Using a slow cooker to cook rice may seem unconventional, but it can actually work quite well. Slow cookers and rice cookers operate using similar principles of low, steady heat over long periods of time. With some simple guidelines, you can successfully make fluffy, delicious rice in a slow cooker.
The basics of cooking rice
Rice requires a specific ratio of water to rice for proper cooking. White rice generally needs 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Brown rice needs more water due to the extra bran – usually 2 1/2 to 3 cups of water per 1 cup rice. The water must be brought to a boil then simmered on low until the water is fully absorbed.
Rice cookers accomplish this by bringing the liquid to a boil then reducing to low heat. The pot is designed to promote even distribution of heat and regulate temperature. Slow cookers work differently but can mimic some of these conditions.
Can slow cookers get hot enough?
Most rice calls for a simmer around 180°F during cooking. Slow cookers often have low, medium, and high settings that range from about 190-280°F. The low setting gets hot enough for rice without boiling over. If your slow cooker lacks a low option, putting it on high intermittently can maintain the right temperature.
Creating the right environment
Using a slow cooker for rice requires allowing even heating and absorption of liquid. Some tips:
- Use the right rice-to-water ratio.
- Allow rice to soak before cooking for 30 minutes.
- Grease the insert to prevent sticking.
- Don’t lift the lid during cooking.
- Fluff with a fork when finished.
Cooking time
Most white rice takes 15-20 minutes on the stove. In a slow cooker, plain white rice can take 2-3 hours on low. Brown rice can take up to 4 hours due to the extra bran.
Cooking time depends on:
- Type of rice used
- Amount of rice
- Water ratio
- Slow cooker settings
Get to know your slow cooker and adjust time for your preferences.
Tips for perfect slow cooker rice
Here are some additional pointers for making sure your rice turns out right when using a slow cooker:
- Use long grain white rice for fluffier texture.
- Allow rice to soak for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Grease the slow cooker insert with oil or cooking spray.
- Place rice and liquid in slow cooker then stir gently.
- Keep slow cooker covered entire time.
- When finished, fluff rice with a fork.
- Let rice rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Adding other ingredients
One advantage of slow cooker rice is the ability to add seasonings, vegetables, broths, or meats. Try adding any of the following 10-15 minutes before finished:
- Minced garlic
- Diced onion
- Carrots
- Peas
- Bell pepper
- Chicken, beef, or shrimp
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Coconut milk
- Spices like cumin, curry, or garlic powder
Easy slow cooker rice recipes
To get you started, here are 3 easy recipe ideas for making rice in a slow cooker:
Coconut rice
Ingredients:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 14-oz can light coconut milk
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Rinse rice in a mesh strainer until water runs clear.
- In slow cooker, combine all ingredients and stir.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- When finished, fluff with a fork.
Chicken biryani
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup cashews
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Layer ingredients in slow cooker in order listed.
- Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours.
- Fluff with fork and garnish with cilantro.
Risotto
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in skillet and sauté onion and garlic 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer to slow cooker and add remaining ingredients except cheese.
- Cook on low 3-4 hours, until rice is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese at the end.
Slow cooker rice tips
Following the guidelines below will ensure your rice turns out perfectly using a slow cooker:
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Use the right ratio | Stick to the recommended water amounts for the rice variety |
| Allow soaking | Soak rice for 30 minutes before cooking for better texture |
| Grease the pot | Coat slow cooker with oil or spray to prevent sticking |
| Keep covered | Don’t lift lid while cooking to maintain even heat |
| Allow resting | Let rice sit 5-10 minutes after cooking before serving |
Advantages of slow cooker rice
Cooking rice in a slow cooker has several benefits:
- More hands-off – just add ingredients and turn on
- Consistent results batch after batch
- Can cook large amounts for meal prepping
- Allows creativity with add-ins
- Less chance of burning or scorching
- Frees up stovetop for other cooking
Potential drawbacks
However, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
- Takes significantly longer than stove or rice cooker
- Requires trial and error to get time right
- Not ideal for quick meals
- Only makes plain rice, not other grains/dishes
- Inserts may stain from lengthy rice cooking
The verdict
At the end of the day, slow cookers can be used to make tasty, fluffy rice without constant monitoring. For best success, stick to these guidelines:
- Use the right water-to-rice ratio
- Allow rice to soak before cooking
- Grease the slow cooker
- Cook on low heat only
- Keep the lid on the entire time
- Fluff and rest rice before serving
Be prepared for longer cook times and some trial and error as you get the timing right. Overall, slow cookers provide a hands-off, walk-away method for rice that frees up your stove.
Conclusion
Slow cookers can be an unconventional but effective way to cook rice. The low steady heat mimics a rice cooker and allows rice to cook thoroughly without scorching. While it takes significantly longer than traditional methods, using a slow cooker for rice can free up time and stove space for other cooking tasks. Following the proper ratios, soak times, and heat settings results in perfect rice every time. With some creative add-ins and seasonings, slow cooker rice can be a flavorful and hands-off side dish option.