Well, we are all guilty of rolling around when it’s about cooking rice for dinner. Also, we forget to measure the quantity of rice properly, which is why there remains rice surplus after a meal. However, the leftover rice that we cooked before is no longer fluffy and warm like it was during lunch. It may be difficult for some to cook rice on the stovetop, but if you have a rice cooker, your job will be easy to accomplish daily.
Though you may not get the same freshly cooked rice texture in the leftover rice, you can simply press the “on” button to reheat it. As we have already discussed, “what pans do Michelin chefs use” this time, our focus is to give you detailed information on how to reheat rice in a rice cooker!
But, it will not be very easy to reheat leftover rice as sometimes it becomes too dry to come back to its soft and fluffy state. Nonetheless, reheating leftover rice saves you from cooking it from scratch all over again. Luckily, it is easy to reheat the cooked rice using a rice cooker.
This kitchen appliance helps to bring back the fluffy texture and fresh taste again compared to the sticky rice you would get reheating it on other tools.
Table of Contents
ToggleHow To Reheat Rice In A Cooker
Reheating rice using a rice cooker is as simple as switching on the fan. Mostly rice cookers come with a reheat option. So, all you need to do is simply add the quantity of cold water, press on the reheat option and leave it as it is for around an hour. The rice cooker ensures to reheat cold rice to warm and fluffy rice within an hour.
Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool-Touch Rice Grain Cooker and Food Steamer
4.5/5 Aroma Housewares 6-Cup (Cooked) Pot-Style Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, Black
ARC-743-1NGB
4.5/5
Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool-Touch Rice Grain Cooker and Food Steamer 4.5/5 | |
Aroma Housewares 6-Cup (Cooked) Pot-Style Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, Black ARC-743-1NGB 4.5/5 |
Steps to Reheat Rice in Rice Cooker
To get nearly fresh cooking rice back again, you have to do some addition to the rice before turning on the rice cooker.
Step 1: Add Some Water
To reheat the rice, the first step is to add at least 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. However, the amount of water added precisely depends on the quantity of leftover rice.
Therefore, if you have one cup of leftover rice, add only one tablespoon of water. It is best to avoid going overboard with water. Otherwise, you might end up having mushy rice for the meal. Drizzle the required amount of water all over the rice top and place the rice in the cooker.
When you add tablespoons of water to the rice cooker, it provides the rice with sufficient moisture and keeps it away from drying. Plus, you do not have to worry about too much moisture in it as the water content will not make the rice soggy.
Step 2: Close the Lid
The second step is just about placing the lid back in its place.
Step 3: Press the “On” Option
Finally, when everything is set, it’s time to press the button back to “on” mode.
What you must remember is that the little amount of water is enough to generate steam and plump the rice back to the right texture. Try it yourself next time you end up having leftover rice that is extremely dry to eat with pleasure.
Is It Necessary To Reheat The Rice Slow?
Reheating rice slowly with a gentle function is the best option. When you reheat rice slowly, you do not have a chance to heat the rice faster, which sometimes burns rice. Also, the process of reheating slowly helps to retain the moisture in the rice and avoid making it mushy or hard.
So, keep checking the rice cooker every now and then until your leftover rice has heated up completely.
How safe is it to reheat rice in a rice cooker?
Though some people consider reheating rice unsafe, this is not fairly true. Reheating rice is fine to eat when you store the leftover rice nicely and use apt cooking methods.
Rice contains Bacillus cereus bacteria that tend to survive some cooking methods. This bacterium is not good for health as it can cause food poisoning. Also, if the rice is not properly cooked or stored, the bacteria thrive on the leftover rice. Consequently, when you eat the rice, you fall sick.
When you cook rice, make sure you cook it on a high flame. When it reaches a higher temperature, it kills off the bacteria. The danger zone of bad bacteria breeding is 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. So, cook rice above this temperature and serve it immediately after cooking.
Now coming to the storage of the leftover rice, cool down the rice as quickly as possible. You can even divide the portion of rice between two shallow containers. The next option is to put the rice directly into the freezer or refrigerator. Never keep cooked rice outside for over an hour.
Always store leftover rice in an airtight container. This way, you can store it for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Besides, it is important to ensure the rice temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This standard temperature keeps off the growth of bacteria on the rice.
Lastly, reheating rice using a rice cooker is indeed safe. While you do it, make sure to reheat the rice properly. We say proper to specify that it should be piping hot to prevent the growth or spreading of the harmful bacteria.
What Is The Advantage Of Using A Rice Cooker To Reheat Rice?
Reheating rice in a rice cooker is the most comfortable method. There is no need to stir, add more and more water or check the heat repeatedly during the reheating process. The rice cooker does all this work for you. Besides, you get to enjoy warm, fluffy, and tasty rice within an hour.
Moreover, some rice cookers also have the option of delay timers. So, if you want to reheat the rice, but after some time, you can just set the timer and get back to your work. The rice cooker will start heating up the rice and be ready right at the time.
Using a rice cooker to reheat rice also helps to keep the warmth longer. You can take a portion of rice and close the lid. Next time when others take the rice, they will also get warm rice.
So, you can enjoy the best portion of leftover rice with minimal effort by using a rice cooker to reheat.
Final Thoughts
The question “how to reheat rice in a rice cooker” has one simple answer that uses a rice cooker. Yes, the easiest way to reheat rice is by using a rice cooker.
After all, the function of a rice cooker is to cook and reheat rice perfectly. It is indeed a simple way to do as you need to drizzle some water on top of the rice and place the rice into the rice cooker. Finally, close the lid and press the button. You will get warm, fluffy rice within an hour.
A rice cooker is ideal for warming rice evenly and keeping away the growth of bacteria. This handy kitchen appliance is a must-have for every kitchen, especially when you want to do things quickly.
The Rice cooker ensures to reheat your leftover rice nicely, taking all the effort and giving you time to chill. So, cook rice and reheat it quickly and see how everyone enjoys almost the same steaming hot, fluffy rice for dinner.
Hi, I’m Kimberley. I am a happy and adventurous person who enjoys writing about the finer details of the kitchen niche. My blog is where I can share all my thoughts and opinions with other passionate food lovers like me!
if you’re reading this then it’s probably safe to assume that you’ve stumbled across one of my blogs about the kitchen niche! I love writing informative blogs and review posts for those who are looking for a little bit more information before buying their next product.
Follow me on Twitter