Doohickey for rice saves time

This is a story of misinterpretation — or, as some in my family would say, stupidity.

I thought Rapid Brands’ Rapid Rice Cooker would cook the typical Hinode, Calrose, etc. rice in “3 Minutes!” in the microwave, as opposed to 20 minutes in a rice cooker. As I was born and raised in Hawaii, “instant rice” doesn’t compute in my brain until someone says, “You know, like Uncle Ben’s.”

The packaging promises to “Cook Perfect Instant Rice in 3 Minutes!” — which I mistook to mean cook rice instantly, not cook instant rice. Duh!

But because I had already bought the gadget, off I went to hunt for instant rice, which is available in many varieties these days. I’ve never been a fan of nonsticky instant white rice, but I’ve enjoyed the red beans and rice from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, so I was hopeful about Zatarain’s New Orleans Style Red Beans and Rice. Maybe this would be a fortuitous mistake.

How it works: Fill the microwavable container with uncooked rice to the bottom line, then fill with water to the next line. Microwave for two minutes, stir (I stirred/fluffed with a fork), then microwave again for another minute.

Does it work? That depends on how you like your rice. In all my tests in a 1,000-watt microwave, the rice was edible but slightly hard in the center. In the 1,250-watt microwave, the Zatarain’s dish turned out fine. Also, the grains were loose, not the type that would stick together to make a good musubi.

Pros: Very easy to use. No measuring is needed. Can be eaten straight from the container. Easy to clean. Potholder not needed, just make sure to use the handles. Small enough to keep in a desk drawer. Good and fast for boxed specialty rice, as long as it’s instant.

Cons: The instructions don’t specify the microwave wattage the cooker was intended for so cooking time will vary depending on your microwave (add 30 seconds to 1 minute of time in increments until rice is cooked to the desired texture. Additional water may also be needed.) The water boiled over in both microwaves, making a mess to clean up. Only produces enough rice for 1-2 people. Can’t use rice to make sushi or musubi.

Cost and availability: About $4-$5 at stores that sell As Seen on TV products, such as Wal-Mart and Longs Drugs. Also available online.

Worth it? Not for me, because the Zatarain’s beans and rice didn’t taste anything like the Popeye’s version; but maybe for those who enjoy instant rice, because even Minute Rice takes at least seven minutes on a stove-top.

And don’t think I didn’t try regular rice. I was into my fourth or fifth bowl of testing before I realized my error. I never ate — and spit out — so much uncooked rice.

Got a gadget that you love? Curious about one you’d like us to test? Email crave@staradvertiser.com or write Crave, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu, HI 96813.