FAQs

1. Q:

   I'm new to cooking Ben’s Original™ BOIL-IN-BAG RICE. Do you have any tips?

   A:

   COOKING WITHOUT THE POUCH/BAG
   For best results we do not recommend taking the rice out of the pouch to cook. If it needs to be cooked without the pouch, cook the rice similar to cooking pasta. Use 3 to 4 cups of water, boil uncovered for 10–12 minutes. Remove from heat and drain (using a drainer with holes smaller than the rice grains). Pour rice into a serving dish, add 1 teaspoon butter (optional), fluff with fork and serve.
   
   WHAT TO DO IF POUCH STICKS/MELTS TO THE SAUCEPAN?
   If the pouch is sticking to the side of a saucepan, there is either not enough water in the saucepan or a larger saucepan is required. The pouches must be completely submerged. If the pouch has melted on the saucepan, add water to the saucepan (enough to cover the melted plastic) and a few tablespoons of cream of tartar or baking soda. Bring the water to a simmer. It should release the plastic from the pan with slight scraping with a spatula after the pan has been simmering for a few minutes.

2. Q:

   My Ben’s Original™ BOIL-IN-BAG RICE isn't cooking the way I expected. What should I do?

   A:

   HARD/FIRM RICE
   If the rice is still hard after the cooking time, the rice pouch needs to simmer longer. If the rice is soft after the cooking time, it has simmered too long. Reduce the cooking time.

3. Q:

   How do I make large quantity batches of Ben’s Original™ BOIL-IN-BAG RICE?

   A:

   COOKING MULTIPLE POUCHES
   For best results, we do not recommend cooking more than 2 Ben’s Original™ Boil-In-Bag pouches at a time. If more than two pouches must be cooked, more water must be placed in the pot and this affects the cooking time (longer time for the amount of water to boil). This may also affect the texture of the cooked rice.
    

4. Q:

   What are some alternative cooking methods for Ben’s Original™ BOIL-IN-BAG RICE?

   A:

   SLOW COOKER
   We do not recommend cooking Ben’s Original™ Boil-In-Bag Rice in a slow cooker.
   
   MICROWAVE
   Ben’s Original™ Boil-In-Bag Rice can be cooked in the microwave. However, for best results we recommend using the stovetop cooking method. We recommend that the directions on the box be followed for best results.
   
   OVEN
   We do not recommend using uncooked Ben’s Original™ Boil-In-Bag Rice for oven baking recipes. For best results, follow a kitchen-tested Ben’s Original™ Boil-In-Bag Rice recipe. If not using a recipe, we recommend that the rice be cooked according to the package directions prior to being added to the rest of the ingredients.
   
   PRESSURE COOKER
   We do not recommend using a pressure cooker because rice tends to foam when cooking. The foam could clog the vent in the cooker, which would be dangerous.
   
   RICE COOKER
   We do not recommend cooking Ben’s Original™ Boil-In-Bag Rice in a rice cooker. It does not achieve the desired texture results.
   
   STOVETOP
   This is the recommended method of making this product. Please follow the directions on the box for best results.