Boxed rice is wholesome to eat and convenient to cook. But the cooking instructions on the label are for cooking on the stove. So, you may want to know if you can cook boxed rice in a rice cooker and how to do that. That’s why you’re wondering whether can you cook boxed rice in rice cooker?
You can cook boxed rice in a rice cooker. The procedure is easy but slightly different than cooking regular rice. Most boxed rice doesn’t require a rinsing process and you need to add proper water and seasoning to rice when cooking. For example, to cook Zatarain’s boxed rice, you need to add some olive oil. However, Vigo yellow rice calls for a rinsing process.
Hang tight to the article to know the detailed cooking process of multiple kinds of boxed rice. Let’s start with the basics.
Table of Contents
Can I Cook Boxed Rice in Rice Cooker?
Yes, you can cook boxed rice in a rice cooker. A rice cooker is a convenient and easier way to cook boxed rice than a stove. Furthermore, rice cookers can produce consistent results that are helpful if you are unfamiliar with cooking rice or have difficulty doing so.
Boxed rice is also known as instant or minute rice, produced by various renowned brands. You can swap any of these instant rice for regular rice if your recipe demands it.
Since they are parboiled, cooking time will vary in comparison to regular rice. Also, you don’t have to wash or soak them before cooking. Hang on with us to know all the procedures.
Can I Cook Flavored Boxed Rice in Rice Cooker?
It is possible to cook flavored rice in a rice cooker. Flavored rice contains added flavors and seasonings so you can add it to the rice and water mixture before setting it up in the cooker. You can also use store-bought seasoning to your liking to bump up the flavor.
You should read the package instructions carefully and adjust the amount of water according to the brand and type of flavored rice.
There’re many flavored boxed rice options available in the market. Let’s get to know quickly whether you can cook them in a rice cooker or not.
| Rice Name | Can I cook in the rice cooker (Yes/No) |
| Rice-a-Roni | Yes |
| Vigo yellow rice(Spanish) | Yes |
| Zatarain rice | Yes |
| Goya rice (Spanish) | Yes |
| Pilaf rice | Yes |
| Mahatma saffron rice | Yes |
| Uncle Ben’s | Yes |
How to Cook Boxed Rice in Rice Cooker?
The cooking process differs from rice to rice, brand to brand. So, it would be very convenient if we get to know the cooking process in a detailed manner one by one.
Cooking Rice-a-Roni in Rice Cooker:
When you can cook it in a rice cooker, Rice-a-Roni is one of the easiest lunch dishes you’ll ever make. Let’s take a look at the delicate process of cooking rice-a-roni.
Step 1:
First, you need to mix the rice with melted butter properly into the rice cooker. Use 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine for one box of rice. If you want, you can use extra seasonings like garlic powder, ground turmeric, or onion powder. Take half a teaspoon of them according to your preference.
Step 2:
Now, you need to make the layer even in the bottom of the cooker pot by properly stirring the ingredients from step 1. You need to add water at this stage.
Add 2 cups of water for a full box of rice. If you want extra flavor, you can use chicken broth in place of water. Before cooking, give another stir for proper mixing, otherwise, it won’t cook well.
Step 3:
Finally, start your cooker and select the Cook setting from the menu. Wait and let the cooker complete the cook cycle. A beeping signals the end of cooking and it will auto-switch to Warm settings. Now, it’s time to stir and serve the rice.
Cooking Vigo Yellow Rice in a Rice Cooker:
Cooking Vigo yellow rice in a cooker is quite a hassle-free task. Since this is also a Spanish rice recipe, the steps are the same as cooking rice-a-roni. For the water ratio, use 4 cups (32 fl oz) for 1 box (16 oz) of Vigo rice.
Remember, improper water measurement can make the rice too sticky.
Vigo sells special seasoning in small sachets. You can add one for an extra kick in the flavor. Sprinkle a sachet into the mix before cooking.
Cooking Zatarain’s Rice in a Rice Cooker:
You can easily make Zatarian rice in your rice cooker. Zatarian rice comes with beans and you can also cook just the beans in a rice cooker if you want. Do follow the guidelines given below to have perfect Zatarian rice.
Boxed Rice in Rice Cooker. Step 1:
First, add a single box of Zatarain’s rice with 2 tbsp of olive oil and 1.75 cups of water to the pot of the cooker. You don’t have to rinse the Zatarian rice before cooking. You can add chicken, chopped vegetables, and sausages to the rice mixture if you want. Stir them together for a good mix.
Boxed Rice in Rice Cooker. Step 2:
Now, turn on the cooker and put the cover on. Then, wait until the water boils. Once the water starts boiling, you should remove the cover and stir the rice. Repeat the process 2-3 times.
Boxed Rice in Rice Cooker. Step 3:
You need to turn off the rice cooker once the rice and beans have reached a slushy consistency. If your cooker has an automatic shutting-off function, there’s no need to worry.
Cooking Uncle Ben’s Rice in a Rice Cooker
Cooking Uncle Ben’s rice in a rice cooker is nothing more than cooking regular rice. The water ratio is something you need to be aware of to cook this rice in a rice cooker.
The ratio should be 1:2 (rice: water) and make sure to cook on high for 15 minutes.
Cooking Mahatma Saffron Rice in a Rice Cooker:
Mahatma saffron rice is really popular because of its great taste. The cooking process is really easy to follow.
- Put the rice in the pot by adding some butter. Remember, the rice does not need to be washed before cooking.
- To know the perfect measurement of rice and water, you must follow the supplier’s instructions on the label (e.g. 3 ¼ cup water for 2 oz of rice).
Cooking Pilaf Rice in a Rice Cooker:
Pilaf rice is a kind of rice seasoned with broth, spices, meat, sausages, and vegetables. To know the cooking process of pilaf rice, follow the guidelines below.
- Rinse the rice is not required. Mix the rice and seasoning properly with 2 tablespoons of butter in the cooker pot.
- After that, mix two cups of water with the rice combination. Now, turn on the cooker. If your cooker is going to be off automatically, then relax.
Cooking Goya Rice in Rice Cooker:
Goya rice is very popular for its wholesome taste. In Puerto Rican dishes, this rice is very common since it is cheap and can be used to stretch a meal. Here’s how to prepare delicious Goya rice.
- First, you can rinse the rice or you may not, it’s totally up to you. You can cook it without washing or after washing to get rid of the extra starch.
- Then measure the rice and water with the cup it comes with. The water and rice ratio should be 1:1 ½.
- Now, mix the seasoning and rice properly. For proper measurement, you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Then stir the whole thing together. You can top the dish with tomato sauce if you prefer but that’s completely optional.
- Finally, turn on the cooker and let it cook. Once the cooking is finished, the cooker is going to stop automatically.
Tips And Tricks to Cook Boxed Rice in Rice Cooker
Here are some amazing tips and tricks which can make your task easier. Do follow them if you want to avoid any unwanted hassle later.
- Don’t add water at random proportions. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Clean your cooker after cooking rice every time. Otherwise, the rice can stink.
- Wait about 10 minutes before serving the rice after it has been cooked in the rice cooker. As a result, the rice will become fluffier and absorb more moisture.
By following these pro tips, you’ll be able to make delicious boxed rice in your rice cooker every time.
FAQs: Boxed Rice in Rice Cooker
Can I cook boxed Mexican rice in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can cook boxed Mexican rice in a rice cooker. The boxed Mexican rice and water should be added to the rice cooker according to the package instructions. You can use diced onion, tomatoes, and plenty of garlic. This is going to be pretty delicious rice.
Is boxed Spanish rice vegan?
Depending on the brand and recipe, boxed Spanish rice may or may not be vegan. You should check the ingredients list on the package of a particular brand of boxed Spanish rice to determine whether it is vegan. Make sure that any animal-derived ingredients or by-products are not present, such as meat, dairy products, eggs, or honey. It is not vegan if any of these ingredients appear on the package.
How to cook basmati rice in a rice cooker?
To cook basmati rice in a rice cooker, rinse the rice properly at least 2-3 times to remove extra starch. Then add a cup of water and soak the rice for 30 minutes. But you can avoid this step as well. Place the rice in the cooker and add enough water and add some salt. Now, close the lid of the rice cooker. Use the white rice option on your rice cooker or start the cooking process.
Conclusion: Boxed Rice in Rice Cooker
Hopefully, now you do know everything regarding boxed rice in a rice cooker.
Cooking boxed rice might seem tricky. There’s nothing complicated about it. The article describes the process of cooking boxed rice well so you can follow along with whatever you’ve purchased. Try to follow the instructions given by the rice manufacturer regardless of the circumstances.
Happy cooking!
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