How Do You Cook A Pot Of Rice Using The Shallow Pan Method?

Last Updated on September 11, 2024 by Shari Mason

If you are intrigued by the idea of cooking rice without a traditional pot, try the shallow pan method. This simple technique only requires a skillet or shallow pan and a bit of patience. But you may be wondering, how exactly do we use the shallow pan method to make rice?

This blog post will walk you through the steps involved. Let’s get started!

Cooking A Pot Of Rice Using The Shallow Pan Method

There are many different ways to cook rice, but the shallow pan method is one of the most popular. To use this method, you will need a shallow pan with a lid that fits snugly.

Place the rice in the pan and add enough water to cover the grain. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. 

Once the water has been absorbed, turn off the heat and let the pan sit for another 5 minutes to finish cooking the rice.

Then, fluff the grain with a fork and serve. This simple method produces perfectly cooked rice every time.

Read: How To Cook Rice On An Electric Stove?

What Is The Shallow Pan Method?

The Shallow Pan Method is a cooking technique that involves heating a pan on the stovetop until it is very hot, then adding a small amount of cooking oil.

The pan is then quickly tilted so that the oil covers the entire surface. The food to be cooked is then added to the pan until it is browned or crispy. 

This method is often used for cooking meat or vegetables, allowing the food to cook evenly and quickly. It also prevents the food from sticking to the bottom of the pan, making it easier to clean up afterward.

Read: How To Get Burnt Taste Out Of Rice?

How To Reheat Rice Using This Method

Reheating rice can be tricky, as it tends to dry out quickly and become hard. One way to avoid this is to reheat rice in a shallow pan, which will help to preserve its moisture. 

First, add a small amount of water to the pan and heat it over medium heat. Then, stirring frequently, add the rice and cook it for a few minutes.

Once the rice is heated, please turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. 

This method will help to keep your rice moist and fluffy, making it perfect for leftovers. Find out what sauce Hibachi chefs use for their rice here.

How To Cool Down A Pot Of Rice Using The Shallow Pan Method

After cooking rice, it’s important to let it cool down properly before storing it in the fridge. If you put hot rice into a container, the steam condenses, making the rice soggy. To avoid this, use the shallow pan method. 

First, spread the rice in a single layer on a large plate or baking sheet. Then, set a fan to low and place it about 30 cm away from the rice.

The breeze from the fan will help to evaporate any moisture on the surface of the rice, resulting in fluffy, perfectly cooled rice.

This method is also great for cooling down pasta and other cooked grains. 

So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cool down your food, give the shallow pan method a try.

Read: How Long Can You Keep Rice In A Rice Cooker?

How To Store Leftover Rice 

When cooking rice on a shallow pan, it is important to use the correct storage method to prevent the formation of mold and bacteria.

First, the cooked rice should be allowed to cool completely before being transferred to an airtight container. Removing any excess moisture from the rice using a paper towel to pat it dry is also important. 

Once the rice is dry, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. When ready to eat, the rice can be reheated in a microwave-safe[1] dish or on the stovetop.

Leftover rice cooked on a shallow pan can be a delicious and convenient meal option when stored properly. But how can you dry rice for fried rice?

Tips On How To Cook Rice On Shallow Pan Method

First, it is important to use the correct type of rice. For this method, long-grain rice is best. 

Second, rinse the rice several times before cooking to remove any dirt or impurities. 

Third, be sure to add the correct amount of water. The ratio of water to rice should be 1:1.5. 

Fourth, once you have added the water, please bring it to a boil over high heat. 

Fifth, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid. 

Sixth, simmer for 18 minutes or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. 

Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve immediately. With these tips in mind, you will be well on cooking perfect shallow pan rice every time.

Read: Why Does My Rice Stick To The Pan?

FAQs

Does pot size matter when cooking rice?

Yes, pot size does matter when cooking rice. Larger pots will generally produce better results than smaller pots because there is more surface area for the rice to come into contact with the boiling water.

This results in a more even cooking and less likelihood of burnt or undercooked rice.

Do you stir rice while cooking?

It’s unnecessary to stir rice while cooking, but it won’t hurt anything if you do.

How do you know when rice is cooked?

One way is to use a simple kitchen scale and measure the weight of the cooked rice. Another way is to observe the color of the rice; when it’s finished cooking, the grains will be white and fluffy.

And finally, you can taste a few grains of cooked rice and see if they’re soft and have a slightly sweet flavor.

How do I cook rice without a pot?

You can cook rice without a pot by using a microwave oven.

Can we cook rice in a non-stick pan?

Yes, you can cook rice in a non-stick pan. However, I would not recommend using a non-stick pan for cooking anything else, as the chemicals in the coating may be harmful. I would recommend using stainless steel or cast iron skillet instead.

Key Takeaways

Rice is a versatile side dish used in many different recipes. There are several methods for cooking rice, but the shallow pan method is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to cook a pot of rice. 

The shallow pan method involves using a low heat setting and simmering the rice until it is cooked. This method produces fluffy, evenly cooked rice every time. 

Try out this easy method for cooking perfect rice every time!

Reference:

1. https://www.today.com/home/what-can-can-t-go-microwave-t106006