How To Cook Parboiled Rice: Exactly What You Need To Know!

The process of preparing parboiled rice is the identical process as cooking traditional rice. 2 parts water and a pinch of salt should be boiled together with 1 part rice, then covered and steamed.

While some varieties of converted rice need to simmer for 45 minutes, American-style converted rice is precooked and only needs 20 to 25 minutes. It can also be cooked in the microwave or using a rice cooker. In addition to parboiled rice, parboiled rice can also refer to partially cooked white or brown rice.

In order to parboil rice by yourself, boil it until al dente, or a bit crunchy. Then add it to your soup, pilaf, or risotto.

In this guide, we are going to give you great details on how to make your parboiled rice taste amazing, as well as how to properly prepare it. Be sure to take your time and go over each step very carefully, so you don’t make a mistake.

How To Cook Parboiled Rice On The Stove

• You can reduce the cooking time and improve the taste of the rice by soaking it for 30 minutes. Water should be poured over your rice to cover it by one to two inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm). Pour the rice into a fine mesh sieve to drain the water after it has soaked for 20-30 minutes. Cooking time will be reduced by about 20 percent if you soak. More flavorful rice will result from a shorter cooking time.

• A pinch of salt and two parts water should be boiled. Combine two parts water with one part rice. When you cook one cup (240 mL) of rice, you should use two cups (470 mL) of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat in a medium pot with a pinch of salt. You’ll need 1 cup (240 mL) of rice and 2 cups (470 mL) of water if you want 4 servings. Divide these measurements in half to make two servings, or multiply them by two to make eight servings. Make sure that the ratio of rice to water is 2:1.

• Add your rice to the pot as soon as the water has boiled. Gently stir the rice in the pot so all the grains are distributed evenly. Remember to drain the soaked rice before putting it into boiling water if you soaked it first. Be careful not to splash boiling water with soaked rice. Because it has absorbed some water, it will be a little heavier than rice that hasn’t been soaked.

• Rice converted to American style should be simmered for 15 to 25 minutes. Stir the rice, turn the heat down to medium, then cover the pot. Unless the rice has been soaked, it only needs to cook for 20 to 25 minutes if it has been converted. If the rice has been soaked, cook it for 15 to 20 minutes. Because American-style converted rice is prepared, it requires fewer minutes to cook.

• South Indian-style parboiled rice can be cooked for up to 45 minutes. Cook the rice at a simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Although American-style converted rice is precooked, other parboiled varieties require longer cooking times. It takes about 45 minutes to cook these varieties. Check the rice after 35 minutes if you soaked it. Check the cooking instructions of the product if you’re not sure which one you have.

• Remove the rice from the heat, then fluff it with a fork. Let the rice sit for five minutes after it is finished cooking. Serve the rice right away after removing the lid and gently mixing it with a fork.

How To Cook Parboiled Rice In The Microwave

• In a microwave-safe container, combine water, parboiled rice, and salt. Rice should be soaked in a ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part rice, with a pinch of salt. Combine the ingredients in a microwave-safe container. Use a container with a lid to cover the rice while it cooks. Since rice expands when cooked, do not fill the container more than halfway with uncooked rice and water. Make 4 servings with 1 cup (240 mL) of rice and 2 cups (470 mL) of water. Whether you need more or less than 4 servings, stick to the ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part rice. The rice does not need to be pre soaked prior to cooking, but you can soak it for 15 minutes in warm water if you would like.

• For 5 minutes, microwave the container uncovered. You should cook the rice at full power in your microwave for the first five minutes. Microwave it for another 2 to 5 minutes if it is not boiling after 5 minutes. Rice will be covered later in the cooking process, but you can leave it uncovered for now.

• Cover the rice and cook it at medium power for 15 minutes. As soon as the water reaches a boil, cover the container and put it in the microwave on medium power. After 15 minutes, check to see if it’s done. About 15 minutes should be enough time for American-style converted rice. You will probably need to cook the South Indian-style parboiled rice for at least five to ten minutes longer.

• If necessary, microwave it for an additional five minutes. Check the rice’s texture after 15 minutes to see if it has absorbed all of the water. Microwave it on medium for another 5 minutes if it isn’t done. Make sure the rice is done every five minutes. Remove the excess water from the container if the rice is tender but still has water in it.

• Rice should be fluffed and served. Fluff the rice with a fork once it has finished cooking. You may serve it right from the microwaveable container or transfer it to a serving platter.

How To Cook Parboiled Rice In A Rice Cooker

• Basic instructions are universal for most rice cookers. However, there can be slight variations between products, so double check your manual for water-to-rice ratios, cooking times, and other details. Ensure that you check the instructions to find out if pre-soaking rice is recommended and if the settings should be changed for soaked rice. For example, several brands recommend washing brown rice first. If your manual directs you to soak brown rice, prepare South Indian-style parboiled rice in accordance with the directions.

• Put two parts water in the cooker, one part parboiled rice, and a pinch of salt. Add the rice to the water, then sprinkle with salt. Make 4 servings by mixing 1 cup (240 mL) of rice with 2 cups (470 mL) of water. You can either double those measurements for how many servings or combine 1 or 2 cups (120 mL) of rice with 1 cup (240 mL) for 2 servings. You can just follow the ratio of 2 parts rice to 1 part water. You may need to make adjustments if the manual suggests a different rice to water ratio.

• Start the rice cooker. Choose the white rice setting if the model has multiple options. When the rice is done cooking, the cooker will automatically shut off. The process should take between 15 and 20 minutes. Select the brown rice setting for South Indian-style parboiled rice because it takes longer. Approximately 30 minutes should be required. Soak brown rice before cooking it according to some manufacturers. If so, soak your South Indian rice accordingly.

• Rest the rice in the cooker for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure the lid is on during this time. After the cooker shuts off, resting the rice will prevent it from becoming sticky or mushy. Additionally, you can prepare the rice in advance and keep it warm in the cooker. You can find these settings on most products.

• Rice should be fluffed before serving. Release steam by fluffing the rice with a fork. Transfer the rice to a serving platter or serve it immediately.

Summary

We have now presented you with three different methods by which you can cook your parboiled rice. There are a few different methods you can use to get your rice cooked, and it’s up to you what works best for you. It is very important that you take your time and follow the instructions we have given you in order to deliver your rice correctly.

FAQ

What Is Parboiled Rice?

In addition to being partially cooked in its inedible husk, parboiled rice is also called converted rice. Parboiling rice has been practiced in Asian and African countries since ancient times because it makes it easier to remove the husks by hand.

Is Parboiled Rice Healthy?

Parboiled rice is also a good source of iron and calcium. The nutritional benefits of parboiled rice are lower in calories, carbohydrates, fiber, and protein than white rice. Parboiled rice is, therefore, a healthier choice than traditional white rice.