Enjoy Fluffy Rice Even Without a Rice Cooker: Try the Traditional Aron Method!

In today's modern era, almost every household owns a rice cooker because of how convenient it is. Are you one of them, Mak Cuss? But what happens if there’s a sudden power outage, or your rice cooker is acting up? Don’t worry—Mak Cuss can still enjoy fluffy, fragrant rice using the aron method, a traditional Indonesian rice-cooking technique that has stood the test of time. Let’s take a look at how to use this method at home!  

What Is the Aron Method?

The aron method is a traditional way of cooking rice that involves partially boiling the rice first, then transferring it to another container to steam until fully cooked. This technique is commonly used to produce rice that stays fresh longer and doesn’t spoil easily.

Compared to rice cookers, this method offers several unique benefits. First, the rice tends to be fluffier and keeps better due to the gradual cooking process. Second, the steaming step enhances the rice’s aroma. Third, it’s ideal for cooking seasoned rice varieties like nasi kuning or nasi uduk, as the spices can better absorb into each grain.
 

How to Cook Rice Using the Aron Method

Craving fluffy, fragrant rice that stays fresh longer? Try following these simple steps to cook rice using the aron method:

1. Choose a Thick-Based Pot
A thick pot is crucial for even heat distribution. Aluminum or stainless-steel pots with a thick bottom are highly recommended. Avoid thin pots, as they can cause uneven cooking or burnt rice at the bottom. Also, make sure the pot is the right size for the amount of rice you're cooking.

2. Wash and Soak the Rice
Though it may seem simple, this step is key to making high-quality rice. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to remove dirt and excess starch that can make the rice sticky. Soak the rice for 30 minutes to help soften its texture and allow it to absorb water more efficiently, resulting in fluffier rice.

3. Prepare the Steamer and Add Water
This stage requires the right water-to-rice ratio to achieve ideal texture. Use a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio—for example, 2 cups of rice to 3 cups of water. If you prefer softer rice, add a little more water; reduce the water for drier rice. Make sure the water in the steamer pot is boiling before adding the drained rice.

4. Steam the Rice Until Half-Cooked
This initial steaming process is the key to the aron method. Steam the rice for 15–20 minutes, or until it’s halfway cooked. You can check by pressing a grain between your fingers—if the outside is soft but the inside is still hard, you’re right on track.

5. Let the Rice Rest, Then Steam Again
Once half-cooked, remove the rice and let it rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, check the water level in the steamer and add hot water if needed to maintain a strong boil. Return the rice to the steamer and steam for another 20–25 minutes or until fully cooked. Let the rice sit, covered, for 10 more minutes after cooking to evenly distribute the steam and enhance fluffiness.

Even though the aron method may sound simple, the quality of the rice used plays a huge role in achieving perfect results. That’s why it’s best to use premium-quality rice like Beras Maknyuss.

Processed without bleach, artificial fragrance, or preservatives, Beras Maknyuss guarantees naturally fluffy and delicious rice—perfect for both rice cookers and the aron method. Interested? Get Beras Maknyuss now at supermarkets, rice agents, or your nearest Maknyuss business partner!