Cooking instant rice in a microwave is a quick and convenient method. Here's a simple guide to help you cook instant rice in a microwave:
Measure the desired amount of instant rice and add it to a microwave-safe bowl or container. Make sure the container is large enough to allow the rice to expand while cooking.
Add water to the bowl in a 1:1 ratio with the rice. For example, if you're using 1 cup of rice, add 1 cup of water.
Stir the rice and water together to ensure the grains are evenly distributed.
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help trap steam and cook the rice evenly. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe plate to cover the bowl.
Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power. The cooking time can vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the quantity of rice you're cooking. As a general guideline, cook for about 5 minutes for 1 cup of rice. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel (as the bowl will be hot). Stir the rice with a fork to break up any clumps and redistribute the heat.
Cover the bowl again and return it to the microwave. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. If the rice is not fully cooked at this point, continue cooking in 1-minute intervals until it reaches the desired consistency.
Once the rice is cooked, let it stand in the microwave for a couple of minutes. This will allow any residual moisture to be absorbed and the rice to fluff up.
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, keeping in mind that it will be hot. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently before serving.
Remember to exercise caution when handling hot items from the microwave, and be careful when removing the cover as steam will escape.