How to Cook Rice in a Slow Cooker

Preparing slow cooker rice can help you avoid burning it while you make the rest of your meal.
Image Credit: hqrloveq/iStock/GettyImages

The great thing about slow cooker rice is that you don't have to supervise your rice as it cooks. You can slow cook white rice, brown rice and even wild rice.

Advertisement

It might be easier to cook the perfect rice in a Crock Pot than using any other method. You can just choose the rice variety you want to cook and let your slow cooker do its magic.

Video of the Day

Video of the Day

Once the rice is ready, it can be stored in the fridge for up to six days, and in the freezer for up to three months. Slow cooker rice is a great way to prepare a big batch of rice for future meals.

Slow Cooker White Rice

The following instructions will prepare about six servings of slow cooker rice. While steamed rice on the stove has to be closely monitored so it doesn't burn, making your white rice in a Crock Pot requires much less attention.

You can actually use any amount of rice you want depending on your needs and how big your slow cooker is.

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • 1 cup rice

  • 4 cups boiling water

  • Steamer basket, a few small foil balls or wire rack

  • Slow cooker

  • 1.5-quart glass dish

  • Pinch of salt

Step 1: Place a Steamer Basket in the Slow Cooker

Start by removing the center post from the steamer basket and then placing it in a 3 1/2-to-6-quart slow cooker. You can use several small foil balls or a wire rack if you don't have a steamer basket.

Step 2: Heat the Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker and heat it on "high" for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Boil Water and Add it to the Slow Cooker

Separately bring 4 cups of water to a boil and then add 2 cups of the boiling water to the slow cooker.

Advertisement

Step 4: Place a Dish in the Slow Cooker and Add Rice

Place a dish of about 1.5 quarts on the steamer basket, foil or rack. In the dish, add the other 2 cups of boiling water, and mix them with one cup of uncooked long-grain white rice. Add a large pinch of salt.

Step 5: Cover the Dish

Once everything is inside, cover the dish with a lid. You can also use a plate or aluminum foil, so long as it completely covers the dish.

Step 6: Cover the Slow Cooker and Let it Cook

Cover the slow cooker, set it on high and let it cook for 1 1/2 hours, or at least until all of the water has been absorbed by the rice.

Advertisement

You can then remove your slow cooker rice and serve it hot.

Advertisement

Slow Cooker Brown Rice

Making brown rice in a Crock Pot can help you batch cook so that you're set up with nutritious meals all week long.

Things You'll Need

  • Non-stick cooking spray

  • Slow cooker

  • 2 cups brown rice

  • 4 cups water or low-sodium broth

  • 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs (optional)

  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

Step 1: Spray the Slow Cooker

Start by spraying non-stick cooking spray generously on the inside of the slow cooker so the rice doesn't stick.

Advertisement

Step 2: Add the Rice, Broth and Other Ingredients

Once the inside is well covered, mix 2 cups of brown rice with 4 cups of water or reduced-sodium broth. You can optionally add 1 or 2 tablespoons of snipped fresh herbs and 1 or 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Step 3: Let it Cook

Set the slow cooker on high and let the rice cook for 3 hours. Serve your rice hot, or store it in the fridge or freezer.

Slow Cooker Wild Rice

Things You'll Need

  • Large bowl

  • Slow cooker

  • 1 cup wild rice

  • Water, to soak the rice

  • Colander

  • 3 cups water or low-sodium broth, for cooking

  • Fresh herbs or spices (optional)

Wild rice is perfect for cooking in a slow cooker because it takes far longer than white or brown rice to prepare.

Advertisement

Soaking it for a few hours or even overnight, if possible, will allow the wild rice to absorb some of the water, softening it so it doesn't end up under-cooked.

Step 1: Soak Your Rice

In a large bowl, pour in your rice and cover the rice with water. Allow the rice to soak for a few hours, or overnight.

Step 2: Rinse and Drain

Use a colander to drain the rice, and rinse with cold water until the water runs clear.

Advertisement

Step 3: Pour the Rice in the Slow Cooker

Pour the rice and your water or low-sodium broth into the slow cooker. Add any other additional ingredients, such as fresh herbs or spices.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Set the slow cooker to low and let the rice cook for at least 3 hours. Taste-test before serving to ensure you have the texture you want.

references