Steamed Rice is one of the most useful foods you can make. It goes with just about anything, is a healthy choice, and, when done right, is a soft, warm comfort food.
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Steamed rice, an ancient tradition, has a long and fascinating history spanning over 7,000 years! Its origins trace back to China, from where rice cultivation expanded across Asia. Rice wasn’t just a food; it was, and still is a part of their culture and even some religious ceremonies. The art of steaming rice evolved to perfect its texture and taste, making it a flexible accompaniment for many dishes.
The technique of steaming rice underwent refinement over generations, preserving its goodness while yielding a tender grain that complements a wide range of flavors. Today, steamed rice continues to be a part of diets worldwide, underscoring its enduring heritage and the timeless charm of its simplicity and adaptability.
I turn to steamed rice weekly, when making stir-fry, baked chicken, and many other dishes. I love the creamy texture it gets from slow cooking in steam, plus its versatility is incredible. Ginger rice? Sure! Cilantro rice? We can do that too! The possibilities seem endless. I have even been known to eat a simple bowl of buttered rice now and then for lunch.
Is steamed rice Healthy?
This simple grain is packed with nutrients that can significantly contribute to a rounded diet. One key advantage of rice is its carbohydrate content, which provides a quick and effective source of energy. Additionally, being naturally gluten-free makes rice an ideal choice for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Moreover, steamed rice offers a range of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins like thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin, which are crucial for energy production and overall metabolic well-being. It also contains trace minerals such as manganese and selenium. Another benefit of rice is its low fat content. When prepared without added oils or butter, steamed rice can be a heart-healthy option that helps maintain cholesterol levels.
The secret to perfectly steamed rice?
The secret to the best steamed rice is using white rice instead of brown. White rice steams better than brown rice because of the way it is processed. White rice undergoes a process called polishing, which removes the layers of bran and germ, leaving only the starchy endosperm. This alteration makes white rice less dense, allowing water to permeate and cook the grains evenly and effortlessly. On the other hand, brown rice retains its bran layer, which is tougher and demands more water and time for cooking to soften properly. The presence of bran creates a barrier that hinders steam from penetrating the grain, resulting in a less efficient steaming process.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Rinse
Prepare rice by rinsing thoroughly.
Boil
Boil water, add rice and salt.
Simmer
Cover and simmer until tender.
Rest & Fluff
Let the rice stand, then fluff it for serving.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Rice is one of the best leftovers to have on hand. It makes a quick meal on its own or a great side dish. Store your steamed rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze rice for up to 6 months. When reheating steamed rice, the microwave does a great job.
It’s frustrating when you go through the effort of making steamed rice only to find you have some hard pieces when you bite into it. Most likely, the rice needs some more cooking time. If this happens, put the lid back on the pot and bring the rice to a boil again, adding a little more liquid if necessary. Then simply simmer it for another few minutes.
You want soft rice, but not mushy rice. If the rice is mushy, it likely has the opposite problem of hard rice: It may have been cooked too long. You can’t really recover from mushy rice. There’s not much to do to firm it up. However, keep in mind that the next time you make the rice, simmer it for a few minutes less.
Serving Suggestions
It is impossible to cover every way to serve steamed rice since it is so versatile. It’s wonderful on its own with a pat of butter and a little salt (my personal fave). For your lunchtime or dinnertime meals, some other favorite ways to use steamed rice are with chicken dishes, such as Lemon-Pepper Chicken or Crispy Baked Chicken Legs. Of course, this Asparagus Stir-Fry would be lost without steamed rice. You could also keep cooked rice on hand for soups and casseroles, such as Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole and Chicken Mexican Rice Casserole. Also, steamed rice is perfect for Stuffed Peppers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt optional
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain thoroughly.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the salt and rinsed rice, then stir.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all water is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes to finish the steaming process. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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