Perfect Rice

Rice cookers are typically used for the preparation of plain or lightly seasoned rice, but more elaborate recipes are possible using a rice cooker, and there are cookbooks devoted entirely to dishes prepared using a rice cooker. One of the more unexpected dishes that can be made in a rice cooker is a beef stew. By simply adding ingredients and setting it to “warm”, a rice cooker would cook that at about 150°F. In a few hours, the stew is fully cooked and ready to eat.

Some rice cookers are designed to accommodate a basket above the rice. This basket is generally used to steam vegetables, holding them in the steam coming off the rice. Most types of dumpling and buns can also be cooked this way.

Simularities

Both require a liquid for the rice to absorb.

Differences

Cooking rice in a Rice cooker

• Shuts off autmatically when liquid is absorbed.
• Come in many sizes, from some that cook a few cups of rice to ones that can make enough for a restaurant.
• Forms a slight crust on bottom
• Drier, fluffier rice is produced

Cooking Rice in a Steamer.

• Slightly less liquid is required
• More time is required to cook rice.
• Rice and liquid are placed in a rice bowl, which is set inside the steamer.
• Need to set a timer to shut off.
• Rice bowls are small so limited to quanities
• Does not form a crust on bottom
• Moister rice is produced

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