It seems there's no dish simpler than plain boiled rice, which pairs so well with meat and vegetables. But as soon as you get down to it, problems begin! Either it overcooks into a mush, or it remains hard and barely edible. But don't despair: everyone goes through this stage! Especially since we've already learned all the secrets of how to cook rice properly – and we're sharing them with you!
1. Always Rinse
During transport and storage, rice in the package always crumbles a bit, and this is sticky starch that clumps together when cooked. Therefore, to make rice fluffy, it must always, without exception, be rinsed!
2. Don't Soak
When rice sits in water for too long, more and more starch is released from it. Therefore, even rinsing it should be done immediately before putting it in the pot. This applies especially to white rice, but even with unpolished or wild rice, such experiments are not advisable.
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3. Choose the Right Cookware
A pot with a thick bottom is best, as the rice won't burn as it absorbs water. And the temperature in such pots is distributed much more evenly. It's absolutely ideal if you have a small cast-iron cauldron.
4. Cook Rice Directly in Boiling Water
Add rice to the water when it has already started boiling, rather than putting it into cold water at the beginning. This is partly related to starch content, and partly – it will swell less and remain firm.
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5. Rice to Water Ratio
There is no single standard for proportions, because rice varies greatly. For example, for long-grain rice, 1.5-2 parts water to 1 part rice is sufficient, while for brown and wild rice, you need 3 parts or even more. So, always check the packaging and manufacturer's recommendations first!
6. How Long to Cook Rice
The cooking time situation is similar to the proportions: it can vary from 10-15 to 60 minutes. After that, we recommend letting the rice stand for about another 15 minutes.
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7. Don't Stir Rice While Cooking
Stir the rice well once – when you add it to the pot, so it doesn't stick to the sides. After boiling, reduce the heat, add spices, cover the lid, and do not touch the pot at all until the rice is cooked.
8. Add Spices on Time
Once the rice is cooked, it doesn't absorb salt and spices well, so add them during the cooking process. It's best to add salt even before the water boils. Experiment with herbs, curry, cinnamon, cloves, and even zest.
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9. Don't Drain the Water
Many people don't know this, but you don't need to drain water from rice like you do from pasta. It's enough to choose the right proportions from the start, otherwise, the more water – the more excess sticky starch.
10. How to Cook Rice for Sushi?
Unlike regular rice, sushi rice should be sticky, and for this, there are special short-grain varieties. Rinse it well, cover with water 1:1.5, simmer for 15 minutes, and let it stand covered for another 15 minutes. For the dressing, simmer 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt.
