Parboiled rice, also known as converted rice, is partially boiled in its husk, making it more nutritious than regular white rice. It has a firm texture, nutty flavor, and holds its shape well when cooked. Learning how to cook parboiled rice properly ensures you get fluffy, perfectly cooked grains every time. This article will answer common questions and walk you through different cooking methods.
1. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ratio of water to parboiled rice?
The ideal ratio is 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of parboiled rice. This ratio ensures the rice absorbs enough water to cook evenly without becoming mushy.
Should parboiled rice be soaked before cooking?
Parboiled rice does not need to be soaked before cooking because it is already partially boiled during processing. Skipping the soaking step saves time and still yields great results.
Does parboiled rice cook differently than regular rice?
Yes, parboiled rice takes slightly longer to cook than regular white rice because it is firmer. However, it is more forgiving and less likely to overcook or become sticky.
2. How to Cook Parboiled Rice on the Stove
Ingredients
- 1 cup parboiled rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the Rice: Place the parboiled rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
Boil the Water: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add salt and butter or oil if desired.
Add the Rice: Stir in the rinsed parboiled rice and lower the heat to medium-low.
Simmer: Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
Rest and Fluff: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
3. How to Cook Parboiled Rice in the Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 cup parboiled rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the Rice: Rinse the parboiled rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
Combine Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the rice, water, salt, and butter or oil if desired.
Cover and Cook: Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power for 5 minutes.
Reduce Power: Lower the power to 50% and microwave for an additional 15 minutes.
Rest and Fluff: Let the rice sit in the microwave for 5 minutes with the cover still on. Fluff with a fork before serving.
4. How to Cook Parboiled Rice in a Rice Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup parboiled rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the Rice: Rinse the parboiled rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Add to Rice Cooker: Place the rinsed rice into the rice cooker. Add 2 cups of water, salt, and butter or oil if desired.
Start Cooking: Close the lid and turn on the rice cooker. Select the “white rice” or “regular” setting if your rice cooker has options.
Let Rest: Once the rice cooker signals that cooking is complete, let the rice sit for 5-10 minutes with the lid closed.
Fluff and Serve: Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.
5. How to Cook Parboiled Rice in an Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup parboiled rice
- 1 ¾ cups water (slightly less than the stovetop or rice cooker method)
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the Rice: Rinse the parboiled rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
Add to Instant Pot: Place the rinsed rice in the Instant Pot. Add 1 ¾ cups of water, salt, and butter or oil if desired.
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Sealing” mode. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
Natural Release: Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully switch to “Venting” mode to release any remaining pressure.
Fluff and Serve: Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.
6. What to Do With Cooked Parboiled Rice
Serve as a Side Dish: Pair cooked parboiled rice with grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables. Its firm texture complements a variety of main dishes.
Make Fried Rice: Use leftover parboiled rice to make fried rice. Its firm grains hold their shape well, making it ideal for stir-frying.
Rice Bowls: Create rice bowls with toppings like sautéed vegetables, proteins, and sauces for a quick, healthy meal.
Add to Soups and Stews: Stir parboiled rice into soups or stews for added heartiness.
Rice Salad: Toss the rice with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing cold rice salad.
Rice Pudding: Transform leftover rice into a creamy dessert by cooking it with milk, sugar, and a dash of cinnamon.
Parboiled rice is versatile, easy to cook, and works well in a variety of dishes. Ihope that after reading the article, you will master all these cooking methods to enjoy perfectly cooked rice every time!
