Rice is one of the most popular foods in the world. It’s a staple food in many diets, including gluten-free diets. One of the main reasons for this is that rice cooks quickly and is inexpensive to prepare.
Rice cookers are also easy to use, especially if you’re familiar with cooking other dishes in a pot or skillet. So what are you waiting for? Here are some tips on how to use commercial rice cooker the best way!
What You Need to Know About a Rice Cooker
A commercial rice cooker is a kitchen appliance that cooks rice for you. Rice cookers are available in different capacities, so consider your cooking needs when shopping for one. Rice cookers can be used to prepare many types of rice, including white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, and wild rice.
There are two main types of commercial rice cookers: the kind with an on-off switch and the kind where you press a button to start cooking. The former type works best if you plan on using it only in the evening or overnight because it will not automatically shut off once the cooking cycle is complete. You’ll have to remember to turn it off manually when you finish cooking your meal.
The latter type is safer, as it will automatically turn off after a certain amount of time has passed since starting the cooking process.
When selecting a commercial rice cooker, keep these things in mind:
What is a Commercial Rice Cooker
A rice cooker is a kitchen appliance that cooks rice. The rice is placed in the cooker, which has a heating element on the bottom, and water in the pot boils to cook the rice.
Some have a pot that can be removed from the base for easy transport or storage, while others have a nonstick surface on the pot for easier cleanup. Commercial rice cookers also vary in size by model, with some being able to hold up to 20 cups of uncooked rice.
How to Use a Commercial Rice Cooker
A commercial rice cooker is a perfect way to save time and money when you’re cooking rice. Here are some must-know tips for getting the best results from your rice cooker:
- Rinse your rice before cooking it. This will help reduce the amount of starch that ends up on the bottom of your pot or skillet, which can make for a sticky texture in your finished dish.
- Add salt to the water. Salt helps season the grains and enhances flavor.
- Use less water than you think you need. It’s easy to go overboard with how much water you use, especially if you’re following a recipe from an old cookbook or magazine!
But if you use too much water, your rice will be soggy and overcooked as well as soft and undercooked in parts which will give it a mushy texture overall. The ratio of rice to water should be 1:2 – 1:1½ cups of water per one cup of uncooked rice – so start by adding about a cup of dry uncooked rice and then add more as needed until it reaches this ratio!
- Stir constantly while cooking! If not, the outside will get crispy and burnt before the inside has cooked through
What Types of Rice Should You Use in a Commercial Rice Cooker
There are a few different types of rice. Rice comes in long, medium, and short grain varieties. The type of rice you use will determine the cooking time and the texture of your rice.
Short grain rice cooks faster than long or medium grains and has a sticky texture that is popular for sushi. Medium-grain rice cooks quickly and remains tender, while long-grain rice takes a little more time to cook but produces a drier result.
When cooking with commercial rice cooker, it’s best to use short or medium-grain white or brown rices as they require less water and give you great flavor. You can also use short or medium-grain brown rices for fried rice dishes, which is a dish made from stir-fried vegetables and scrambled eggs with cooked brown or white rice.
Cooked Rice Consistency
Rice cooked in a commercial rice cooker will always be softer than rice cooked on the stove. If you like your rice hard, try cooking it on the stovetop or in an oven-safe pot with lid that has higher sides.
If you like your rice softer, then cooking it in a commercial rice cooker will work best for you. The lid of the cooker will also steam the rice for an additional amount of time to soften it up even more.
Cleaning and Care
No one wants to cook a delicious meal and then have it taste like old rice. So, you need to know how to clean your commercial rice cooker.
In order to keep your cooker from smelling or tasting off, make sure you clean it properly after every use. Rice can get sticky and leave a gooey film on the inside of the pot. To remove this film, pour some water in the pot and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.
Your rice cooker should come with a cooking pan that is removable for easy cleaning. Make sure to take it out of the unit and place it in a dishwasher or wash by hand using hot soapy water. A little effort goes a long way when it comes to maintaining your commercial rice cooker!