Rice is a staple food in many cultures, but if you don’t know how to cook it properly, it can be a time-consuming process. While it may take around 20 minutes to cook the perfect pot of rice on the stovetop, there are ways to speed up the process and get your rice cooked in a fraction of the time. From using a pressure cooker to pre-soaking the rice, there are plenty of tricks to get your rice cooked quickly and efficiently. Read on to learn more about how to cook rice fast.
Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker is a great way to speed up the cooking process and get your rice cooked in less than 10 minutes. With a pressure cooker, you can add the rice, liquid and seasoning to the pot, bring it up to pressure and get perfectly cooked rice in just minutes. The pressure cooker speeds up the process by creating a pressure-sealed environment that traps the steam and cooks the rice quickly and evenly. Plus, it’s easy to use and requires minimal effort. All you need to do is measure out your ingredients, let the pot come up to pressure and let it do its job. You’ll have perfectly cooked rice in no time.
Pre-Soaking the Rice
If you don’t have a pressure cooker, pre-soaking your rice can also help speed up the cooking process. All you need to do is measure out the desired amount of rice, add it to a bowl with enough water to cover it, and let it soak for several minutes. This helps to soften the rice and make it easier to cook. Once you’ve soaked the rice, drain it and add it to a pot with the desired amount of liquid and seasoning. Bring the pot up to a boil and then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This method can cut the cooking time in half and get you perfectly cooked rice in less than 10 minutes.
Cooking in the Microwave
Cooking rice in the microwave is another great way to save time and get your rice cooked in just minutes. To do this, measure out your ingredients, add them to a microwave-safe bowl, and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high for about 5 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and cook for another 5 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. To prevent overcooking, be sure to check the rice during the cooking process and stir it occasionally. When the rice is done, let it stand for a few minutes before serving.
Using Instant Rice
If you’re really short on time, you can always opt for instant rice. This type of rice has been pre-cooked and dehydrated, so all you need to do is add it to a pot with the desired amount of liquid and seasoning and let it simmer for a few minutes. The advantage of using instant rice is that it cooks much faster than regular rice, so you can have perfectly cooked rice in less than 5 minutes. Plus, it’s easy to find in most grocery stores and doesn’t require any special preparation.
Using the Rice Cooker
If you want perfectly cooked rice every time, you may want to invest in a rice cooker. A rice cooker is a handy kitchen appliance that cooks rice quickly and evenly. All you need to do is measure out your ingredients, add them to the pot, and let the rice cooker do the rest. The rice cooker will automatically adjust the cooking temperature and time to ensure that your rice is cooked perfectly every time. Plus, it’s easy to use and requires minimal effort. With a rice cooker, you can get perfectly cooked rice in just minutes.
Making Ahead and Reheating
If you’re looking for a way to save time, you can always make your rice ahead of time and reheat it when you need it. To do this, cook your rice as normal and let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl and reheat it in the microwave for a few minutes. This is a great way to save time and make sure you always have cooked rice on hand.
Conclusion
Cooking rice can be a time-consuming process, but with the right techniques, you can get your rice cooked in a fraction of the time. From using a pressure cooker to pre-soaking the rice, there are plenty of tricks to get your rice cooked quickly and efficiently. With these tips, you’ll be able to get perfectly cooked rice in no time. So next time you need to cook some rice in a hurry, you’ll know exactly how to do it.