I discovered this technique out of necessity. I don’t specifically remember what occasion it was, but I forgot to press the “cook button” in my rice cooker. And by the time the visitors were arriving, I panicked when I found out about my carelessness.
But I came up with a brilliant idea and saved the day. Ever since, this has been my go-to technique when I want to cut the time it takes to cook rice drastically.
While a rice cooker is the definition of “set it and forget it,” it doesn’t cook fast. The machine has to heat the water slowly, and that pre-heating phase can take longer than you have.
This simple hack uses the power of your stovetop to make your rice cooker work faster than ever before.
Step-by-Step: Your Guide to Record-Speed Rice
Follow these instructions for fluffy rice in a flash.
What You’ll Need:
- Your rice cooker.
- Your preferred amount of white rice (Jasmine, Basmati, etc.)
- Water (follow your rice cooker’s guide or rice packaging. I always use 1:1, I like my rice loose and not sticky)
- Sturdy oven mitts for safety
- A stovetop or a stove burner
A Quick Safety Note: Before you begin, check if your rice cooker’s inner pot is safe for stovetop use. Most standard rice cooker pots are fine on gas or electric coil stovetops for short periods. If you have an induction stove, this will only work if the pot is induction-compatible.
The Steps:
- Rinse and Measure: Measure your rice. Place them in your rice cooker pot, then wash and rinse. Measure the water according to your rice’s packaging instructions.
- Use Your Stovetop: Place the rice cooker’s inner pot directly on a stovetop burner, then turn it on to high heat. This exra step will save your time drastically.
- Bring to a Boil: Watch it closely and bring the water to a full boil. As soon as it boils, turn off the burner.
- Now Use Your Rice Cooker: Now, place the boiling pot back into the rice cooker unit. Put the lid on, plug it in, and press the “Cook” button.
- The Magic Moment: You’ll notice that your rice cooker finishes incredibly fast. Because the water was already boiling, the machine would finish its cycle in a few minutes and flip to the “Keep Warm” setting.
- Let it Steam: Don’t lift the lid right away! For the fluffiest rice, let it steam on the “Keep Warm” setting for at least 5-10 minutes. This final step allows the moisture to distribute evenly. Fluff with a rice paddle and enjoy!
Why This Hack Works
Boiling the water on the stovetop first gives your rice cooker a massive head start. You’re already putting boiling water into the machine, so it can bypass the slow-heating phase and get right to work finishing the job.
Most of the time, when your rice cooker is on its “Cook” cycle, it’s simply bringing cold water to a boil, which is kind of slow. It’s only after the water is boiling that the real magic of steam and absorption happens. A rice cooker’s sensor knows the rice is done when the temperature at the bottom of the pot rises above the boiling point of water (212°F or 100°C), which happens once all the water is absorbed.
Your New Technique
If you’re not in a rush, enjoy the “set it and forget it” the rice cooker offers. But if you’re under pressure to prepare dinner quickly, turn your reliable rice cooker into a high-speed cooking machine, so the rice is never the last thing ready for the table.