in water for more time than it should; the result? a clumpy and sticky ball with a very unpleasant texture.
It also takes some time to make; how many times have arrived home, tired, famished, with little to no food in the fridge and a bag of rice in the pantry, and end up getting take-out food just to eat quicker and avoiding turning on the stoves?
Since rice has all the above-mentioned benefits but it might be, today we want to introduce you (if you’ve never heard of it, or just remind you of its existence) to the famous rice cooker and to some tips if you want to buy the right one for you.
Moreover, if you visit https://minuterice.com/recipes/cheesy-chicken-and-rice/ you can follow the best cheesy chicken and rice recipe to try in your new rice cooker.
This is a fantastic appliance that has been used for a very long time but that many of us do not take into account when buying what we need for our kitchen.
How does a rice cooker work?
The basic rice cooker or steamer is basically an electric pot designed to steam rice quicker than if you make it on your stove. It is made of a main body, an inner cooking pan, a heating plate that is electric and a thermal-sensitive device.
All you have to do is put rice and water in it, and the little machine will do the rest: bring water to a boil, steam the rice, and end the cooking time once the rice is done. That’s all. You won’t have to do much more.
What’s more, you can even purchase a steaming tray with your rice cooker. You will now have two appliances in one and be able to cook veggies with your rice at the same time.
How do I know which rice cooker to buy?
As with any cooking appliance, there are certain things you should take into account when buying your first rice cooker.
- What material do you want it to be?
To make the best choice possible, you should know that rice cookers can be made with non-stick coatings for easy cleanup, stainless steel for an everlasting product, or even plain aluminum. There are others, however, made from clay or charcoal, which also have a non-stick property, but their coating is natural instead of artificial.
- How much space do you have?
Having counter space in the kitchen or enough storage space can be tricky sometimes. This is something really important to take into account when thinking about getting another kitchen appliance. For cooking large amounts of rice you should definitely get a large-capacity rice cooker, otherwise, the final product won’t be as good as it can be.
- Are there any features worth looking for in the rice cooker?
The answer is yes. However, you should know these features are not paramount to cooking the perfect rice; they would simply enhance your experience while cooking. For instance, a see-through lid can help monitor the meal as it is being prepared; measuring lines inside the cooking pan are also features that may save you some time if you do not own, or simply do not want to use, a measuring cup.
Final thoughts
We know that buying a rice cooker may not be a necessity; but if you use this grain in your meals and want to save some time, having one in your kitchen will definitely contribute to having the best dining experience each time you use it.
