How long does it take to steam rice until it is cooked

Rice usually needs to be steamed for 20-30 minutes to cook, and the specific time is affected by factors such as rice variety, soaking time, firepower, steaming equipment type, and water volume. Different rice varieties can lead to differences in cooking time. Japonica rice is usually easier to ripen than indica rice, and cooking time can be shortened to about 20 minutes. New rice has a higher moisture content and a slightly shorter cooking time than aged rice. Soaking rice for more than 30 minutes in advance can allow the rice grains to absorb water fully and shorten the subsequent steaming time by 5-10 minutes. When using a pressure cooker to steam rice, if the pressure inside the pot is high and the temperature exceeds 100 degrees Celsius, the cooking time can be reduced to 15-20 minutes. Traditional steamers require continuous boiling of water, and insufficient heat can lead to prolonged cooking time. Water control is crucial, and the recommended ratio of rice to water is around 1:1.2. Too much water can make the rice too soft, while too little water may cause undercooked rice. Do not frequently open the lid during the steaming process to avoid steam loss affecting the maturation process. Rice cookers usually have automatic temperature control function, which will automatically trip when the water is completely evaporated. At this time, it is better to stew for another 10 minutes.

Steamed rice should have distinct grains and a completely cooked rice core without any white core. After steaming, you can turn off the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, using the remaining heat to make the rice softer and more delicious. When steaming rice in daily life, it is important to choose fresh rice and avoid using moldy or insect infested rice grains. Steaming utensils should be cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial growth from residual rice grains. For people with weak digestive function, the steaming time can be appropriately extended to make the rice softer and more tender. Diabetes patients can choose whole grains such as brown rice. Although the cooking time needs to be extended to 40-50 minutes, the lower glycemic index is more conducive to blood sugar control.