Cooking Directions for Uncle Ben's Rice

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Cooking Directions for Uncle Ben's Rice
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Uncle Ben's rice products provide a speedy side or main dish for a busy household. Whether you're cooking the converted rice or instant rice products, Uncle Ben's rice cooking instructions vary depending on the product and cooking method. You can cook the rice on top of the stove, in a rice cooker or in the microwave.

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Converted Rice Facts

Converted rice is steamed while still in the husk. This process increases the nutrient value of the rice since the individual grains absorb the vitamins and minerals from the husks. After steaming and drying, the rice is processed to remove the husks. Converted rice results in a drier, less-sticky cooked rice. White, brown, basmati and other varieties are available as converted rice.

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Uncle Ben's Rice Directions

The recommended method of cooking Uncle Ben's converted rice is on the stove. When you're preparing converted white rice, bring the water and rice to a boil. Then, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the burner and allow it to stand for 5 minutes or until all the water is absorbed by the rice.

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Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Butter is optional; you don't have to add butter if you follow a vegan or low-fat diet. One serving equals 1 cup of cooked rice.

  • Two servings: 1/2 cup rice + 1 1/3 cup water + 1 teaspoon butter
  • Four servings: 1 cup rice + 2 1/4 cups water + 2 teaspoons butter
  • Six servings: 1 1/2 cups rice + 3 1/3 cups water + 1 tablespoon butter
  • Twelve servings: 3 cups rice + 6 cups water + 2 tablespoons butter

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The directions for Uncle Ben's converted brown rice are slightly different. Brown rice is approximately a 1 to 2 ratio of rice to water. It also requires an additional 10 minutes of cooking, for a total of 30 minutes simmering on the stove top.

  • Two servings: 1/2 cup rice + 1 1/4 cups water + 1 teaspoon butter
  • Four servings: 1 cup rice + 2 cups water + 2 teaspoons butter
  • Six servings: 1 1/2 cups rice + 3 cups water + 1 tablespoon butter
  • Twelve servings: 3 cups rice + 5 cups water + 2 tablespoons butter

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If the rice is too firm or soft for your taste, adjust the amount of water when combining the ingredients in the pot. Add extra water and increase the cooking time for softer rice. Use less water and reduce the cooking time to produce firmer rice.

Rice Cooker Directions

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While the stove top method is recommended, you can cook Uncle Ben's converted rice products in a rice cooker. When preparing converted rice, use the measuring cup enclosed with the rice cooker, which is actually 2/3 of a cup, not 1 cup. For best results, follow the directions included with the rice cooker.

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Microwave Directions

You can also cook converted rice in the microwave. Combine the recommended measurements of rice, water and butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with its lid or plastic wrap. Cook on high for 5 minutes for four servings, 10 minutes for six servings and 15 minutes for 12 servings.

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Then, cook on medium or at 50 percent for an additional 12 to 17 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use oven mitts to remove the bowl from the microwave and let it stand for 5 minutes, covered, until the water is absorbed by the rice. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Ready Rice Directions

Uncle Ben's Ready Rice uses precooked rice that you can heat in the microwave or skillet. Ready Rice products include white, brown, jasmine, brown basmati, long-grain basmati and combinations of rice, wild rice and other ingredients and flavorings.

Microwave Instructions

First, massage the Ready Rice pouch to separate the rice grains. Tear or cut a 2-inch hole in the top of the pouch to vent while cooking. Place the pouch in the microwave and heat on high for 90 seconds. If you're heating two pouches, microwave for 2 1/2 minutes. Use oven mitts when removing the pouch from the microwave and when pouring it into a serving dish because it is extremely hot. Serve immediately.

Skillet Instructions

Massage the pouch before opening to separate the grains of rice. Tear or cut the pouch to open it. Pour the contents into a skillet and add 2 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Serve immediately.

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