Rice Cooking Tips

How To Cook Perfect Rice Every Time

There aren't many more perplexing kitchen tasks than cooking a perfect pot of rice. Whether white rice or brown rice, there seems to be an almost impossible 'sweet spot' between gooey, watery rice and light, fluffy rice. Is it the timing? Is it the measuring? Is it the pot? Is it the rice?

Whatever it is, we need to find an answer. Below are some of the tips we've found for getting your rice to turn out perfect each and every time. Let's take a look.

Follow the Directions

This just seems too simple to be true. However, the rice was processed and packaged by experts in that particular rice product. So, trust they know how to cook their rice and begin with the obvious; follow directions on the package to the letter.

Rinse the Rice in Cold Water

If there are additives, such as talc leftover from the milling process, you will remove it. Starch will also make your rice stickier than you want, and rinsing will help remove some of the starch.

Measure the Water

When it comes to the liquid-rice ratio, guessing isn't a good idea. You may need to experiment, especially if you don't have a package with instructions. Generally speaking, brown rice will require about twice the water per rice, while white rice requires a bit less. Keep in mind that you'll want the rice texture to work well with any dish you are creating. You'll want a firm texture for salads and a stickier texture for saucy or stir-fry dishes.

Keep the Boil Under Control

If you are cooking your rice in a pot on the stove top, as opposed to an electric, timed rice cooker, be sure to watch that burner. If you boil the heck out of the rice, you will end up with lots and lots of starchy water and sticky rice. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then reduce to a slow simmer. Fast cooking will break down the rice and turn your rice into a solid mess.

Keep the Lid On and Relax

Once the rice has simmered for the time required for the water to absorb, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, with the lid on, undisturbed for 5 minutes or more. If you uncover the pot too quickly to 'fluff' the rice, you'll find puddles of liquid which have yet to be absorbed. The rice wants to relax and absorb the liquid, so give it a chance.

Get an Electric Rice Cooker

When all else fails, or if you are just convinced you can't make a good pot of rice on top of the stove, invest in an electric rice cooker. These come in a variety of styles and prices, so shop around. Most do a good job of getting rice cooked the way you like it, but you do have to follow the instructions. You also have the added benefit of keeping a big pot of rice warm. This is nice for large meals or potlucks. If you are struggling with your rice results, this may be a solution for you.

No matter how often you cook rice, you want it to turn out perfect every time. It's disappointing to say the least to uncover a pot of rice only to find a puddle of water or a gooey mess. Try these simple suggestions to get your rice cooked just right every time!