How to Cook Rice

Looking for a fool proof way to cook rice? If you are new to making it or maybe just need a refresher, this article is for you. Preparing perfect, fluffy rice can seem tricky at first. However, once you know the basics and have read through our tips, you will find that it’s pretty easy.

Whatever type of rice it is that you are cooking, white, brown or Asian, there really is not much to it. The next time you are cooking rice, keep the following tips in mind and you can be sure that it will come out perfectly.

What Rice Should You Use and How Much Water?

The first step toward cooking perfect rice is choosing the right type. There are three main types of rice: white, brown, and Asian. Asian varieties, such as Jasmine, are usually included in dishes where the texture and fragrance of the rice is just as important as the starch. On the other hand, white and brown rice are primarily used in dishes where starch is a major component.

The type of rice you use will of course depend on the type of dish that you are preparing. One of the easiest ways to find out if the type of rice you are using is suitable is actually to just look at the packaging. In general, if you want a fluffy texture and a neutral taste then long-grain rice is a good option. If you are preparing an Asian dish, then short-grain rice is likely more suitable a it has a sticky texture. Once you have decided on the type of rice you want to cook, you are ready to move on to the next step.

The Best Way to Cook Rice

There are many different methods, but the best way to cook rice is to use the “Let-It-Be” method. Simply add the rice and water to a pot. Put a lid on the pot and turn the heat to high. Let the rice cook for about 10 minutes. Then, turn the heat to low and let it cook for another 20 minutes.

The “Let-It-Be” method is the best because it does not require the rice to be monitored closely. This means you can do other things while the rice cooks. Another method is the “Bring-to-a-Boil” method. This is best for cooking short-grain rice. It is also the most traditional method to cook rice. You can use this method by putting the rice, water, and a pinch of salt in a pot and bringing it to a boil. Then, turn the heat to low and let the rice cook for 10 minutes.

Don’t Shake the Pan While Cooking

Many people believe that shaking the pan helps the rice cook evenly. The truth is, it will cause the rice to become stuck to the bottom of the pan, which just makes the pan harder to clean. Instead, make sure you use a non-stick pan and stir the rice occasionally while it cooks. When you are ready to remove the rice from the heat, there are a few things you can do to make sure it stays fluffy. When you remove the lid from the pot, do not stir the rice. Simply let it sit for 5 minutes. Another tip is to use a wooden spoon when removing the rice from the pot. A wooden spoon will allow the rice to stay fluffy while also making clean up easier. Another great way to keep rice fluffy is to add a little butter or oil to it after it is cooked. Mixing a tablespoon of oil with the rice will help keep it fluffy.

Let It Sit After Cooking

The last step in the cooking process is letting the rice sit for 5 minutes after it has finished cooking. This is best for short-grain rice and most Asian varieties. By allowing the rice to sit, the starches will settle at the bottom of the pot, which will make for fluffier rice. If you want to prevent the rice from getting sticky, make sure it is not sitting in water. If there is water left in the pot, the rice will become soggy. One trick to prevent this from happening is to cover the pot with a clean, dry cloth during the resting period. This will allow the excess water to be absorbed by the cloth.

Conclusion

Cooking rice is not as hard as you may think. To make sure it comes out perfectly every time, just keep the above tips in mind. The essentials to remember are choosing the right type of rice, not shaking the pan during the cooking process, and letting the rice sit before serving. There really isn’t much to it, and the results are delicious.