Frequently Asked Questions: Cooking

• Can I use Minute® Rice in a recipe that calls for regular rice?
  ORIGINAL and PREMIUM cannot be added to recipes using other types of rice (converted, long-cooking, brown, instant brown), because the amount of rice, water needed varies with each type of rice. ORIGINAL and PREMIUM can be substituted for each other in recipes. If the recipe calls for a bed of rice, you can prepare Minute® Rice separately according to package directions. Still have a question? Contact us!
• How do I store my leftover prepared Minute® Rice? Can I reheat it?
  IN REFRIGERATOR:
  
  Prepared dishes (casseroles, main dishes, etc.) may be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.
  
  These dishes can be reheated in oven at 350 degrees until heated through. Watch carefully to prevent sticking. Add more liquid, if necessary.
  
  They can also be reheated on top of the stove in double boiler or saucepan until heated through. Add more liquid, if necessary.
  
  IN FREEZER:
  
  Prepared dishes may be frozen. If freezing in dish, be sure dish is type of cookware that can withstand drastic temperature change from freezer to oven.
  
  Reheat (directly from freezer) at 400 degrees in oven until heated through. Watch carefully to prevent sticking. Add more liquid, if necessary.
  
  IN MICROWAVE:
  
  Follow instructions in your microwave manual. Still have a question? Contact us!
• I have an older recipe that states I should cook Minute® Rice for 13 minutes, is this the correct cooking time?
  Minute® Rice process has changed from the late 1950's to reduce cooking time from 13 minutes to 5 minutes. Rice cooked on top of the stove needs only 5 minutes of cooking time. We have delicious new recipes specially created to be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Check our on line recipe database. Still have a question? Contact us!
• Should I adjust the cooking time of my casseroles when I use Minute® Rice?
  Although Minute® Rice cooked on top of the stove only needs 5 minutes of cooking time, when using Minute® Rice in casseroles don't adjust baking time. Still have a question? Contact us!
• How much water is needed to cook an entire box of Minute 72 oz White Rice?
  Bring 20 cups of water (or liquid) to a boil in an 8-quart stockpot.
  
  Stir in the entire contents of the Minute 72 oz White box; cover. Remove from heat.
  
  Let stand 10 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with fork. Yields 40 cups of cooked Minute Rice. Still have a question? Contact us!
• How do I cook Minute Rice in the oven for a large group? I would like to use a disposable aluminum pan ...
  First, please warm your oven to 200°F. Place the rice in the aluminum pan. Add the appropriate amount of boiling water and seal with the matching aluminum lid or foil wrap. Turn the oven off, and place the pan in a warm oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Still have a question? Contact us!
• How do I cook Minute® White or Brown rice in a rice cooker?
  To prepare Minute® White or Brown Rice in a rice cooker follow the package measurement directions for desired servings. Spray the rice cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Place rice and water into rice cooker and press cook button. Cooker will turn off when rice is done. Still have a question? Contact us!
• Can I heat more than one Minute® Steamers bag at a time?
  No ... we recommend heating only one bag at a time. Still have a question? Contact us!
• Can Minute® Steamers be heated outside the bag?
  No ... we recommend using the steamable bag technology for optimal texture and flavor. Still have a question? Contact us!
• How do I cook your instant rice at high altitude without ending up with soggy rice?
  Cooking at high altitude (3000 ft or higher) requires special consideration. Because the air is dryer and the air pressure is lower, water boils at a lower temperature and moisture evaporates into the air more readily. When you cook rice at high altitudes, you need to adjust the ingredient amounts and cooking time.
  
  1. Increase the amount of liquid added to your rice by about 2 to 2 1/2 tablespoons per cup.
  
  2. Cook the rice longer. For example once the water boils, instant white rice takes about 5 minutes for the water to absorb at sea level, but may take 8 minutes or more at high altitude.
  
  3. Adjust as you go. For example, if you check the rice and find it overly wet, let it stand for another minute or two. If the rice is dry and underdone, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water.
  Still have a question? Contact us!
• Can I reuse the Minute® Ready to Serve plastic cup?
  Yes, the Minute® Ready to Serve cups can be reused as a measuring cup in a pinch. The cup measures approximately 1 cup liquid when filled to the top. Still have a question? Contact us!