Say goodbye to soggy or undercooked grains and say hello to a steaming pot of delicious, aromatic rice that will elevate any meal. With just a few simple steps, you’ll master the art of rice cooking using your trusty rice cooker. Get ready to savor the satisfaction of flawlessly cooked rice that’s sure to impress your taste buds and your guests.

As with any kitchen appliance, the choice of the best rice cooker is contingent upon your unique requirements and budget. Some things to consider:

• What features would you like it to have?
  • Possibilities include a delay cook setting or a keep warm function.
• What size do you need?
  • Make sure the capacity is the right fit for your family.
• Are you looking for versatility?
  • If you want to use your rice cooker to cook more than rice, opt for a model that has additional features and settings.
• What material is it made of?
  • Options include non-stick, stainless steel or ceramic.
• Does it have a detachable inner lid?
  • A detachable lid simplifies cleaning.
• Does it have a setting for brown rice?
  • Settings allow you to choose from white rice, brown rice, oatmeal or other grains.

Generally speaking, you don’t need to soak your rice before cooking it. Many modern rice cookers include a specific brown rice setting that accommodates soaking time.

If your rice cooker lacks a dedicated brown rice setting, you’ll need to soak whole-grain rice overnight OR for a minimum of 3 hours to ensure proper cooking. Check the packaging or instructions for recommended soaking times.

Although rinsing your rice prior to cooking is not necessary, we highly suggest doing so. Rice tends to come with a good amount of surface starch. Rinsing off the excess starches prevents your rice from turning gummy during the cooking process. A thorough rinse also allows the individual grains to cook better.

To do this, place the rice in a fine, mesh colander and run cool water over it in the sink. Use a swirling motion with your hand while rinsing the rice to free it from excess starch.

Whole-grain rice typically requires slightly more water than white rice. A general rule of thumb is around 1.5 to 2 cups of water per cup of rice. Refer to your rice cooker’s instructions for the best water-to-rice ratio.

Flavoring brown rice after it’s been cooked in a rice cooker can add variety and make your meals more delicious. Here are some creative and tasty ways to flavor your cooked brown rice:

• Herbs and Spices: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, basil or chives over the cooked rice. Add spices such as cumin, paprika, turmeric or curry powder to infuse rich flavors. These herb shears are an amazing way to minimize chopping. They save so much time in the kitchen and are something we would highly recommend if you frequently use fresh herbs in your meals.
• Citrus Zest and Juice: Grate the zest of citrus fruits like lemon, lime or orange over the rice. Squeeze a bit of the juice for a refreshing and tangy kick.
• Toasted Nuts and Seeds: Lightly toast nuts (like almonds, walnuts or pine nuts) and seeds (like sesame or sunflower seeds) and mix them into the rice for crunch and nuttiness.
• Sautéed Onions and Garlic: In a separate pan, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they’re golden brown and aromatic. Mix them into the rice for added depth of flavor.
• Soy Sauce or Tamari: Drizzle a bit of low-sodium soy sauce or tamari over the rice for a savory umami taste. Add some sautéed vegetables for a quick stir-fry-inspired dish.
• Coconut Milk: Mix in a splash of coconut milk for a creamy and tropical flavor. This works especially well with Asian and Caribbean-inspired dishes.
• Fresh Salsa: Top the rice with a spoonful of fresh salsa or pico de gallo for a burst of freshness and a hint of heat.
• Fruit Additions: Mix in diced dried fruits (like cranberries, raisins or apricots) for a touch of natural sweetness and contrasting texture.
• Stir-Fry Sauce: Toss the rice with a homemade or store-bought stir-fry sauce for an instant burst of flavor.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the rice for creaminess and a tangy flavor.
• Blanched or Roasted Vegetables: Combine blanched or roasted vegetables (like bell peppers, asparagus, zucchini or carrots) with the rice to create a wholesome and flavorful meal.
• Black Beans, Lemon Juice and Cilantro: These additions add flavor and protein!
• Fresh Pesto: Mix in a spoonful of fresh pesto for a burst of aromatic herbs and rich olive oil.
• Hot Sauce, Finely Chopped Jalapeño, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes or Chili Paste: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, add your favorite spice to the rice.
• Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan, feta, or crumbled goat cheese over the rice for a rich and indulgent twist.
• Nutritional Yeast (Vegan-friendly): Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the rice for a cheesy and slightly nutty flavor, along with added vitamins and minerals.

Remember that the key to successful flavoring is balance. Start with a small amount of the chosen flavoring, taste and adjust as needed. Combine multiple flavoring options to create your own signature rice dish that suits your taste preferences.

You can store your cooked rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days OR freeze it for up to 3 months. However, considering the ease of using a rice cooker for preparation, you might find it more appealing to prepare fresh batches for each meal.

• As-is, served as a simple side dish (paired with meat, fish, Asian food, Mexican food, the sky is the limit!)
• As the base for bowls. Our personal favorite is a burrito bowl—just add beans, veggies, salsa and avocados.
• In a burrito (bean, breakfast or meat)
• Topped with a sunny-side-up egg for breakfast
• Used in a stir-fry
• Served with Shredded Salsa Verde Chicken
• Paired with grilled kabobs
• Stuffed in peppers
• With a falafel bowl and a few scoops of hummus

If you make this Easiest and Best Rice Cooker Recipe, we would love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below sharing what your friends and family thought of them. We love hearing from you and your ideas inspire us all! Don’t forget to tag @fullforlifegal on Instagram so we can admire your masterpiece! ????