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    Published: Sep 26, 2022 · Modified: Sep 16, 2023 by Maika · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Cooking Rice

    Become a Better Cook!  This Just Maika Cooking: Cook’s Notebook section will focus on everything related to cooking rice connected to all my recipe posts, updated frequently.

    Jump to:
    • Multigrain Rice
    • Multigrain Rice Starter Kit
    • Spiced Brown Rice and Quinoa
    • White Rice
    • Video: Cooking Rice in the Rice Cooker
    • Recommended Rice Cookers
    • Recipes with Rice
    • Cook's Notebook: Become a Better Cook!

    Multigrain Rice

    Multigrain rice is popular in Korea and Japan, and this incredibly nutritious purple rice can have a mixture of about 7 of the following ingredients: brown rice, black rice, sweet brown rice, red rice, bamboo rice, millet, buckwheat groats, quinoa, black beans, red adzuki beans, red kidney beans, hulled barley, purple or black barley, and that list goes on too.

    If you can, get some multigrain rice if you haven't heard of or tried it yet. It's so delicious and comforting to eat.

    measuring cup with rice next to a rice bin and a rice cooker canister

    This Asvel Rice Container Bin with Pour Spout is convenient; it holds the rice and has a measuring cup for easy prepping.

    sushi rice in a measuring cup

    Fill one cup of multigrain rice with ¾ cup of sushi rice.

    sushi rice and multigrain  mix in a measuring cup

    Then, fill with ¼ cup of multigrain mix, making the ratio ¾ sushi rice to ¼ multigrain mix.

    opaque water with rice in a rice cooker canister with a rice paddle

    Rinse the rice with cold water to remove the starch and any debris.

    rrice water pouring out into a seive

    Strain the dirty water and fill it with clean water.

    pointer finger in canister that's filled with rice and water

    A trick is to fill the water to your first knuckle line for 1 cup of rice.

    salt poured in the rice canister that's filled with rice and water

    Season with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt for 1 cup of rice.

    multigrain rice with a purple tint in a rice cooker canister

    When cooked, the rice will have a purple tint.

    Recipe

    Yield: 2
    Author: Maika Frederic

    Japanese and Korean Style Multigrain Rice

    Popular Korean and Japanese rice is made with a mixture of about 7 whole grains, which can vary by the maker.
    Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 50 MinTotal time: 55 Min

    Ingredients

    Rice Cooker

    Instructions

    Rice Cooker

    Notes

    Easy Measuring

    • When measuring 1 cup of rice, I usually like to use the cup that comes with my storage rice container.
    • I filled the cup ¾ with the sushi rice and ¼ cup of the 7-grain rice mixture.

    Cook Rice First!

    • Whatever meal you make, I always suggest starting the rice first before prepping ingredients for the protein or the sides that will be eaten with the rice.


    Recommended Products:

    Nishiki Premium 7 Grains Mix, 2 Pound
    Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool-Touch Rice Grain Cooker and Food Steamer, Stainless, Silver, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked)
    Nishiki Medium Grain Rice, 80 Ounce

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories

    256.69

    Fat

    0.38

    Sat. Fat

    0.07

    Carbs

    56.66

    Fiber

    1.94

    Net carbs

    54.73

    Sugar

    0

    Protein

    4.72

    Sodium

    586.23

    Cholesterol

    0

    These are calculations based on search results of the ingredient's nutritional information.


    Similar Recipes

    Spicy Citrus Tuna Rice Bowl

    All rights reserved for Just Maika Cooking
    Did you make this recipe?
    Tag @justmaikacooking on instagram and hashtag it # justmaikacooking

    Multigrain Rice Starter Kit

    Spiced Brown Rice and Quinoa

    Spicing up Life! This dish is super simple; just set it and then forget it. And not only is it straight to the point like this blog post, but it’s also super delicious. It is an excellent addition to rice bowls or to switch to a bland side dish.

    The rice is aromatic with a combination of flavors you wouldn’t think would taste so well with each other, from the cinnamon to the cumin, if you didn’t have it before. It’s a must-try! Stove Top or Rice Cooker? The power is all in your hands. I have included instructions for both. If you have questions about a different method, ask away, and I can help.

    Recipes

    quick and easy, dinner, meal prep, lunch, bowls, African, Asian, Mediterranean, Middle-Easter, vegetarian, vegetables, diary-free, gluten-free, healthy, rice cooker
    Side Dish
    African, Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern, Asian
    Yield: 4
    Author: Maika Frederic
    Rice Cooker Spiced Brown Rice and Quinoa

    Rice Cooker Spiced Brown Rice and Quinoa

    Yellow-brown rice and quinoa side dish spiced with turmeric, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, cinnamon, coriander, and lemon zest. Excellent side dish for the Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern, African, and Indian Inspired main dishes and rice or buddha bowls.
    Prep time: 2 MinCook time: 45 MinTotal time: 47 Min

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    Notes

    Fluffing Rice Method

    • Fluffing the rice with a fork or a paddle allows the extra moisture to evaporate, leaving you a bowl of lighter, fluffier rice.
    • The method involves scooping and mixing the cooked rice within the container to allow steam to escape.

    Zest

    • Zesting is peeling only the skin of the citrus fruit without the white flesh, referred to as pith. The skin contains aromatic oils and is an excellent addition to recipes to intensify the flavors of a dish. A fine grater is the most convenient way to obtain the zest of the citrus fruit, usually referred to as zester or a Microplane.  

    Quicker Zesting

    • You can zest the lemon right over the cooked rice instead of zesting it in a separate container to prevent it from sticking. Read notes before for more detail.

    Alternative to Brown Basmati Rice

    • You can use medium-grain brown rice or jasmine brown rice.
    • Medium-grain brown rice refers to regular white medium-grain rice with the brain layer covering the white grain.
    • Jasmine brown rice has a slight floral aroma.
    • It is usually used in South East Asian and Caribbean cuisines.

    Quinoa Variations

    • Quinoa can vary in color, and any will do for this recipe
    • You can use only red quinoa
    • Or a mixed quinoa

    Alternative to Cinnamon Powder

    • You can use 1 cinnamon stick

    Alternative to Lemon Zest

    • Try ¼ teaspoon dried lemon peel

    Alternative to Fresh Chopped Parsley

    • Try 1 teaspoon dried parsley

    Storage: Refrigerator

    • To store in the refrigerator, place in a 2-inch shallow pan to cool down quickly.
    • Then store in an air-tight sealing container.
    • The rice will last for up to four days.

    Storage: Freezer

    • First, follow the refrigeration process mentioned above.
    • Then you can place it in the freezer in a labeled, airtight container.

    Reheat

    • Thaw it out entirely in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
    • Stovetop: I suggest heating it slowly in a saucepan on low heat covered with an ice cube, occasionally stirring to prevent scratching on the bottom of the pan.
    • Microwave: Heat one to two cups in a bowl for two minutes with one ice cube and a microwave cover, stirring the dish content every minute until it is hot.


    Recommended Products:

    Microplane Classic Zester/Grater, Black
    Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool-Touch Rice Grain Cooker and Food Steamer, Stainless, Silver, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked)
    FineDine 24-Piece Superior Glass Food Storage Containers Set - Newly Innovated Hinged Locking lids - 100% Leakproof Glass Meal-Prep Containers, Great On-the-Go & Freezer-to-Oven-Safe Food Containers

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories

    217.99

    Fat

    2.11

    Sat. Fat

    0.36

    Carbs

    44.42

    Fiber

    3.05

    Net carbs

    41.35

    Sugar

    0.13

    Protein

    5.35

    Sodium

    595.42

    Cholesterol

    0

    These are calculations based on search results of the ingredient's nutritional information.


    Similar Recipes

    Hot Honey Lemon Chicken with Asparagus

    https://www.justmaikacooking.com/recipes/easy-spiced-brown-rice-quinoa
    All rights reserved for Just Maika Cooking
    Did you make this recipe?
    Tag @justmaikacooking on instagram and hashtag it # justmaikacooking
    quick and easy, dinner, meal prep, lunch, bowls, African, Asian, Mediterranean, Middle-Easter, vegetarian, vegetables, diary-free, gluten-free, healthy, rice cooker
    Side Dish
    African, Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern, Asian
    Yield: 4
    Author: Maika Frederic
    Stove Top Spiced Brown Rice and Quinoa

    Stove Top Spiced Brown Rice and Quinoa

    Yellow-brown rice and quinoa side dish spiced with turmeric, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, cinnamon, coriander, and lemon zest. Excellent side dish for the Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern, African, and Indian Inspired main dishes and rice or buddha bowls.
    Prep time: 2 MinCook time: 45 MinTotal time: 47 Min

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    Notes

    Fluffing Rice Method

    • Fluffing the rice with a fork or a paddle allows the extra moisture to evaporate, leaving you a bowl of lighter, fluffier rice.
    • The method involves scooping and mixing the cooked rice within the container to allow steam to escape.

    Zest

    • Zesting is peeling only the skin of the citrus fruit without the white flesh, referred to as pith. The skin contains aromatic oils and is an excellent addition to recipes to intensify the flavors of a dish. A fine grater is the most convenient way to obtain the zest of the citrus fruit, usually referred to as zester or a Microplane.  

    Quicker Zesting

    • You can zest the lemon right over the cooked rice instead of zesting it in a separate container to prevent it from sticking. Read notes before for more detail.

    Alternative to Brown Basmati Rice

    • You can use medium-grain brown rice or jasmine brown rice.
    • Medium-grain brown rice refers to regular white medium-grain rice with the brain layer covering the white grain.
    • Jasmine brown rice has a slight floral aroma.
    • It is usually used in South East Asian and Caribbean cuisines.

    Quinoa Variations

    • Quinoa can vary in color, and any will do for this recipe
    • You can use only red quinoa
    • Or a mixed quinoa

    Alternative to Cinnamon Powder

    • You can use 1 cinnamon stick

    Alternative to Lemon Zest

    • Try ¼ teaspoon dried lemon peel

    Alternative to Fresh Chopped Parsley

    • Try 1 teaspoon dried parsley

    Storage: Refrigerator

    • To store in the refrigerator, place in a 2-inch shallow pan to cool down quickly.
    • Then store in an air-tight sealing container.
    • The rice will last for up to four days.

    Storage: Freezer

    • First, follow the refrigeration process mentioned above.
    • Then you can place it in the freezer in a labeled, airtight container.

    Reheat

    • Thaw it out entirely in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
    • Stovetop: I suggest heating it slowly in a saucepan on low heat covered with an ice cube, occasionally stirring to prevent scratching on the bottom of the pan.
    • Microwave: Heat one to two cups in a bowl for two minutes with one ice cube and a microwave cover, stirring the dish content every minute until it is hot.


    Recommended Products:

    Microplane Classic Zester/Grater, Black
    Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool-Touch Rice Grain Cooker and Food Steamer, Stainless, Silver, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked)
    FineDine 24-Piece Superior Glass Food Storage Containers Set - Newly Innovated Hinged Locking lids - 100% Leakproof Glass Meal-Prep Containers, Great On-the-Go & Freezer-to-Oven-Safe Food Containers

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories

    217.99

    Fat

    2.11

    Sat. Fat

    0.36

    Carbs

    44.41

    Fiber

    3.05

    Net carbs

    41.35

    Sugar

    0.13

    Protein

    5.35

    Sodium

    595.41

    Cholesterol

    0

    These are calculations based on search results of the ingredient's nutritional information.


    Similar Recipes

    Hot Honey Lemon Chicken with Asparagus

    Baked Zhug Chicken

    https://www.justmaikacooking.com/recipes/easy-spiced-brown-rice-quinoa
    All rights reserved for Just Maika Cooking
    Did you make this recipe?
    Tag @justmaikacooking on instagram and hashtag it # justmaikacooking

    White Rice

    I usually don’t cook too much white rice, but for some recipes, it is preferred. For example, I love to eat Thai and Haitian dishes with jasmine rice, a long-grain rice, because the floral aroma of the rice is more suitable for these dishes.

    Additionally, I prefer to eat short-grain sushi rice when making Korean or Japanese-inspired rice bowls. And I would use medium-grained white rice for Chinese-inspired dishes.

    Below is a basic recipe for white rice using a rice cooker. I always prep the rice in the rice cooker and let it cook while I make the rest of my meal, and it is ready by the time I’m done cooking. It is my kitchen helper.

    Yield: 2
    Author: Maika Frederic

    Rice Cooker White Rice

    This recipe is suitable for short to long-grain white rice in the rice cooker.
    Prep time: 2 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 32 Min

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    Notes

    Cook Rice First!

    • Whatever meal you make, I always suggest starting the rice before prepping ingredients for the protein or the sides that will be eaten with the rice.

    Yield Preference

    • This recipe may yield two cups of rice.
    • For rice bowls, I usually use 1 cup per person.
    • I use the word "may" because all rice cooker brands vary.
    • The serving size for rice is usually suggested to be ½ a cup per person. But this is a preference. In my opinion, half a cup is usually not enough for my family or me. We typically eat 1 cup of rice. And we really only eat rice once a day, so every family and individual vary in their preference. Just keep this in mind.

    Easy Measuring

    • When measuring 1 cup of rice, I usually like to use the cup that comes with my storage rice container.

    Storage: Refrigerator

    • To store in the refrigerator, place in a 2-inch shallow pan to cool down quickly.
    • Then store in an air-tight sealing container.
    • The rice will last for up to four days.

    Storage: Freezer

    • First, follow the refrigeration process mentioned above.
    • Then you can place it in the freezer in a labeled, airtight container.

    Reheat

    • Thaw it out entirely in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
    • Stovetop: I suggest heating it slowly in a saucepan on low heat covered with an ice cube, occasionally stirring to prevent scratching on the bottom of the pan.
    • Microwave: Heat one to two cups in a bowl for two minutes with one ice cube and a microwave cover, stirring the dish content every minute until it is hot.

    Recommended Products:

    Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool-Touch Rice Grain Cooker and Food Steamer, Stainless, Silver, 4-Cup (Uncooked) / 8-Cup (Cooked)
    Disposable Food Prep Gloves - 500 Piece Plastic Food Safe Disposable Gloves, Food Handling, One Size Fits Most (500 PCS)
    FineDine 24-Piece Superior Glass Food Storage Containers Set - Newly Innovated Hinged Locking lids - 100% Leakproof Glass Meal-Prep Containers, Great On-the-Go & Freezer-to-Oven-Safe Food Containers

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories

    337.63

    Fat

    0.61

    Sat. Fat

    0.17

    Carbs

    73.95

    Fiber

    1.2

    Net carbs

    72.75

    Sugar

    0.11

    Protein

    6.59

    Sodium

    594.87

    Cholesterol

    0

    These are calculations based on search results of the ingredient's nutritional information.


    Similar Recipes

    Stove Top Spiced Brown Rice and Quinoa

    Blackened Trout with Chorizo Beans, and Garlic Broccoli

    Curried Ground Turkey, Vegetables & Olives

    All rights reserved for Just Maika Cooking
    Did you make this recipe?
    Tag @justmaikacooking on instagram and hashtag it # justmaikacooking

    Video: Cooking Rice in the Rice Cooker

    Recommended Rice Cookers

    I use the simple and affordable first one listed, the Aroma 2-Quart Rice Cooker. It’s compact and easy to place on my busy counter, and I strictly use it for rice. However, they also have the Aroma 2.5-Quart Rice Cooker, used for more than rice; both Aroma rice cookers come with a steam basket that you can use to steam vegetables.

    Most Popular

    One of the top rice cookers in the market right now is the Zojirushi Rice Cooker Brand, according to Good Housekeeping: 6 Best Rice Cookers of 2023. On Amazon, they have a 2.5-quart and a smaller 5.5-cup cooker.

    Second Choice

    The Instant Pot Brand has the Instant 20-Cup Rice Cooker, now listed as Amazon’s Choice with over 10k sold. However, there are so many to choose from, but always choose something that fits your lifestyle (budget, how often you cook, when you cook, kitchen and counter size, etc.).

    Do you have any of these listed products? If so, comment below with your experience!

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      Curried Ground Turkey, Vegetables & Olives
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    Author profile picture

    Welcome. I’m Maika, a former professional culinarian for over a decade. I’ve worked for major hotels such as the PGA National Resort, The Ritz-Carlon Hotel Company, Conrad Hilton, and W Hotel. And as a lifetime passionate cook, my blog is about exploring a world of flavors and experimenting with recipes to create restaurant-quality quick and easy dishes that will excite the taste buds.

    More about me →

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