There’s a Reason Your Rice Cooker Came With a Paddle- Here’s How To Use It

When you unpack a new rice cooker, nestled amongst the instructions and measuring cup, you’ll likely find a curious little utensil: the rice paddle. Often made of plastic or wood, this seemingly simple tool plays a vital role in achieving perfectly cooked rice and preserving the integrity of your appliance. In Japan, this essential kitchen implement is known as a “shamoji,” and it’s a testament to the care and precision taken with rice preparation. So, resist the urge to relegate it to the back of a drawer with other seldom-used gadgets. Instead, keep it close at hand, as it’s the key to both delicious rice and a long-lasting rice cooker.

The Purpose Behind the Paddle

The interior of a rice cooker is typically coated with a non-stick surface. This coating, while making cleanup a breeze, is also delicate. Using metal utensils or other hard implements can scratch and damage this coating, causing it to peel and lose its effectiveness. That’s where the rice paddle comes in. Designed specifically for use with rice cookers, these paddles are made from materials like plastic or wood, ensuring they won’t harm the non-stick surface. 

The rice paddle’s primary function is to stir, scoop, and serve rice without crushing or mashing the individual grains. Once the rice cooker has completed its cycle, stirring the rice with the paddle helps release any excess moisture, preventing the rice from becoming sticky or clumpy. This simple step contributes significantly to achieving a light and fluffy texture. The paddle’s flat, wide design and smooth edges are perfectly suited for this task, gently separating the grains rather than breaking them. Beyond stirring, the paddle is also invaluable for incorporating ingredients like vinegar into rice for sushi preparation, ensuring even distribution without damaging the grains. 

The Merits of a Rice Cooker

Beyond the paddle itself, rice cookers offer a level of convenience and consistency that can be difficult to achieve with stovetop cooking. If rice is a staple in your diet, or if you struggle to consistently cook rice to perfection on the stove, a rice cooker can be a true game-changer. These appliances work by heating the cooking bowl to a boiling temperature and then automatically switching to a lower setting or turning off completely once the rice is cooked. Most rice cookers come with a guide that specifies the appropriate water-to-rice ratio for various types and quantities of rice, making the process virtually foolproof.

“I love [a rice cooker] because it takes all the guesswork out of making perfect rice,” says Dale Talde, chef and owner of Goosefeather. “It’s a must-have appliance because even if you happen to put in too much water or not enough, it adjusts to help make perfect rice.”

The versatility of rice cookers extends beyond just rice. Many models can also be used to cook dishes like curries and stews. Some even include specialized settings for these types of meals. Features like quick-cook settings and delay start options add further convenience, allowing for meal planning and flexibility.

The Importance of Rinsing

Regardless of whether you use a rice cooker or cook rice on the stovetop, rinsing the uncooked grains is a crucial step. Rinsing helps remove excess starch, which can contribute to stickiness, and also reduces the amount of arsenic that may be present in the rice. Furthermore, it washes away any dust, dirt, or bran particles that might be clinging to the grains. “I’ve seen how they collect rice in the paddies and how it’s processed in the factories,” says Min Kim Bryant, a market analyst at CR. “The same reason I wash my produce is why I wash my rice.”

For thicker grains like wild rice, sushi rice, or brown rice, soaking them for about half an hour before cooking is often recommended. This helps soften the grains and ensures they cook evenly.

Stovetop Rice Cooking: A Skill Worth Knowing

While rice cookers offer convenience, knowing how to cook rice on the stove is a valuable skill. Choosing the right pot is essential. “Many people cook rice in these itty-bitty teeny little pots and wonder why the bottom is overcooked, and the top is undercooked,” says JJ Johnson, chef and owner of Fieldtrip, a rice-focused eatery in New York. “It’s because the rice doesn’t have room to expand.” A larger pot allows the rice to cook evenly and prevents burning.

Stovetop cooking requires more precise measurements. A general guideline for water-to-rice ratios is:

• 1½ cups of water for 1 cup of long-grain white rice
• 1¼ cups of water for 1 cup of sushi rice
• 2¼ cups of water for 1 cup of short-grain brown rice

Bring the water and rice to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook until the water is absorbed. This typically takes around 20 minutes for white rice and 45 minutes for brown rice. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it stand for 10 minutes before fluffing the rice with a paddle or fork.

Expanding Your Rice Repertoire: Tips and Tricks

There are many ways to enhance the flavor and texture of your rice. Consider cooking it in broth or a mixture of water and coconut milk for a richer flavor. Spices like saffron or turmeric can add color and aromatic complexity. Remember that stirring the rice while it’s cooking can disrupt the cooking process and lead to uneven texture. Adding a touch of oil to the water when cooking rice on the stovetop can help prevent the grains from sticking together. 

For a unique twist, try toasting freshly cooked stovetop rice in a pan with a little oil. This creates a slightly crispy texture and adds depth of flavor. Cooking a large batch of rice and freezing it in individual portions is a great time-saving strategy for busy weeknights. Reheat the frozen rice in the microwave with a tablespoon of water or in a saucepan with a splash of oil or water.

Day-old rice can be transformed into delicious dishes like rice pudding, used as a filler in soups and stews, or stir-fried into flavorful fried rice. With a little creativity and these helpful tips, you can elevate your rice dishes from simple side to culinary masterpiece.