How to Make Sushi Rice in Rice Cooker: A Simple and Easy Guide
Sushi rice is like the soul of sushi. With the help of a rice cooker, this good kitchen helper, we can easily create sushi rice that meets the taste requirements. Now let's see how to do it specifically.
Step 1: Choose the right rice
First choose special sushi rice or Japanese pearl rice. This kind of rice has a high starch content and a large proportion of amylopectin. After being cooked, it is highly sticky and has a soft texture. It can stick closely together, making it convenient to make sushi and not easy to fall apart.
Do not use long-grain rice or medium-grain rice because sushi rice needs stickier rice with a higher starch content.
Step 2: Don't overwash
I only rinse 1-2 times each time. Just rinse off the excess impurities on the outside of the rice grains. It is recommended not to overwash because retaining a little surface starch helps maintain the stickiness of the rice grains, which is ideal for making sushi.
Step 3: Control the rice-to-water ratio
The ratio of rice to water is 1:1.
You can use the cup that comes with the rice cooker. This is smaller than a standard cup. Just remember that no matter what measuring device you use, the ratio is the same, 1:1. For example:
1 cup of rice + 1 cup of water
1.5 cups of rice + 1.5 cups of water
2 cups of rice + 2 cups of water
2.5 cups of rice + 2.5 cups of water
It is important to remember that the measurement of rice is done before soaking.
Step 4: Let the rice sit after cooking
After the rice cooker's cooking program is over, don't open the lid immediately. Let the rice sit for 5-10 minutes. This can make the moisture inside the rice evenly distributed and make the rice have a softer texture.
If the rice is not allowed to sit, the moisture on the surface of the rice will evaporate quickly, resulting in the upper layer of rice being too dry and affecting the overall taste.
Step 5: Prepare sushi rice seasonings
There are two choices for seasoning sushi rice. Make your own seasonings with rice vinegar, sugar and salt, or buy ready-made sushi vinegar.
If making your own seasonings, use the basic formula of three ingredients: rice vinegar, white granulated sugar and salt. The customizable ratio is 1:3:3. Put all the materials in a microwave bowl and heat for about 20-30 seconds until all the materials are dissolved.
Step 6: Cool the rice quickly
After the sushi rice is cooked, try to cool the rice down as quickly as possible. Pour the cooked rice into a large and shallow bowl. You can use an electric fan or a fan to help cool it down to keep the rice shiny and tough.
Step 7: Season correctly
When the rice cools to nearly room temperature, add sushi vinegar or a cooled mixture of vinegar, sugar and salt. The ratio of sushi vinegar to rice is usually 2-3 tablespoons of sushi vinegar per cup of rice.Gently stir to avoid damaging the rice grains.
Step 8: Maintain the moisture of the rice
After the rice is seasoned, cover it with a damp cloth to prevent the rice from drying out. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend and the rice cool slightly.
Step 9: Integrate everything
After preparing the carefully seasoned sushi rice, spread it evenly on the nori sheet on the bamboo sushi rolling mat. Put your favorite fillings (whether it's fresh fish, avocado, cucumber or crab) on the lower edge. Referencing the bamboo rolling mat, roll the sushi tightly and seal the edge with a little water. Cut the sushi roll into small pieces with a wet knife.
How long to cook sushi rice in rice cooker
Cooking sushi rice in a rice cooker usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The specific time depends on your rice cooker model and the amount of rice.
Can you freeze sushi rice?
Not recommended. Sushi rice is best used on the day it is made. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 24-36 hours. But do not freeze it because freezing sushi rice can change the texture of the rice.
How to reheat sushi rice?
Heat in the microwave at 70% power, heating for 30 seconds at a time until the rice grains are hot and soft. Be careful not to overheat, otherwise the rice grains will become hard and dry.
Why is my sushi rice mushy?
1. Too much water:
If too much water is added, the rice will become too wet during cooking and cause the bottom to stick. Especially when using a rice cooker, different types of rice may require different amounts of water. You can try reducing the amount of water and keep the ratio of rice to water at about 1:1 to 1.2.
2. Cooking time is too long:
If the rice is cooked for too long, too much moisture will evaporate and the rice grains will become too soft and stick together. Check the cooking time of the rice cooker to avoid overheating.
3. Stirring problem:
After the cooked sushi rice is best gently stirred with a rice spoon before adding vinegar. When stirring, avoid excessive stirring to prevent the rice grains from being damaged and becoming mushy.
