When cooking rice in a microwave oven, the general rule of thumb for the water-to-rice ratio is to use 1.5 to 2 cups of water per cup of uncooked rice. The exact amount of water needed may vary depending on the type of rice being cooked and personal preference for the rice's texture.
Here's a guideline for cooking rice in a microwave using different methods:
Covered with foil: If you're using foil to cover the rice while microwaving, the water-to-rice ratio remains the same as mentioned above. Place the desired amount of uncooked rice in a microwave-safe dish, add the appropriate amount of water, and cover the dish tightly with microwave-safe foil. Make sure to leave some space for steam to escape. Cook the rice according to the microwave's instructions or microwave on high power in intervals, checking for doneness and stirring occasionally.
Wrapped tightly with plastic wrap: When using plastic wrap to cover the rice, the process is slightly different. The water-to-rice ratio may need to be adjusted because the plastic wrap creates a more sealed environment, trapping steam. Reduce the amount of water by about 10-15% compared to the foil-covered method. For example, you could try using 1.25 to 1.75 cups of water per cup of uncooked rice. Place the rice and water in a microwave-safe dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and vent the plastic wrap slightly to allow some steam to escape. Microwave the rice following the microwave's instructions or in intervals, checking for doneness and stirring if needed.
Remember to consider the specific instructions on the rice packaging as some types of rice may require different water-to-rice ratios or cooking techniques. It's also recommended to refer to the microwave's manual for cooking rice or follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for cooking rice in your particular microwave oven.