How To Cook Rice In Tatung Rice Cooker

Learning how to cook rice in tatung rice cooker is a simple process that yields excellent results. The Tatung rice cooker’s unique steaming method produces consistently perfect rice, with each grain separate and fully cooked. This guide will walk you through every step, from measuring to serving.

These cookers are popular for their reliability and distinctive two-layer design. The inner cooking pot sits above a water reservoir, steaming the rice instead of boiling it directly. This technique is the key to its success.

We will cover all the essentials you need to know. You’ll learn the correct rice-to-water ratios, the function of the included steaming tray, and troubleshooting tips for common issues.

how to cook rice in tatung rice cooker

This section provides the complete, step-by-step method for cooking standard white rice. Following these instructions carefully will give you the best texture and flavor every single time.

Essential Tools and Ingredients

Before you start, gather these items. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and efficient.

Your Tatung rice cooker (models like TAC-5L, TAC-10S, or TAC-11A)
The inner aluminum cooking pot
The clear plastic steaming tray and lid
Your chosen rice (e.g., Jasmine, Calrose, or long-grain white rice)
Fresh, cold water
A rice measuring cup (the one that came with the cooker) or a standard dry measuring cup
A bowl or pot for rinsing

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s go through the process from start to finish. Pay close attention to the water measurements, as they are crucial.

Step 1: Measuring the Rice

Always use the plastic measuring cup provided with your Tatung cooker. It is typically a red 180ml cup. If you’ve lost it, a standard US dry measuring cup (240ml) will work, but you must adjust the water slightly. For this guide, we assume you are using the Tatung cup.

Decide how many cups of uncooked rice you wish to cook. A good starting point is 2-3 cups for a small family.
Scoop the rice into the measuring cup. Level it off with a knife or your finger for an accurate measure.
Pour the measured rice into the inner aluminum cooking pot.

Step 2: Rinsing the Rice

Rinsing removes excess surface starch, which prevents the rice from becoming gummy. It’s a recommended step for fluffier results.

Place the inner pot in your kitchen sink. Add cold water until the rice is fully submerged.
Swirl the rice gently with your hand. The water will become cloudy.
Carefully pour out the starchy water. You can tilt the pot and use your hand to prevent the rice from falling out.
Repeat this process 2-3 more times, until the water runs mostly clear.
After the final rinse, drain the water thoroughly.

Step 3: Adding the Correct Amount of Water

This is the most important step. The Tatung method uses specific water levels marked inside the aluminum pot, not a simple “cups of water to cups of rice” ratio.

After draining the rinsed rice, place the inner pot on a flat surface.
Add fresh cold water to the pot.
Look at the water level lines inside the pot. They are numbered (1, 2, 3, etc.).
Add water until it reaches the line that corresponds to the number of cups of rice you used. For example, if you cooked 2 cups of rice, add water to the “2” line.
Do not use the lines on the outside of the main cooker body; those are for the reservoir water.

Step 4: Preparing the Cooker

Proper assembly ensures even cooking and prevents boil-overs.

Fill the outer reservoir of the rice cooker with water. Consult your manual for the exact amount, but it is typically around 1 to 1.5 cups. The water should be between the “Low” and “High” marks on the outside of the cooker.
Place the inner cooking pot (now containing rice and water) into the main cooker body. It should sit securely on the heating plate.
If you wish to steam vegetables or proteins, place them on the clear plastic steaming tray. You can set this tray directly on top of the inner pot.
Finally, cover the cooker with its main lid. Ensure it is on securely.

Step 5: Starting the Cooking Process

The operation is very straightforward. There’s usually only one switch.

Plug in the rice cooker.
Press down the cooking switch. You should hear a click, and the switch will stay down.
The cooker will now heat up. It will take approximately 20-35 minutes, depending on the amount of rice.
When the rice is done, the switch will automatically pop up to the “Keep Warm” position. You might also see steam escaping from the vent.

Step 6: Resting and Fluffing the Rice

Resist the urge to open the lid immediately. Letting the rice rest is part of the Tatung’s magic.

Once the switch pops up, allow the rice to sit for 10-15 minutes with the lid on. This lets the steam finish cooking the grains evenly and allows excess moisture to absorb.
After resting, carefully remove the lid (mind the hot steam).
Use the rice paddle or a fork to gently fluff the rice. Start from the edges and work your way inward, separating the grains.
Your rice is now ready to serve.

Water Ratios for Different Rice Types

While the inner pot lines are perfect for white rice, other varieties need slight adjustments. Here is a handy reference chart.

White Jasmine or Long-Grain Rice: Use the inner pot water level lines exactly as described. This is the standard method.
Medium or Short-Grain White Rice (like Calrose): Use the corresponding line, but reduce the water by about 1 tablespoon per cup of rice. These rices are slightly more absorbant.
Brown Rice: Requires more water and time. Add water to about half a line above the corresponding mark (e.g., for 2 cups of brown rice, add water halfway between the “2” and “3” lines). You may need to reset the switch if it pops up too early.
Basmati Rice: Often benefits from a bit less water. Use the line, but reduce by 1-2 tablespoons per cup for a drier, separate grain.

Using the Steaming Tray Effectively

The clear plastic tray is a versatile tool for making complete meals. You can steam while the rice cooks below.

Here are some ideas for what to steam:

Vegetables like broccoli florets, carrot slices, or green beans.
Fish fillets or shrimp.
Dumplings, buns, or siu mai.
Chicken breasts or pork chops.

Remember to season your steamed items lightly. The steam will carry flavors, so you can add a slice of ginger or a sprinkle of herbs. Always ensure the steaming tray is clean and dry before use, and don’t overload it so steam can circulate.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Proper care extends the life of your cooker. It’s surprisingly easy to clean.

Inner Aluminum Pot: Wash with mild soap and a soft sponge. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the surface and water level lines. It is not dishwasher safe.
Main Cooker Body: Never immerse it in water. Wipe the exterior and the inner heating plate with a damp cloth. Ensure no rice or water is stuck to the heating plate.
Lid and Steaming Tray: These are usually dishwasher safe (top rack), but check your manual. The lid’s inner condensation collector should be wiped out after each use.
Mineral Buildup: If you have hard water, white deposits may form in the reservoir. Clean it periodically with a mix of vinegar and water, then rinse thoroughly.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with a reliable appliance, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are solutions to frequent issues.

Rice is Too Wet or Mushy

This usually means too much water was used.

Double-check that you used the inner pot lines, not the reservoir lines.
Ensure you drained the rinse water completely before adding fresh water.
For your next batch, reduce the water by half a line or a few tablespoons.

Rice is Too Dry or Hard

This indicates not enough water, or the rice didn’t steam long enough.

Confirm you added water to the correct line for your rice quantity.
The outer reservoir may have run out of water during cooking. Always check it’s filled to the correct level.
The switch may have popped up prematurely. If the rice seems undercooked, you can press the switch down again for a few more minutes.

Rice is Burnt on the Bottom

A thin, golden crust is normal and even desirable to some. A black, scorched layer is not.

The outer reservoir likely ran completely dry. The heating plate overheated without steam.
The inner pot may not have been seated correctly on the heating plate.
There could be old, stuck-on food on the heating plate creating hot spots. Clean it carefully.

Cooker Switch Won’t Stay Down

This means the appliance isn’t heating properly.

The most common cause is an empty or very low water reservoir. Fill it to the proper level.
The inner pot might be missing. The switch is designed not to engage without the pot in place for safety.
There could be a fault with the thermostat or the switch mechanism itself, which may require professional service.

FAQ Section

How much water do I put in my Tatung rice cooker?

There are two separate water additions. First, add fresh water to your rinsed rice in the inner pot until it reaches the numbered line matching your cups of rice. Second, add water to the outer reservoir, typically between the “Low” and “High” marks on the cooker’s exterior.

Can I cook other grains like quinoa in a Tatung?

Yes, you can. Quinoa and similar grains like millet can be cooked using the steaming method. Use a similar water-to-grain ratio as you would on the stovetop and adjust based on your first results. The cooking time may be slightly shorter.

Why does my Tatung rice cooker take so long?

The steaming process is gentler and slower than direct boiling in other cookers. This is by design to achieve the perfect texture. Cooking 2-3 cups of rice typically takes 25-30 minutes of active cooking, plus a 10-minute rest. Larger quantities will take longer.

Is it necessary to rinse rice before cooking in a Tatung?

It is highly recommended. Rinsing removes excess starch that can make the rice gluey. For the fluffiest, most separate grains, take the time to rinse until the water runs mostly clear. Some types of rice, like enriched rice, will not become perfectly clear, and that’s okay.

How do I keep rice warm in my Tatung?

The cooker does this automatically. Once the cooking switch pops up, the unit enters a “Keep Warm” mode. It will maintain a safe serving temperature for several hours. For best quality, try to consume the rice within 2-3 hours. Avoid leaving it on warm overnight for food safety reasons.