Don’t own a rice cooker and want to know how to cook jasmine rice in the microwave? If yes, then you are on the right page.
As someone living frugally, I never had the desire to buy a fancy rice cooker. So, I had to use the only functioning appliance I had, aka my handy microwave.
This endeavor looked impossible before I perfectly cooked jasmine rice in the microwave. I mean, how can someone cook jasmine rice, let alone any type of rice, in the microwave?
But surprisingly, the process was easier than I expected. And ever since I learned how to cook jasmine rice in the microwave, I have not felt the need to buy a rice cooker anymore.
So, if you are ready to learn how to cook jasmine rice in the microwave, let’s begin.
Can you cook jasmine rice in microwave?
Yes, you can cook jasmine rice in the microwave. The best thing about cooking jasmine rice in the microwave is that it only takes around 15 minutes. Microwaving jasmine rice is a quick method compared to a rice cooker, stove, and instant pots.
However, when cooking jasmine rice in the microwave, follow the proper instructions, or the result will not be as good as you expect. For example, instead of using a large stainless steel bowl, use a glass or ceramic bowl.
Not only glass and ceramic bowls are microwave-safe, but they also heat up quickly. This way, your rice will be done faster.
How to cook jasmine rice in microwave?
To cook jasmine rice in the microwave:
- Pour the amount of jasmine rice you want to cook in a bowl, rinse it and soak it overnight.
- The next day, pour the overnight soaked rice into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add 1 ½ cup of water for every 1 cup of jasmine rice.
- Cover the bowl with a vented lid.
- Microwave jasmine rice for 5 minutes on a high-power or 100% heat.
- Then turn down the power setting to medium (50% heat) and microwave the rice for 10 minutes.
- Let the cooked jasmine rice sit for 10 minutes before taking off the lid.
- If the rice is still crunchy or there is water at the bottom of the container, microwave the jasmine rice for 1-minute intervals till the rice is thoroughly cooked.
Does cooking jasmine rice in the microwave seem like an easy task? Well, trust me, it is not easy. There are a ton of things that can go wrong.
But don’t worry, here is my secret for cooking jasmine rice in the microwave perfectly.
Always use a clean microwave-safe glass bowl for cooking jasmine rice. This way, you will be able to see if the rice has cooked thoroughly or if there is still water at the bottom.
Is it safe to cook jasmine rice in the microwave?
Yes, as long as you follow the proper instructions, it is safe to cook jasmine rice in the microwave.
The process of cooking jasmine rice or any other type of rice in the microwave is not unsafe. However, one thing that can make the process dangerous is using an airtight container.
This is why I recommend using a vented lid to cooking rice. The vented lid allows the air to pass through the container easily when you microwave jasmine rice. And hence it prevents pressure in the container.
But if you use an airtight lid instead of a vented one, then there are high chances of high-pressure buildup. This can lead to the container exploding in the microwave when you cook rice.
How long does it take to cook jasmine rice in the microwave?
The amount of time it takes to cook jasmine rice in the microwave depends on several factors such as the amount of jasmine rice, microwave wattage, etc. But in general, jasmine rice takes 15 minutes to cook in the microwave at a high to medium heat setting.
If you follow the proper instructions to cook 1 cup of jasmine rice in the microwave, it takes 15 minutes to cook properly. However, for the first 5 minutes, the jasmine rice is cooked on high heat, and for the remaining 10 minutes, the rice is cooked at medium heat.
However, sometimes due to changes in wattage, the rice may still be a little bit crunchy. In situations like this, microwaving the jasmine rice for another 1 to 2 minutes on high heat cooks the rice evenly.
How do you know when jasmine rice is done cooking in the microwave?
When the jasmine rice is done cooking in the microwave, its texture is the most obvious sign. Uncooked jasmine rice is crunchy and difficult to bite into. But cooked jasmine rice is fluffy and soft.
Even though looking at the texture of the jasmine rice can tell you a lot about its doneness, it is always good to check the internal temperature of the rice. Because sometimes, the top layer of the rice is cooked, but the rice at the bottom is still undercooked.
To check the internal temperature of the rice, get a food-grade thermometer. And if the temperature rating on the thermometer shows 165 °F, then the rice is done.
If you do not have a food-grade thermometer, you can scoop the rice from the bottom of the bowl and manually check its doneness.
What is the ratio of jasmine rice to water?
The amount of water to add to the jasmine rice determines how the rice will be after cooking. The perfect jasmine rice to water ratio is 1 ½ cup of water for 1 cup of jasmine rice.
The main reason why it is essential to add this exact amount of water is simple. If you add more than 1 ½ cup water per 1 cup of jasmine rice, the rice will turn mushy. On the other hand, adding less water will make it challenging to cook the rice properly.
Tips to Cook Jasmine Rice in the Microwave
Cooking jasmine rice in the microwave might seem like an easy job. Just pour the rice into the bowl, add some water, and microwave it. But this process is more complex than that, and one wrong step can ruin your jasmine rice.
Following are some of my favorite tips for microwaving jasmine rice.
- Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly before cooking it to eliminate dirt and pathogens.
- Always soak jasmine rice overnight before cooking them. This way, the rice will be easier to cook and not take long in the microwave.
- It is best to use a glass bowl, and you will be able to see if the lower layers of jasmine rice have been thoroughly cooked or not.
- Use a vented lid to cover jasmine rice. The vents on the lid will prevent pressure buildup and save the bowl from exploding in the microwave.
- Usually, jasmine rice only takes 15 minutes to cook in the microwave. But if there is still water left at the bottom of the boil, cook the rice for another 1 to 2 1-minute intervals.
Frequently asked questions
How to cook jasmine rice without a lid in the microwave?
If you do not have a vented lid, it is best to use no cover the jasmine rice bowl. But cooking jasmine rice in the microwave without the lid is slightly different.
Rinse and soak the rice overnight, and then cook them in the microwave for 15 minutes at medium heat instead of high heat.
How do you cook rice in a microwave oven?
To cook rice in a microwave oven, place the desired amount of dry rice grains into a microwave-safe container, such as a glass bowl. Add enough cold water to cover the rice by 1 inch and stir it with a spoon. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke several holes in it. Place the bowl in the microwave oven and set the timer for 10 minutes. Cook on high heat for 10 minutes then allow to sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.
What is the best way to make sure rice is perfectly cooked?
The best way to make sure rice is perfectly cooked is to measure out equal amounts of both water and uncooked rice grains and add them together in a pot on high heat, stirring occasionally until all water has been absorbed by the grains. Once all of the water has been absorbed, reduce heat to low or simmer setting and cover the pot with its lid. Let steam for 15-20 minutes before removing from heat and fluffing with a fork prior to serving.
How do I prepare sushi rice?
To prepare sushi rice, first, rinse 1 cup of uncooked short grain Japanese white or brown sushi rice under cold running water until it runs clear. Then add 1 ¼ cups of cold water into a medium saucepan, bring it up to boil over medium-high heat then add rinsed sushi rice into boiling water; give it another quick stir then turn off the heat when most of the liquid has been absorbed (8-10 mins). Let stand an additional 8-10 mins while still covered so that all liquid is completely absorbed; finally remove lid from the pan and fluff up cooked sushi rice with your spatula or wooden paddle just before serving.
What is a Nordicware Rice Cooker?
A Nordicware rice cooker is an appliance used to cook rice. It usually comes with a detachable lid and bowl, which helps ensure that the cooked rice has a fluffy texture. The appliance uses starchy steamy water bubbles to cook the raw or leftover rice in a short amount of time.
How can I avoid burning my leftovers when microwaving them in my Nordicware Rice Cooker?
To avoid burning leftovers while microwaving them in your Nordicware Rice Cooker, always use minimal heat and monitor it closely during cooking time by stirring and checking its consistency every couple of minutes. Additionally, reduce the power level on your microwave so that it doesn’t cook too quickly; this will also help prevent burning while making sure everything cooks evenly.
What are the steps for cooking jasmine rice in the microwave?
To cook jasmine rice in the microwave, start by rinsing off your pre-measured one cup of jasmine rice. Then place it in a microwave-safe container and add two cups of water to it. Cover the container with a lid and cook on high heat for 10 minutes. Once done, remove from the microwave, fluff with a fork, and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
How much water should I use when cooking jasmine rice in the microwave?
When cooking jasmine rice in the microwave, you should use 1.5-2 cups of water per one cup of pre-measured grain. Alternatively, you can also experiment with different amounts depending on how moist or dry you prefer your finished product to be.
How many cups do I need when using microwaves to cook jasmine rice?
When using microwaves to cook jasmine rice, you will need one cup of pre-measured grain as well as two cups of water per each serving/cup size that you wish make.
What are some tips for getting fluffy texture when microwaving white rice?
To get perfectly cooked fluffy white rice in your microwave oven, start by adding washed raw long grain white rice into a large microwave safe dish such as Pyrex bowl along with 1 ½ cups starchy steamy water bubbles per cup of uncooked raw grains. Make sure you mention your microwave’s wattage before you begin cooking – turn on medium heat for about 10 minutes covered with lid and let rest for 5 additional minutes after turning off heat; this will give you fluffy white texture without burning or undercooking!
Final words
Yay! Now you know how to cook jasmine rice in the microwave. Hopefully, you will not need to use a rice cooker anymore.
But before you leave, remember to use a microwave-safe glass bowl for cooking jasmine rice. The glass bowl allows you to check if there is any water at the bottom of the bowl or if the rice has cooked thoroughly.
So, let’s turn on the microwave and start cooking the jasmine rice without a rice cooker.