Joyce Chen 4 in 1 Microwave Rice Steamer
by Joyce Chen
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: Joyce ChenBrand: Joyce Chen
Release Date: 2004-10-10
Model: J26-0050
Color: White
Product features:
- 6-piece microwave steamer set for rice, vegetables, and meat
- Includes 2-quart steamer bowl, steamer insert, an inner lid for circulating steam, and a locking outer lid
- Also comes with special lid for popping popcorn and rice paddle
- Steams a healthy, low-fat meal in mere minutes
- Safe to use in dishwasher
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Joyce Chen 4 in 1 Microwave Rice Steamer
Customer Review: MUST READ!!! - Avoiding Boil Over...
Summary: 5 Stars
I liked the whole idea of steaming rice in the microwave because I ALREADY HAVE a microwave oven.
I didn't want to purchase another appliance (electric rice steamer) to squeeze into my already too small kitchen.
When I saw the Joyce Chen Microwave Rice Steamer at Cost Plus World Market, I knew I had to have it.
My microwave is old, so after a little experimenting, I learned that 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for 15 minutes on HIGH, then left for 5 minutes before fluffing, cooked up just right, but would boil over a bit and left a little starchy mess. I didn't want to think of what 2 cups of rice would look like!
Like some other reviewers, I was disappointed that I could only put in the half batch.
Well, by accident I learned on the internet today what causes the boil over, and how to prevent it.
The starch in the rice reacts with the surface of the water giving it a more elastic surface tension. You can break this up by adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mix. Oil and water don't mix. The droplets of oil bouncing around on the surface of the water disrupt the surface created by the starch.
A few minutes ago, I made a full batch of rice in my Joyce Chen Microwave Rice Steamer.
I added 2 cups of rice, then poured in a tablespoon of olive oil and stirred it around to coat the rice. (I figured this would disperse the oil all around the rice and help prevent the rice from blocking up if I didn't get to fluffing right away. I was correct.)
I added 4 cups of cold water. (Cold, because I don't like to think of my cooking water sitting around in my apartments limey water heater when I'm just going to boil it anyway.)
I placed it in the microwave for 15 minutes. The water boiled up inside the container, up into the reservoir lid a bit, but NEVER out the vents in the snap on top.
I stirred my rice up just now, and it's perfect.
So, the lesson is, experiment a bit with your microwave, and add a bit of oil.
You should get perfect rice, every time.
[...]
Description of Joyce Chen 4 in 1 Microwave Rice Steamer
Joyce Chen opened her first restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1958. She found that the selection and quality of Chinese cookware in America didn't live up to her high standards¿ so she developed her own. Today, Joyce Chen Products sources from all over the Pacific Rim to bring the best of Asia to you. This 4 in 1 Microwave Rice Steamer has a 2 quart capacity. The 6 piece set includes: Steamer Bowl, Locking Outer Lid, Steam Recirculating Inner, Popcorn Lid, Steaming Insert, and Rice Paddle.Steamers
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