How to Make Rice Without a Pressure Cooker

A pressure cooker is a busy person’s best friend – it cuts cooking time by half and produces perfectly cooked rice every time. But what to do if you don’t have one?

It’s easy. Just follow this simple method: Use the ratio 1 to 1, that’s 1 cup of rice to 1 cup of water.

Soak the Rice

Soaking the rice isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps it cook faster. If you’re in a hurry, skip this step or shorten it to about half an hour.

Place the rice in a large bowl or pot and pour over enough water to cover. Drain the excess water (it’s good for your plants or your compost pile!), but don’t rinse the rice.

Add salt and butter to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once it begins to bubble, turn the heat down to low and leave it alone. Resist the urge to peek at your rice — it will steam best if you don’t disturb it!

If you’re using a pot that doesn’t have a long-legged trivet, place it on top of a heat-proof container. Cover the container with a towel between the pot and the lid. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes before fluffing and serving. This method is easy, fast, and yields perfect rice every time! It’s also a great way to cook leftover rice, because it never gets mushy.

Fill the Pot with Water

If you have never cooked rice before or want to make a different kind of rice you should ask someone for advice. They will be able to tell you how much water is needed. It is best to use a ratio of 1:1 rice to water but it depends on the type of rice you are cooking.

You will need to fill the pot with cold water (not hot). It is important that the water doesn’t reach a heavy boil as this will cause the rice to cook too quickly. A gentle simmer is fine.

Once you have added the rice turn the heat down to low and maintain a simmer. It is very important to not lift the lid and do not stir the rice. This will cause the rice to cook unevenly and may result in gluey rice.

If you must peek at the rice you should do so with a glass lid as it is cooking. After the rice is done let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the steam to continue cooking and makes for extra fluffy rice.

Bring to a Boil

There are several ways to cook rice, and each one has its own pros and cons. The method below is the most classic and works well with most white or brown long grain varieties. However, different types of rice may require slightly different amounts of liquid and cooking times.

The key to this recipe is to use the right ratio of water to rice – 1 part water to 2 parts rice. Add the rice and water to a pot, bring it to a boil over high heat, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. You can even cover the pot and leave it alone, though you should keep the lid on – leaving it off allows steam to escape and may make your rice overcook.

When the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it rest for about 15 minutes. After the rice is cool enough to touch, fluff it with a fork and serve. Adding a pinch of salt and a tablespoon or so of butter can help make your rice extra delicious.

Close the Lid

The lid of a rice cooker is essential for maintaining heat and steam pressure, preventing spills and splatters, and ensuring proper cooking and texture. It is also important to avoid lifting the lid while cooking because this can release trapped steam, causing the rice to become dry or overcooked.

When using a rice cooker, it is best to keep the lid closed at all times except for when checking on or fluffing the rice. It is also a good idea to use the appliance in an open space and away from cupboards, shelves, or other objects that could be damaged by escaping steam.

Before you use your rice cooker, it is a good idea to thoroughly clean the lid and vent with a damp cloth or sponge. A wet pot lid can damage the inside of your cooker and cause it to leak, so be sure to wipe it down well, including the nooks and crevices, before you begin cooking. A clean vent is essential for allowing proper steam release and for keeping your food safe from harmful bacteria.

Release the Pressure

A pressure cooker seals hot steam inside to cook food quickly. It’s a great way to make rice, and you can also use it for other dishes, such as stews or pulaos. It’s important to know how to release the pressure correctly, or you could end up burning your rice.

The cooking time will vary depending on the type of rice you use. Generic, store-brand white rice will take four minutes to cook at high pressure. Jasmine or Basmati rice will require slightly longer. It’s important to choose the right amount of water, and not overfill the pot. The rice will expand as it cooks, and overfilling the pot can cause the pressure to build up too fast and burn your rice.

Place the rice and liquid in a heat-proof bowl and lower it into your pressure cooker, sitting on the trivet or steaming basket. Close and lock the lid, following the instructions in your instruction manual for your model. Place the cooker on a burner, and bring to high pressure over high heat.