Rinse the Rice: Begin by thoroughly rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming too sticky.
Soak the Rice: (Optional) Soak the rinsed rice in water for about 30 minutes. This helps in achieving a more uniform texture upon cooking. Drain the rice after soaking.
Prepare the Steamer: Fill a pot with water (the level of water should be such that it does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket when placed). Bring the water to a boil.
Add Rice to the Steamer: Place the rinsed (and optionally soaked and drained) rice into a steamer basket or a heatproof dish. If using a dish, spread the rice evenly. Then, place the basket or dish in the steamer or pot.
Steam the Rice: Cover the pot or steamer with a tight-fitting lid. Steam the rice for 18-20 minutes, or until tender and cooked through. If you soaked the rice beforehand, it might require a slightly shorter cooking time.
Rest the Rice: Once cooked, remove the rice from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and makes it fluffier.
Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving to separate the grains and release any excess steam.
