Can You Cook Rice in the Microwave? - Is it Safe?

The answer is yes, you can forget the rice cooker, microwave your rice and get perfect fluffy rice every time. You will need to know a few tricks to make the rice come out perfect. Continue reading to know everything you need to know about how to create delicious, simple rice in the microwave.

While rice cookers are wonderful, not everyone has the counter or cabinet space to keep one in their kitchen. For those people, the microwave is the next best option. Keep in mind that the microwave method is only slightly shorter than the stovetop method, but it's also less likely to have rice stuck at the bottom of the pot.

If you want the rice to be used for fried rice, add less water. For example, use 1 3/4 a cup of water for 1 cup of rice instead of 2 cups of water for better consistency for fried rice. When in doubt, follow the amount of water to rice ratio recommended on the package. Avoid using plastic or melamine bowls as they are not as heat stable as glass or ceramic. Finally, you can use broth instead of water if you want more flavorful rice. You can even add seasoning, butter, or oil to make impressive rice in the microwave.

Tips for Cooking Rice in the Microwave

First, this procedure works with long-grain (basmati), medium-grain (jasmine), and short-grain (sushi rice) rice varieties. Microwaves, on the other hand, vary in power and wattage, which has an impact on cooking times. The cook times listed below are for a 900-watt microwave with a 0.9-foot capacity. Check your microwave's wattage—you might need to check your rice in increments and add or subtract time (more instructions on that below). Cooking times for 1 cup of dried rice are provided in our approach.

Steps to Cook Rice in the Microwave

1. Wash your rice first and pick out unnecessary bits. The main reason for rinsing rice grains is to eliminate surface starch, which can make them sticky as they cook. Soaking rice causes it to absorb more water, providing it an advantage when it comes to cooking. This prevents it from drying out while the inside is not evenly steamed and fluffed, resulting in a nicer, more even texture.
2. Put one cup of rice in a microwave-safe dish. Ensure the bowl can support the rice and choose any options that are a minimum of 1.5 quarts per cup. You can use an 8 x 8-inch glass dish or bowl. Next, add in two cups of cold water. By cold water, we mean straight from the tap, not from the fridge.
3. Microwave the rice uncovered on high for ten minutes. You're ready to move on to the next step if little holes in the rice have emerged where steam has escaped, and most of the water has disappeared from the dish. If the rice hasn't reached this stage, then continue microwaving for one minute at a time until the steam holes show up in the rice and water.
4. Once you see steam holes, cover the rice and microwave it for an additional four minutes. Use plastic wrap, a microwaveable lid, or paper towels to cover your container. You do not need to stir the rice while it cooks; as a matter of fact, do not open the microwave during the cooking at all.
5. Remove the rice from the microwave and let it stand for at least five minutes to cool. Heat does not move through a microwave evenly and can leave hot spots. It should be ready but test and see if the rice is still undercooked. If it is, cook it again in one-minute increments until it's done. Fluff the rice, and it's done and ready to eat!

Final Thoughts

Cooking rice in the microwave is not only easy but fast and removes the need for a rice cooker stealing space on your kitchen counter. With a few simple tips and the right set of instructions, you can have perfect rice in under twenty minutes, perfect for side dishes. Use broth instead for extra flavorful rice or serve with a little butter. Happy Cooking!