How Much Rice Do I Put in a Rice Cooker?

If you happen to cook rice dishes a lot, a rice cooker is an absolute godsend for you. Just pour the right amount of rice and water in it, and boom you get your rice prepared within just a few minutes. 

While saving up your precious time, a rice cooker also makes your cooking delicious by bringing the perfect texture of your rice. The trouble you may encounter while using a rice cooker is how much rice you should put in a rice cooker.

Although this amount varies depending on the size of your rice cooker – including this, all you need to know about cooking rice using a rice cooker is covered in the section below. From an estimated rice and water ratio for average rice cooker sizes to the amount of rice required for 10 special rice dishes are here for your convenience. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and dive deeper into it right now!

How Much Rice Do I Put in a Rice Cooker of S/M/L Size?

If you are aiming to ace your cooking game in every attempt using a rice cooker, you really need to unravel the mystery of how much rice you should put in a rice cooker in order to bring the perfect texture of rice. 

If your rice cooker is of small size, then three to four cups of rice with the same amount of water is going to cook the rice perfectly while ensuring the expected texture. One thing you need to note down is that, you ought to use the measuring cup that comes along with the rice cooker for measuring rice before pouring. Typically, that measuring cup can hold rice equal to seven to nine ounces. 

Moving to the next size which is medium; for it six to seven cups are apposite, but in case you pour more than that, then the rice won’t boil well. Also, there will be a possibility of falling out.

Lastly, for the size large, the quantity is 10 to 12 cups. Rice and water ratio is always equal to 1:1, doesn’t matter what size of rice cooker you are using. 

However, you can always go below this amount but you should not exceed. Because raw rice gets double in size as they boil, hence if you put more rice than the capacity of the cooker, your cooker won’t be able to hold up and will unlock the door to unforeseen accidents. 

These are some basic instructions on how much rice you can put in a rice cooker. If you stick to these said amounts, you have nothing more to worry about cooking rice. Just leave it to your rice cooker and relish the delicious rice recipes.

10 Mouthwatering Rice Recipes

Here are 10 mouthwatering rice recipes that are certain to win everyone’s heart. The very detail of the items from the cooking process to the proportions of the ingredients are all provided below.

1. Mushroom Risotto Rice

Here’s an easy risotto recipe for all the avid mushroom lovers out there. Cooking risotto in a rice cooker can be a bit tricky, but if you can get the ratio of the rice and broth right, it will turn out just perfect! Here are few pointers to get you started.

Ingredients to Use:

• 2 cup arborio rice
• 8 cup chicken broth 
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 tbsp. olive oil 
• 2 cloves minced garlic 
• 1 cup sliced mushroom 
• Salt according to taste 
• Freshly ground pepper 
• 1 cup grated parmesan 

Step-by-Step Directions to Cook it: 

1. Rinse the raw rice well and set it for drying.
2. Set the “quick cook” option in your rice cooker and sauté the mushrooms in olive oil. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to it.
3. After sautéing the mushrooms for about 5 mins, it’s time to add the rice. Before adding, make sure the rice is properly dried up.
4. Now, stir the rice and mushrooms altogether and add the chicken broth when the rice seems translucent.
5. Set the cooker and when the rice is done, put the grated parmesan and butter on top. Let it sit for another 5 mins on the cooker and there you go, your scrumptious mushroom risotto rice is ready to serve.
6. Serve while it’s piping hot.

This amount can serve four people.

2. Tomato Risotto Rice

If you want your risotto on more of the healthier side, tomato risotto rice is the way to go. This healthy rice dish will not only fill your tummy but will also provide you with all the good nutrition. 

Ingredients to Use:

• 1 ½ cup arborio rice
• 5 cup chicken broth 
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 cup sun-dried tomato
• ½ cup chopped bel paper 
• ½ cup chopped carrot 
• 1 cup grated pecorino cheese
• Salt according to taste 

• 2 tbsp butter 
• ½ cup parsley 

Step-by-Step Directions to Cook it:

1. Wash the raw rice properly and let it dry.
2. Turn on the cooker and then let it heat up for at least 2 minutes. 
3. Sauté the onions in butter until it’s translucent and gradually add in the garlic, veggies, and seasoning. 

2. Cook the vegetables for 5 minutes and stir occasionally. Add the broth to the cooker and bring it to a boil.
3. Now it’s time to add the rice. Close the lid and wait till it’s done. 
4. Put the pecorino cheese and parsley on top of the rice and enjoy! 

This amount can serve three people.

3. Mango Sticky Rice 

Mango sticky rice has to be the yummiest dessert you can make in your rice cooker without putting in much effort. According to Thai tradition, sticky rice has to be steamed. However, cooking it on a rice cooker can take this recipe to a whole new level. Using the right amount of rice and most importantly water is the main key to cook a perfect bowl of sticky rice.

Ingredients to Use:

• 1 ½ cup glutinous rice
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• A pinch of kosher salt 
• 1 large cubed mango 
• Toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Directions to Cook it:

1. Rinse the raw rice in cold water and let it soak for at least 30 mins. 
2. Now, place the strained rice and milk in the rice cooker and give it a good stir.
3. Gradually add the sugar and salt and stir it once again. Now, turn on your rice cooker. 
4. When the switches go off, let it rest in the cooker for another five minutes. 
5. Put the cubed mangoes and sesame seeds on top, and voila! Mango sticky rice is ready to devour.

This amount can serve two people.

4. Sweet Potato Jook (Rice Porridge)

If you happen to love Korean food, this dish is heaven for you! The goodness of it is sure to cheer you up during your long strenuous days. Also, a very less amount of rice works perfectly for this dish which makes it a clear go-to meal for those who are on a diet right now.

Ingredients to Use:

• 1 medium sweet potato (cut into slight pieces)
• ½ cup of rice 
• 2½ cups of water
• Salt and pepper according to taste
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Onion sprouts (for garnishing)

Step-by-Step Directions to Cook it:

1. Properly rinse the raw rice and keep it soaked in water for 10 to 15 mins.
2. Put the sweet potato slices, rice, and water together in the rice cooker.
3. Sprinkle salt according to your taste and give it a good stir.
4. Now, set the porridge mode on and let it cook. 
5. Again, stir the porridge as the cooker indicates that cooking is done.
6. Cut onion sprouts into pieces and spread them as toppings
7. Serve by adding soy sauce, pepper, and other seasonings of your choice. And, there you have a perfect bowl meal ready for you in just a few mins.

This amount can serve two people.

5. Chicken Fried Rice 

Here’s the classic chicken fried rice recipe with leftover rice that’ll never go out of style! Surprised to know that you can now prepare fried rice in a rice cooker? It is true that talking about fried rice typically brings a frying pan to mind but certainly preparing it in a rice cooker makes the job easier than ever.

Ingredients to Use: 

• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cup cubed boneless chicken
• 2 clove minced garlic
• 3 cups of leftover rice
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• ½ cup peas 
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper according to taste

 Step-by-Step Directions to Cook it:

2. Sauté all the veggies in the cooker for five mins. Add the chicken, soy sauce, and seasonings, and let it boil properly.
3. Do not overcook if you want your chicken to be juicy. Add the leftover rice and wait till it’s done. 
4. Now, give a gentle stir to scramble all the ingredients until it’s ready to be served!

This amount can serve four people

6. Chicken Rice Stew

Nothing can beat a warm and comforting bowl of stew on a chilly winter day. Here’s a unique stew recipe for you, if you just cannot get enough rice in every meal. It also brings out the true taste of traditional stew, without any arduous effort, so why not try it?

Ingredients to Use:

• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 3 cups cooked rice 
• ½ cup diced onion 
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• 1 cup chopped celery 
• ½ cup peas
• 10 cup chicken broth
• Salt according to taste 

• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 ½ cup boneless chicken

Step-by-Step Directions to Cook it:

1. Heat olive oil in the cooker and fry the chicken until it’s fully cooked. Season it with salt and pepper according to your taste.
2. Shred the chicken using a fork and set it aside. 
3. Sauté all the veggies until they are translucent and then add the chicken broth to it.
4. Cook on a stew setting for at least 20 mins.
5. Bring it to a boil and when the flavor is all combined, add in the cooked rice and chicken. 
6. Cook it for another five mins and garnish with some freshly chopped parsley and squeezed lemon on top.

This amount can serve four people.

7. Chicken Piccata Rice 

Next up is a hearty and delicious chicken piccata recipe that’ll make your heart smile. Traditionally, chicken piccata rice is prepared in an oven, but cooking it on a rice cooker not only saves your time but also brings you the perfectly cooked dish without the use of any oil or butter. So, this is a must-try recipe for all the health-conscious foodie out there!

Ingredients to Use:

• 5 chicken thighs 
• 1 cup white rice
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic 
• Salt according to taste 
• 3 cup chicken broth
• Freshly ground pepper 
• Fresh sliced lemon and parsley

Step-by-Step Directions to Cook it:

1. In the heated rice cooker, add a small amount of chicken broth and sauté the onion and garlic in it. Season it well and then add the chicken to it.  
2. When the chicken is nicely cooked and has a brown hue on both sides, add in the rest of the chicken stock.
3. Wait until the gravy has thickened a bit to add the rice. 
4. As the cooker indicates that it’s done, stir gently to mix the chicken and rice well.
5. Serve immediately with some parsley and lemon slice on top. 

This amount can serve two people.

8. Spanish Rice

Are you bored out of your wits eating regular fried rice? Here’s a unique rice recipe with a Spanish hint that is super tasty and also you can make in no time with your rice cooker. Sounds appealing already? Let’s get right into it.

Ingredients to Use:

• 2 tbsp olive oil 
• 1 ½ cup of rice
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 1/c cup chopped red bell paper 
• 1 cup tomato paste 
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp Italian herbs 
• Salt according to taste 
• Freshly ground pepper 

Step-by-Step Directions to Cook it:

2. Heat the oil in the cooker and add all the veggies. 
3. Meanwhile, rinse the rice well and keep it aside.
4. Cook the veggies until they soften and then add in all the spices. 
5. When the veggies are a bit mushy, pour in the sauce and water and give it a good stir.
6. Wait for it to come to a boil to add the rice. 
7. Now, give a gentle stir to scramble all the ingredients.
8. There you are, the heavenly flavorsome Spanish rice is ready. Now, serve it with some fresh cilantro and a curry of your choice. 

This amount can serve three people.

9. Coconut Rice

Ever tried coconut rice? One of the most raved Asian rice items that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. There’s a huge fuss going on about how to cook the perfect traditional coconut rice, so here we are revealing it for you.

Ingredients to Use:

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 1 cup thick coconut milk
• 2 cups of water
• ½ cup of shredded coconut
• ½ tbsp salt

Step-by-Step Directions to Cook it:

1. After rinsing the rice properly, let it soak for at least 20 mins.
2. Then, set the water to boil and as you see the bubble, add the rice.
3. Pour the coconut milk and give it a good stir.
4. Bring to boil and there before you know it; your perfect coconut rice is ready! 

This amount can serve four people.

10. Rice Pudding

Craving for a dessert but running out of confectionaries? No worries, around a cup of leftover rice and a rice cooker can save your day. Excited? Learn the rest from below.

Ingredients to Use:

• 1 cup of leftover rice
• 2½ cups milk
• 1 cup white sugar
• ½ tbsp vanilla extract
• Cocoa powder (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions to Cook it:

1. Heat the milk and add sugar to it.
2. Wait for it to come to a boil to add the rice. 
3. Add the vanilla extract and cocoa powder to your taste.
4. Close the lid and wait till it’s done.
5. Just let it cool a bit before serving.

This amount can serve two people.

Conclusion

The most annoying question of our daily life – “how much rice do I put in a rice cooker?” is precisely addressed in this article. Along with that, 10 amazing rice item recipes that can be cooked in a rice cooker is also provided for your consideration. Try them out at home and get lost in the realm of taste!