How to Keep a Rice Cooker From Sputtering

You can keep your rice cooker from sputtering by preventing the buildup of starchy foam. As rice grains rub up against one another inside the bag, their surfaces are ground into a fine powder. When this fine rice powder is boiled with the rice in the rice cooker, it forms a frothy foam that binds the cooked rice into clumps. Rising foam slightly lifts the rice cooker's lid, causing a sputtering sound as the steam pressure escapes.

Things You'll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Cold running water
• Wooden spoon (optional)

Instructions

1. Pour the uncooked rice into a mixing bowl.

2. Fill the mixing bowl with cold water until the water level is approximately 2 inches from the top.

3. Rub the rice grains together gently between your hands to rinse away the starch on their surface.

4. Pour the majority of the white starchy water into the sink slowly without dumping any of the rice.

5. Refill the mixing bowl with cold water for additional wash and stir cycles, until the rinse water pours out mostly clear.

6. Scoop the cleaned rice from the mixing bowl into the rice cooker and use the wooden spoon or your hand to flatten the mound evenly.

7. Read the package of the rice you are using and add the correct amount of clean water.

8. Cover the rice cooker with the lid and start the regular cooking cycle.

Tips & Warnings

• Carefully vent steam away from your face and hands as you open the rice cooker at the completion of the cycle. Escaping hot steam can cause severe burns.

References

• Hubert.com: Aroma Big Chef: Commercial Rice Cooker
• Zojirushi.com: Rice Cookers: Frequently Asked Questions