Do you want to learn how to cook Calrose rice? Calrose rice may not be as popular as basmati or brown rice, but it has its own unique characteristics that make it desirable, especially for those who prefer a soft and sticky texture.
The name Calrose is derived from "cal," representing California, where it originated, and "rose," indicating its medium grain shape.
Once cooked, Calrose rice is soft and sticky, making it an excellent choice for various dishes, including soups, salads, and sushi.
If you've never tried Calrose rice, you may wonder how to cook it perfectly. Luckily, there's an easy and quick recipe that you can try using an Instant Pot.
This recipe has been tried and tested, so you can be sure you'll get the best results every time.
Whether you plan to use it as a side dish, in stir-fries, or for making sushi, this recipe will give you the perfect Calrose rice.
So, keep reading to learn what you need to know about cooking Calrose rice.
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Contents
What is Calrose Rice?
Calrose rice is a medium-grain white rice that has gained popularity for its soft, moist, and slightly sticky texture.
It is grown in California and is widely available in grocery stores across the United States.
Calrose rice is a relatively new addition to the world of rice, having been first introduced in 1948.
Today, it accounts for 85% of the rice production in California. Unlike other types of rice, Calrose has a mild flavor and can be paired with various other flavors in everyday dishes ranging from Asian to Mediterranean cuisine.
Once cooked, Calrose rice has a fluffy and clean texture that holds together well, making it an excellent choice for side dishes, stir-fries, or even sushi.
So, if you're looking for a versatile and tasty rice option, consider trying Calrose rice for your next meal.
How To Cook Calrose Rice?
Wondering how to cook Calrose rice? Whether you prefer a stovetop, oven, or countertop appliance, we have the perfect method.
Cooking Calrose rice on the stovetop or in the instant pot is easy.
1. Instant Pot
To cook Calrose rice with an Instant Pot, measure 1 cup of rice into a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cool running water until the water runs clear.
Next, combine the drained rice, 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of water, and salt to taste in the Instant Pot.
Close the lid and set it to cook under High pressure for 6 minutes.
Wait for the pressure to release fully naturally, which should take about 10 minutes.
Then, fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Alternatively, you can pour the well-rinsed and drained rice and cold water into the Instant Pot and ensure all the rice is fully submerged.
Pressure cook for 5 minutes and allow for a natural pressure release for ten minutes before releasing steam manually. .
Finally, fluff the rice with a ladle or fork, and it's ready to be served.
2. Rice Cooker
Here are the instructions for cooking Calrose rice in a rice cooker in bullet points:
- Check your manual for specific instructions on cooking Calrose rice in your rice cooker.
- Measure the rice and rinse it in a mesh strainer.
- Add rice to the pot with salt and water to the level indicated for white rice.
- Ensure you watch the rice cooker markings inside the pot or use a measuring cup to measure a ratio of 1 cup rice to 1 1/4 cups water.
- Set the rice cooker to cook using the white rice mode.
- After cooking, let the rice stand in the closed cooker for 10 to 30 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
3. Using a Stove Pot
You'll need 1 ½ cups of water for every 1 cup of Calrose rice to cook on the stovetop.
Add the rice and water to a medium saucepan.
Bring it to a boil on medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid.
Let the rice simmer until the water is completely absorbed, which usually takes 18-20 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork.
Serve the Calrose rice.
4. Bake Calrose Rice in the Oven
To bake Calrose rice in the oven, preheat it to 375°F with the rack in the middle.
Rinse 1 cup of Calrose rice under cool running water until the water runs clear using a fine-mesh strainer.
Combine the rinsed rice and salt to taste in a 2-quart baking dish.
Boil 1 1/2 cups of water in a small saucepan or tea kettle.
Pour the boiling water over the rice, stir, and spread it evenly.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake it for 25 minutes.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
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How to Store Calrose Rice
You can keep Calrose rice in storage in your pantry, either in its original packaging or in an airtight container like a Mason jar or a tightly sealed plastic container.
Recipes for Calrose Rice
Here are some alternate ways to make Calrose rice instead of Sushi:
Recipe 1: Fried Rice with Calrose Rice
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked Calrose rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onions, carrots, and peas to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the eggs to the center.
- Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
- Add the cooked Calrose rice to the skillet and stir until heated through.
- Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Recipe 2: California Roll with Calrose Rice
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked Calrose rice
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 sheets nori
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 8 crab sticks, shredded
- Wasabi and soy sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Heat the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt over medium heat in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the mixture to the cooked Calrose rice and stir until fully combined.
- Lay out a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat.
- Spoon a layer of rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border on the top.
- Arrange the avocado, cucumber, and crab sticks on top of the rice.
- Use the sushi mat to roll the nori into a tight roll.
- Cut the roll into slices and serve with wasabi and soy sauce.
Recipe 3: Mushroom Risotto with Calrose Rice
Ingredients:
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup Calrose rice
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat the chicken broth over medium heat.
- In a separate large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their liquid.
- Add the Calrose rice to the skillet and stir until the rice is coated with the olive oil.
- Add the white wine to the skillet and cook until the wine is absorbed.
- Gradually add the heated chicken broth to the skillet, stirring until the rice is cooked.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Questions people Ask
Is Calrose rice healthy?
As with all other varieties of white rice, medium-grain Calrose rice is rich in carbohydrates. It is suggested to consume rice as a side dish in moderation.
Is it possible to prepare Calrose rice ahead of time?
Yes, Calrose rice can be prepared and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Additionally, it can be frozen in small portions for up to 6 months.
Is Calrose rice a type of sticky rice?
Indeed, Calrose Rice has a tendency to become soft and somewhat sticky when cooked.
Are Calrose rice and sushi rice the same thing?
No, sushi rice is flavored with vinegar seasoning and is exclusively used in sushi-making, while Calrose Rice is cooked plain and can be used in sushi-making and everyday meals.
Is it necessary to wash Calrose rice?
Yes, it is recommended to rinse Calrose Rice to eliminate surface starch from the grains.
What is the shelf life of Calrose rice?
Uncooked Calrose rice can be kept almost indefinitely in an appropriate container in your pantry.
Cooked Calrose rice can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or frozen in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to 6 months after portioning.
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Wrapping Up
Calrose Rice is a versatile and popular type of rice that can be cooked using various methods, such as a stovetop, oven, and rice cooker.
It is easy to prepare and can be used in various dishes, including sushi, stir-fries, and rice bowls.
Whether you prefer your Calrose Rice soft and sticky or fluffy and separate, following the proper steps and measurements will ensure that you always end up with perfectly cooked rice.
Additionally, storing Calrose Rice correctly is crucial for maintaining its quality and freshness.
With these tips and techniques, you can enjoy delicious and healthy Calrose Rice in your meals.
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