Is your rice getting crunchy or mushy? You get a lot of rice-cooking recipes because it's simple. But no one tells how to avoid white mushy globs or burnt black mess.

You've cooked the perfect white rice when you see individual rice grains. That sticky rice could be more tasty. Mixing the long-grain rice with salt and boiling in a measured amount of hot water keeps the grain intact.

What if you cook rice and see a glob of white mush? Thus, it's essential to learn rice cooking techniques because it's the staple of meals. You can use the same method to cook long-grain, basmati, and jasmine rice. But the brown rice is cooked differently.

Follow this method to make the tender, fluffy rice you eat in restaurants. It's enough for a side dish at the meal.

 

Ingredients

1.1 cup long-grain white rice

2.One tablespoon of butter or oil (optional)

3.½ teaspoon salt

4.2 cups of boiling water

Do You Need to Rinse Rice Before Cooking?

Various varieties of rice are available in the market. Rinsing rice before cooking may not be the same for each type. For instance, you don't need to rinse for a basic long white rice, but other varieties may need a rinse before cooking.

The cooking method or type of rice doesn't matter; the important thing is that you rinse out rice grains. This process removes dirt and extra starch. Without rinsing, cooking white rice shows land. It doesn't taste good when eating.

According to some recipes, you must change the water frequently, but just giving grains an OK rinse under the tap water is good enough. Stir the rice under water with your hands. Place a bowl underneath the stainer to check if the water is clear. Once the water runs clear, you're done with rinsing.

 

What is the Ratio of Water to Rice? 

The primary water ratio for long white rice grains is 2 cups for 1 cup of rice. Following this ratio, you can double or even triple the recipe. When rice starts to cook, it expands in volume, so make sure you use a large pot to hold the rice.

Brown or Arborio rice slightly differs in cooking timing from white rice. Using a 2 to 1 ratio, you'll get perfect rice each time.

Change the ratio to 1.5 cups water for 1 cup to make more fluffy rice. It results in more fluffy rice but not soggy.

Here are the measurements you can follow to cook rice:

1.Long-grain rice: 2 cups of water in 1 cup of rice

2.Basmati or jasmine rice: 1 ½ cups of water in 1 cup of rice

3.Wild rice: 3 cups of water in 1 cup of rice

4.Sushi rice: 1 ¼ cup of water in 1 cup of rice

Brown rice: 2 ½ cups of water in 1 cup of rice

How to Cook Perfect Rice?

Many head up to bring the rice from local restaurants. But you get the problem solved. You can cook extravagant and authentic rice as a perfect side dish.

If you think cooking plain rice is intimidating, you aren't alone. So, follow this foolproof recipe every time and say goodbye to the sticky rice clumps.

1.Boiling Rice

Pour water into a saucepan and boil it at a medium flame. Put salt in the water. When the water boils, add rice and stir it.

2.Simmer Slightly

Check for the water to turn the light simmer. When the settled rice rises in the pan, it has begun to cook. After a few minutes, check if it's soft.

3.Season the Water

Season the rice by adding a pinch of salt to the water for a perfectly balanced taste. If you forgot seasoning, adding salt to cooked rice may taste unpleasant as bits of salt remain undissolved.

4.Cover the Lid

Cover the pot on a low flame once the rice turns soft and most liquid gets absorbed. Peek after a few minutes to check it's being cooked at the correct temperature.

5.Check at 15 Minutes

If the rice is in large quantities, it takes 25 minutes. Otherwise, 15 or 20 minutes is enough.

6.Toast Rice

Toasting enhances the flavor of rice. When the rice is cooked, turn off the flame. Add butter and allow it to melt by covering the pot. Adding a teaspoon of soft or melted butter or olive oil gives a yummy buttery taste. Stir it and enjoy the nutty (popcorn-like) smell. When you toast white rice, it turns into a pale tan. Take the lid off; the fluffy rice is ready to eat.

How Much Time Does It Take To Cook White Rice?

If you're cooking a cup of white rice, it takes 15 to 20 minutes to get tender. When it's cooked, leave it on the stove for a few minutes so all the extra moisture dries up. It makes your rice soft and fluffy.

How Long to Store the White Rice?

You can refrigerate rice for up to 3 days and serve it with different dishes. Use the leftover rice with fried shrimp, fried veggies, and chicken soup. But it's better to eat fresh meals.

Biggest Mistake To Avoid

If you think using less water removes starch and makes your rice fluffy, you make the biggest mistake. Water cleans the rice but doesn't make it soft. Adding two ¼ cups of water instead of 2 cups for 1 cup of rice turns rice into an overly soft gummy rice.

What's The Best Pair With Rice?

Asian cuisines like chicken stir fry, chicken broccoli, and spicy stir-fried vegetables pair perfectly with rice. I also serve them with spicy kebabs or soak up sauces to balance out the main dish.

Conclusion

Master the art of cooking rice on the stove. You might be preparing gummy, complex, or burnt rice. But once you follow this simple recipe, you'll have a steaming rice bowl to mix or top your favorite meals.