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Original poster

Microwave Rice Bleugh

29 replies

smooththecat · 29/03/2023 11:56

I bought some pre-cooked microwave rice from Aldi to try out for fried rice. My god, it was terrible. The texture was way off, disintegrating, almost watery but not. Just horrible. It was like the rice idea had lost all connection to the reality of rice. Is there a good, pre-made rice to try?

OP posts:
SweetCoriander · 29/03/2023 12:13

I really like Vee-Tee posts of rice, especially the basmati. I use them when my arthritis is flaring up and I can't be arsed with lifting pots of boiling water etc. It's around £1 - £1.15 for two pots.

I cannot stand the over-priced Ben's microwave rice - smells like old socks. I've bought some Aldi and Asda micro rice to try - I'll report back!

Itsagrandoldteam · 29/03/2023 12:17

Out of all the packets that you put in the microwave for 2 minutes, Vee-Tee are definitely the best, the rest all smell weird. I mainly use the frozen rice that comes in 4 individual servings, I've found that tastes much nicer.

Slimjimtobe · 29/03/2023 12:20

If you follow sopherina on YouTube she makes normal basmati rice in the microwave (I will have a look and see how she does it)

Original poster
smooththecat · 29/03/2023 12:36

Thanks, do you know if it’s possible to freeze you own rice? I know I could Google…

OP posts:
teacakie · 29/03/2023 12:39

Was it Aldi own brand?

Veetee is great; then Bens and Tilda are about equal.

AtleastitsnotMonday · 29/03/2023 12:42

I have bought frozen, microwaveable rice and it's fine. I'd avoid the ones with flavourings.

NannyR · 29/03/2023 12:49

Was it the rice in a bag? I wonder if it had gone off - I use the Aldi microwave rice (white and wholegrain) at work and whilst it's obviously not going to be the same as freshly cooked rice, it's perfectly edible with a nice taste and texture.
I once saw a Chinese chef on a food programme who said you could freeze leftover rice a use it straight from the freezer for fried rice, apparently it makes better fried rice than freshly cooked.

mrstea301 · 29/03/2023 12:50

I actually had bang bang rice from Aldi last night and it was really disappointing! Didn't even bother bringing my dinner leftovers for lunch as I just didn't want them.

Vee tee rice is usually really good and I like that you have individual pots. We have a rice cooker which is great too!

ClaraThePigeon · 29/03/2023 12:52

I like Sainsbury's microwave rice, Tilda and Vee-Tee. I only like plain(Brown, basmati, long grain or Jasmine) though with the exception of Tilda's coconut rice.

hedgehoglurker · 29/03/2023 12:57

Yes it is possible to freeze rice. I cook a large batch (in instantpot), portion into takeaway cartons and cool quickly - under a fan is great! Then once cool put into the fridge or freezer, also quickly.

When I reheat in microwave, I add a little water - tablespoon or so. This helps it steam and not dry out. If stir frying, I defrost in fridge overnight or microwave to partially defrost.

WaitingForSunnyDays · 29/03/2023 13:06

I realise not really answering your question, but I almost always cook rice in the microwave from scratch, which takes abou 13-15 minutes, depending on amount and microwave strength. It's quick enough for me, and far cheaper than buying sachets. Eg half cup of rice, double the amount of boiling water an microwave on high for 6 minutes and defrost for 7 minutes.

lightinthebox · 29/03/2023 13:10

I cook my rice (basmati) in the microwave.

For two people it's: 300ml water, 125g rice. Cover with cling film and pierce. High for 6 mins and medium for 8 mins.

Xrays · 29/03/2023 13:20

Tilda basmati is about the only one I can stand. But I find the key to making it nicer is to do it about 90 seconds and then open it up and fluff it up with a fork and then bung it back in the microwave for another 30 seconds.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 30/03/2023 21:36

Joseph&Joseph Microwave Rice Cooker

Utter game changer

BarrelOfOtters · 30/03/2023 22:12

Yep, I’ve got a rice cooker and I freeze any left overs.

picklemewalnuts · 30/03/2023 22:27

I use a Pyrex jug, 2 cups of basmati rice. Slightly more than cover with water. 10 mins on high. Done. It can stand around for while.

No stirring, no cling film.

minipie · 30/03/2023 22:36

Marking place for all the microwave rice cooking tips!

I buy the Tilda brown basmati pouches . They’re ok but I’d only use them for stir fry.

Wbeezer · 30/03/2023 22:38

I've got an electric rice cooker, best rice I've ever made and you can steam your veg at the same time.

thegrain · 30/03/2023 22:40

Stick an egg in it

mrsfollowill · 30/03/2023 22:40

Always use microwave pouches these days- VeeTee and Tilda are the best by a long way and I've tried them all!

PickAChew · 30/03/2023 22:44

I keep a few of the tilda ones in the cupboard and also the m&s brown rice, which is really nice. Their Mexican inspired rice is OK, too.

I tried the tilda jasmine rice, recently, and it was horrible. Just really soggy and slimy.

If you're cooking rice to freeze, it's important to cool it very quickly - just spread it out on a cold tray or plate, after cooking.

RaininSummer · 30/03/2023 22:48

I like the Lidl wholegrain and quinoa. My partner only eats white rice so I have half a pack of that with curries to save cooking two rices.

Helpmethanks · 30/03/2023 22:52

Boil kettle

measure one cup or mug of rice into a large Pyrex bowl
add boiling water to the Pyrex bowl
-2 measures of the same cup or mug

microwave for 9min

cover with a plate
rhen microwave for 5min

InterestQ · 30/03/2023 22:56

All Aldi rice basmati is bad. really bad. Tesco or Sainsburys own often price match the microwave rice.