Cooking a small quantity of rice for 1-4 people can be achieved with great results in a microwave just using a regular bowl.Less cleaning up, extra stovetop space, quicker and easier with results similar to steamed rice.Just double quantities for 3-4 people and monitor the frist stage water boiling time needed.
Measure out the dry rice and add to your microwave suited bowl. Check plastic wrap will cling properly to the bowl which may be an issue if it is plastic. If using glass make sure it is heatproof such as a Pyrex type bowl
Wash the dry rice thoroughly three or four times by adding fresh water, agitating the rice with your fingers and draining and refreshing the water to repeat until the water is quite clear. Drain.
Microwaving Step 1
Add the water to the rice and swill then cover with cling plastic film to seal
Microwave on full power until the water boils up to the undside of what will be domed plastic wrap. For 1 cup and an 800W microwave this will take around 3 minutes but adjust for your machine. The point is to get the water just boiling without it forcing off the wrap and boiling over.
Remove the bowl and release an opening in the plastic wrap cover to stir and mix the rice up then recover and stand for a few miunutes
Microwaving Step 2
Place the bowl back in the microwave and cook at 400W for seven minutes. You may need to adjust your microwave power setting to achieve the water steaming and simmering but without boiling over. Power settings for this are microwave dependent.
You are aiming to keep the water producing steam without too much boiling that will cause the water to boil over and also to cook the rice slow enough through steam that it is not overcooked in the center.
When finished, again remove the bowl but this time remove the plastic cover and discard. Mix the rice up and allow to stand a couple of minutes.
Microwaving Step 3
Place the uncovered bowl back in the microwave and cooka t 400W for a further 4 minutes and then immediately transfer to a second bowl, fluffing the rice as you do so to release excess trapped steam
Video
How to Cook The Best Microwave Rice in a Bowl - Thai Jasmine or White Rice